Exterior painting involves applying protective coatings or coloring to the outside surfaces of a building. Experts can help you paint the siding, bricks, shutters, and doors. Here is what you need to know about exterior painting preparation:
Area Inspection
Painters perform inspections when preparing to paint wood, vinyl, or other materials. For wood siding, professionals inspect the surface for holes, cracks, and rot. They repair or replace the damaged sections to create a solid painting base. Sanding helps smooth rough areas and remove peeling paint.
During the initial inspection, professionals will also evaluate the area that needs to be painted to give you an accurate quote and time estimate for your project. Larger projects or areas that have more damage may take longer to complete. If you have poor weather conditions, like snow or rain, this will also factor into the completion timeline.
Exterior Cleaning
Painting professionals offer special care to all surfaces to prevent cracking. They begin by cleaning the surface and repairing cracks. Preparation for painting vinyl siding also involves removing chalky residue and grime. Some paints help seal and protect the surface from moisture. They may also need to use a pressure washer to remove mold, debris, and mildew. After cleaning the area, painters scrape off loose paint to avoid an uneven finish. They fill cracks with caulk or patches to create a smooth painting surface.
Paint Selection
During exterior painting, professionals select high-quality paints depending on the surface material. For shutters, they use acrylic latex paints that can resist cracking and peeling. Oil-based paints may be used on wooden shutters, and plastic surface paints may be used on vinyl. When selecting door paints, professionals opt for semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes.
Oil-based paints create a hard finish, and water-based latex paints dry quickly. Latex-based masonry paints allow moisture to escape, preventing peeling and blistering. Professionals apply a bonding primer beforehand to promote paint adherence on certain surfaces. For siding, acrylic paint selections offer long-lasting protection against cracking and fading.
Surface Priming
During the priming phase, professionals prepare the exterior for the top coat. A primer seals bare wood areas and prevents uneven absorption of paint. Professionals may also thin the primer to penetrate the wood better and to fill the grains. Professionals apply shellac-based primers on knots and sappy spots in wood to prevent bleed-through. They apply different brushing techniques for even coverage across soft and hard areas of wood.
On other surfaces, primer helps the finish coat to adhere evenly without blotchiness. Primers fill minor cracks and imperfections on the surface. Masonry primers can bond with rough surfaces like brick. In highly textured masonry, painters apply multiple coats of primer to achieve an even base. They allow the primer to dry completely before they start painting.
Learn More About Exterior Painting
Exterior painting preparations help achieve an even application of paint without altering the surface texture. Mineral-based paints and specialized coatings prevent trapped moisture that can cause deterioration. Contact a reputable handyman service company for more information on exterior painting.
