FREE ESTIMATEHey there, DIY enthusiasts and fellow paint lovers! Today, I’m going to give you some tips on prepping your home’s exterior for a fresh coat of paint. Trust me, after 20 years in the biz, I’ve seen it all when it comes to painting mishaps. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back!
But in case you forgot, “We Paint So You Don’t Have To.” If you’re in the Northeast Ohio area and looking to get your home painted exterior or interior, give Leggett and Sons Painting a call.
Now, back to it:
Surface Cleaning: The Foundation of a Flawless Finish
First things first, we gotta talk about cleaning. I can’t tell you how often I’ve been to a job where the homeowner swears they’ve cleaned the exterior, only to find a layer of grime on the surface. Here’s the deal: a clean surface is non-negotiable for a paint job that’ll make your neighbors green with envy.
Start with a good ol’ pressure washer. But here’s a pro tip: don’t go all Rambo on your siding. I once had a client who thought more pressure meant cleaner walls. Let’s just say he ended up with siding that looked like it went through a wood chipper. Yikes! Stick to a medium-pressure setting and work from top to bottom. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
For those stubborn areas (I’m looking at you, mildew), mix up a batch of TSP (trisodium phosphate) with water. It’s like kryptonite for dirt and grime. Just remember to wear gloves and eye protection – safety first, folks!
Repairing Damage: Patch It Up Like a Pro
Now that we’ve got a squeaky clean canvas, it’s time to play doctor and treat those wounds. I’m talking about cracks, holes, and dents your exterior might have picked up over the years.
For small cracks, a good-quality exterior caulk will do the trick. But here’s where I see a lot of folks mess up—they glob it on like they’re icing a cake. Less is more! A thin, even bead is all you need. And for the love of all things holy, smooth it out with your finger before it dries. Nothing screams “amateur hour” like lumpy caulk lines.
Got bigger problems? Wood filler is your best friend for those larger holes or rotted areas. Just make sure you’re using an exterior-grade product. I once had a client who used interior spackle on their porch railing. Let’s just say that after one rainy season, it looked horrible. It’s not precisely the curb appeal he was going for!
Priming: The Unsung Hero of Painting
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Can’t we just slap on the paint and call it a day?” Oh, it’s not that simple. But trust me, skipping the primer is like going to a job interview in your pajamas – it might seem like a time-saver, but you’re setting yourself up for disaster.
Primer is the unsung hero of the painting world. It’s like that friend who always has your back – it helps the paint adhere better, covers up any lingering stains, and even helps with color uniformity. Plus, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the number of paint coats you’ll need.
But here’s the kicker—not all primers are created equal. For exterior work, you want something that can withstand Mother Nature’s mood swings. Look for a high-quality, exterior-grade primer specifically designed for your surface type. And if you’re dealing with bare wood or previously painted surfaces with a lot of chalk or dust, do yourself a favor and opt for an oil-based primer. It’ll soak into the surface like a sponge, creating a rock-solid foundation for your paint.
Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret. At Leggett and Sons Painting, we sometimes tint our primer to match the final color. It’s like giving your paint a head start in the coverage race. Just don’t go too dark – you want the primer to do its job without stealing the show.
Conclusion
Remember, folks, preparation is key. It might not be the most glamorous part of painting, but it separates the pros from the Joes. Take the time to do it right, and you’ll end up with a paint job that’ll make your house the talk of the neighborhood – in a good way!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and live in the Northeast Ohio area, don’t sweat it. That’s what we’re here for at Leggett and Sons Painting: “We Paint So You Don’t Have To.” Give us a holler, and we’ll have your place looking fresh in no time!