STEP 5 – Prepare to Paint
Weather and natural elements are unkind to home exteriors and over time, can severely damage paint, therefore, proper surface preparation is essential to achieve the best results. This begins by identifying and addressing the source of any problems before painting and using a primer if surfaces are unpainted or the original paint is in poor condition.
- Cut back shrubs and plants so they are easier to cover, but do not leave plants covered for too long or they might get damaged.
- Cover all objects and surfaces not being painted with plastic and make sure to move any cars away from the painting area.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Wash the area beneath the roof eaves to remove any dirt and surface contaminants.
- Wear goggles and protective clothing. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
- Remove surface dust and dirt using a cloth or soft brush and soapy water. Remove all stains, such as chalking and mildew.
- Repair all voids, cracks and holes.
- Sand all surfaces to smooth them out and use a wire brush or paint scraper to remove loose paint.
- Caulk all surface joints, cracks and seams. Make sure the caulking is thoroughly dry before painting. When working with bare surfaces, prime before applying caulk.
- Fill any cracks or large holes with a flexible patching material. Allow the patching material to dry completely before applying primer.
- Prime any areas that have not been previously painted or any exposed areas where paint has worn thin or has peeled or blistered. Allow all areas to dry thoroughly – one or two days may be necessary, depending on the primer used.
- Prime gutters and downspouts. If, gutters and downspouts have been painted previously, remove any rust and peeling paint using a scraper or wire brush. Sand all edges and wash the area with a garden hose or power washer.
- New aluminum gutters and downspouts that are factory-finished should remain in good condition for several years.
- New unpainted galvanized gutters and downspouts are coated with an oil that must be removed prior to painting… To remove the oil, use a moistened rag with a solvent or a water-soluble degreasing cleaner and thoroughly wipe all surfaces.
You are now ready to paint! Apply the appropriate paint for your situation as recommended in Step 1: Choosing the Right Paint.