Surface Preparation:
The key to any succesful painting project

Treat any mildew with 3 parts water to 1 part household bleach mixture (or other more environmentally friendly product like hydrogen peroxide).  Leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly.

Remove dirt, chalk, dust, unbound sand, oil, grease, treated mildew, etc. by scrubbing with detergent and water, and rinse thoroughly; or power wash with plain water, taking care to not drive water into cracks or porous areas.

Repair, scrape out and widen any cracks; brush out dust, and seal with 100% acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk; make second application in several hours if needed. All glossy surfaces should be dulled. Scrape or wire brush off any loose paint (and rust on metal).

Feather Sand rough edges of remaining paint; refresh surface of exposed, weathered wood by sanding with medium grit (#120) garnet paper.

*NOTE, if efflorescence is present, remove by hand wire brushing; wear eye protection and gloves; try to identify and eliminate any source of water from behind the stucco that could have caused the efflorescence.

*NOTE‚ if lead is suspected in the paint, do not attempt to scrape, sand, power wash, use heat gun, etc., which might put lead into the environment, but rather contact a contractor qualified for lead assessment and abatement.

« Back to Paint Selection Guide