Paint can work wonders to completely revamp any outdoor area. Whether you’re transforming the siding of your home or giving color to your patio, high-quality exterior painting can make all the difference. Preparing an exterior space for paint can be intimidating, but with the right know-how and high-quality commercial painting contractors, you’ll be able to transform any outdoor space in no time. You’ll need to do some background work before getting into prepping the surface, selecting the exact shade of paint, and even choosing the grits for sanding. But don’t worry – these tips will help get you started.
Assess the Surface
Assessing the surface of your exterior space before you break out the brushes and buckets is key to ensuring a successful paint job. Check to see if any blemishes, old paint, or chipped wood need to be repaired or removed. If any mildew or other corrosion is present, make sure to address it with a commercial treatment before painting. Also, survey any corners where insects may be gathering and take care of those pesky critters before beginning. A good assessment will help save you time in the long run and help you achieve an excellent painting result.
Clean the Surface
After assessing the surface, the first step to preparing an exterior space for painting is to give it a thorough clean. Cleaning an exterior surface can involve brushing, scrubbing, and power washing to eliminate any loose dirt, dust, and debris. This will result in a much smoother finish and support the longevity of a fresh coat of paint. Additionally, cleaning the exterior space before painting allows you to identify any cracks or areas of damage that may need further repair work before painting, ensuring that you achieve an attractive, flawless look that endures.
Repair Any Damaged Areas
Cracks, chips, and other signs of disrepair should all be addressed before coating the area in paint. Filling these flaws with an appropriate patching product is key for a well-finished painting project. This will also help protect against any lasting damage that may occur in the future. Taking time to make sure areas are repaired properly gives you the opportunity to have long-lasting results that can sustain exposure to all types of weather conditions over time.
Select the Right Paint Type and Shade
The right type and shade of paint can make all the difference, so it’s important to take your time selecting those. Consider all factors like light exposure, climate, and environment around your home before you decide on the best paint type and color that will stand up over time. Latex paints are a great choice as they come in several finishes, such as flat, satin, or glossy, and provide long-lasting protection against mildew, fading, dirt, and peeling. To ensure your final result looks good, pick a shade that complements your house’s current trim tone or landscape design scheme.
Sand the Area
Sanding down walls and fences helps to remove existing paint layers, rust, and other imperfections. Furthermore, it creates a smooth surface for your new paint application, ensuring an even and vibrant finish. Even if you’re painting on a virgin surface, it should still be sanded down to provide necessary adhesion. Start using heavier-grit sandpaper to clean off any gunk or debris; once the surface is fully prepped, switch to lighter-grit paper for ultra-smooth results. With the proper tools and techniques, a little sanding can go a long way.
Prime the Surface
When transforming the outside of your home, priming is one of the best and most important steps for preparing an exterior surface for painting. Primer helps the new layer of paint adhere better and last longer against weather conditions. It also helps create a seamless transition between coats which can give your paint job a more professional look. The ideal primer should be compatible with the particular paint you plan to use, such as alkyd-based or latex paint. So before you start painting, prime the surfaces first to get you on your way to having a great-looking exterior.
Stay Safe
Paint jobs can easily spruce up an exterior space, but proper preparation is key for a successful renovation. Before you dive in, make sure you’ve got the safety basics covered. Check for overhead powerlines when moving ladders and planks around, and ensure all standing platforms are firmly grounded with self-levelers on their legs – nothing puts a stop to a project faster than a nasty fall. On top of that, wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles to reduce any possible contact with fumes and chemicals.
With the necessary precautions taken, you’ll be able to focus on one thing – transforming your outdoor space into something exceptional.
