7 Things You HAVE to Do Before Breaking Out the Paint Brushes

Applying paint is the easy part; it's all the prep that comes first in your painting project that will determine if the job looks "good." But what’s the first step if it's not whipping out a paintbrush on day one?

The task might look a little daunting when you see just how much work’s in store for you when painting the exterior of your house - but don’t stress! We’ve compiled a straightforward list of seven ways you can prep your home’s exterior for paint.

Check the Weather

This goes without saying but it’s important to schedule any exterior paint job when it’s sunny and dry. Nothing is more disappointing than painting your whole house only to watch the rain leave streaks and discoloration on the side of your home. The best time to schedule an exterior paint job is in the summer as it is the warmest and driest season.

Wash and Dry 

You may notice that over the years a lot of dust, dirt, and even cobwebs have accumulated all over your exterior walls. Instead of trying to paint over all the muck and grime of the outdoors, it’s important to give your walls a good rinse with a pressure washer. Remember to let your walls dry for at least a day before you start painting.

Scrape and Sand

To help your new paint job stick to your walls it’s essential to remove as much of the old, loose paint chips as possible. All you have to do to remove flaking paint is to take a paint scraper and an orbital sander to the walls. Remember that you don’t have to remove all of the old paint - just remove the parts that are flaking and rubbing off. 

Repair Damage

Before you paint your walls, take a look at the condition of your house. Is there anything broken? Any rotten wood you should replace? Any holes you need to fill-in or nail heads that need to be hammered in? Now’s the time to do it.

Cover Up

If you have lawn furniture and flower bushes you don’t want paint splattering on you might want to follow this step and cover them up. Take a big sheet you don’t mind getting dirty and use it to cover the lawn around your house.

Apply Primer

Priming is important because it seals your painting surface-- protecting it from moisture and gives the new paint something to hold on to. This also provides another layer of durability and helps it spread more evenly. You especially need to prime over bare wood before applying a coat of paint.

Ladder Set-up

If you’re painting the outside of your house, chances are that you’ll need a ladder. Double-check that it’s set-up correctly and have someone steady it as you climb up.

It may seem like a lot of work to prepare your house for exterior painting, but it’s well worth the effort. These techniques maximize the durability and finish of your paint job.

Fortunately, you don’t have to prep your house on your own-- Ameri-Pro Painting follows each of these 7 steps on every job. From watching the weather to moving your furniture and covering your bushes with drop cloths, to repairing minor wood damage, our crew takes care of everything for you. Call (716) 316-4759 today or scroll down to get a free estimate on our services!