3 Must-Do Steps Before Painting the Exterior of Your House

Are you thinking of giving the outside of your home a fresh new look with paint? Painting the exterior is a big job that requires proper preparation. If you skip the prep work, the new paint may not look great or last very long. Here are 3 important things you need to do before starting to paint the exterior of your house.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly

One of the most important first steps is cleaning the exterior surface very well. Over time, the exterior wall of a house gets covered in dirt, dust, cobwebs, bird droppings and more. Painting over that grime will cause the new paint to peel and flake off quickly.

You’ll want to start by scrubbing down the entire area with soap and water. Use a sturdy brush to loosen caked-on dirt and grime. For any mold or mildew, use a bleach solution. Once the surface is clear of obvious dirt, you may want to use a power washer (available to rent) to blast away any remaining film or residue. This deep cleaning ensures great adhesion for the new paint.

If your home is in the Des Moines area, you can search “exterior house painters near me” to find professional exterior painting services in Urbandale or Des Moines to handle this crucial cleaning step. Proper preparation is key for long-lasting exterior paint jobs.

Sand and Fill Any Imperfections

The next step is dealing with any cracks, holes or uneven surfaces on the exterior. Even hairline cracks can lead to future peeling and bubbling under the new paint. That’s why it’s important to carefully go over the entire area looking for any imperfections that need repair.

Use an exterior-grade spackle or caulk to fill any holes or gaps. Once the filler dries completely, sand the area until smooth and flush with the surrounding surface. You’ll also want to lightly sand any glossy surfaces to rough them up and create better adhesion for the new paint.

This step is time-consuming but crucial for a lasting, flawless finish when painting a home’s exterior. Consider hiring local exterior house painters in Des Moines who have experience properly prepping and repairing surfaces before painting.

Apply A Good Primer Coat

After cleaning and repairing any cracks or holes, the final pre-painting step is to apply a quality primer over the entire exterior surface. Using a stain-blocking primer helps conceal any previous paint colors and creates a smooth, uniform base for your new coat of paint to adhere to.

There are special exterior primer products made for different materials like wood, stucco, concrete or metal siding. Be sure to select the correct primer for the surface you’ll be painting over. Apply the primer in even, thin coats per the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to fully dry before painting.

This step may seem like extra work, but it’s essential for exterior paint jobs. Primers help the topcoat paint go on smoothly and also increase its longevity. Skipping the primer could result in uneven color, premature peeling or bubbling of the new paint down the road.

With thorough cleaning, sanding and priming, you’ll have a properly prepped surface ready for a smooth, long-lasting exterior paint job that looks its best. For those without specialized experience, it’s wise to search “exterior painting services in Urbandale” or your area for professional assistance. Proper prep makes all the difference for beautiful results.