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HOW TO MAKE THAT PAINT JOB LAST – PREPARATION!
By homejack | May 10, 2008
Nothing can increase home value in less time with less cash outlay than an exterior paint job. But to make the paint stand up to the elements for years to come, the task requires proper preparation on the existing paint and wood.
CLEAN UP TIME. The first task is to remove all dirt, mildew and oxidized paint film. A professional can use a pressure washer, but a safer and effective method is a scrub brush and a hose.
Before beginning, protect plants and shrubs around the house by covering with fabric drop cloths after wetting the plants and the soil with water. (Be careful if you use plastic. Plants can cook.)
In a bucket, mix a cup of bleach and a cup of phosphate-free cleaner (such as TSP-PF) per each gallon of water.
Wet the walls (or area) and then begin scrubbing from the bottom to the top. This prevents streaking. Use a scrubbing brush with a short or long handle as needed. Yes, a little elbow grease is required, but well worth the effort.
After scrubbing a small area, rinse well with a hose before the wash dries. When finished, wait at least a day for the material to completely dry.
SCRAPE IT GOOD. Place drop cloths next to the house to catch the debris.
All peeling and loose paint should be removed. This can be done with a hand scraper or a PaintShaver.
SAND IT SMOOTH. To help remove and smooth bumps and ridges in the paint, use a random-orbit or pad sander with a 50 to 80 grit paper.
If needed, first coat the edges with an exterior spackling compound such as SYNKOLOID before sanding. Also, if needed, follow with a 100 to 120 grit paper.
In extreme cases, the paint may need to be removed. Use infrared (such as Speedheater) or chemical (such as Multi-Strip) strippers. Follow with 100 to 120 grit sanding.
If the paint is not loose, but just very rough, another alternative to stripping the paint is to use a thick primer such as Peel Bond.
FILL AND REPAIR. Remove and replace any rotted material. Fill any small holes and scratches with a filler material such as Ready Patch or Plastic Wood. (Caution: Don’t caulk yet!)
PRIMER TIME. Use an acrylic primer to cover any bare wood or a chalky surface. If the wood is cedar or redwood, use an oil-based primer. The primer will seal the wood and allow the paint to stick to it.
Be sure to cover any cracks and corners with the primer.
CAULK IT NOW. After the primer dries, caulk all cracks and joints with a quality caulk. Pure silicone is not good since paint will not stick to it. Use a siliconized or urethane acrylic caulk.
PAINT TIME. Finally! You’re ready for the main treat. After all this prep work, make sure you don’’ skimp here. Use a quality paint. You don’t have to use the most expensive, just make sure to choose quality.
For more information on choice of paint, look for my article “Choosing the Right Paint”
Topics: General |