How to Prep a House for Painting

Isn't it exciting when you decide to switch up your home's exterior with a fresh coat of paint? But, before you head onto slathering that paint onto your walls, it’s important to do painting prep.

While the phase may seem daunting and somewhat longer, it's crucial to achieving a flawless, long-lasting finish. A well-prepared surface not only ensures a smoother application of paint but significantly extends its lifespan, safeguarding your investment for years to come.

Here’s a handy guide to walk you through the process step by step. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with all the know-how you need to prep your house for painting like a professional!

Step 1: Gathering Necessary Materials

When setting out on this painting journey, your best allies will be the right tools and materials. Think of them as your personal pit crew in a race—there to support you, speed up the process, and ensure a smooth journey towards a beautiful finish.

To start, you’ll need a few stuff:

• Drop cloths – to protect your landscaping, walkways, and furniture from any accidental spills or splatters.
• A good quality pressure washer – this is invaluable for cleaning off the dirt, grime, and old peeling paint from your house's exterior.
• Sandpaper and a scraper – these will help you smooth out any rough patches and remove loose paint, providing an ideal surface for your fresh paint.
• Primer – This unsung hero preps your surface, helping your paint adhere better and providing a base that brings out its true color.
• Caulk and a caulking gun – These help seal up any cracks, gaps, or seams, preventing moisture from sneaking in and ruining your beautiful paint job.
  

Step 2: Assessing the Condition of the House

Just like a doctor would never start treatment without a proper diagnosis, you shouldn't dive into painting your house without first taking stock of its current condition. This assessment helps identify any parts that may need a bit of TLC before they're ready for that fresh coat of paint.

Visually inspect the exterior of your home for any signs of damage or wear such as:

• Areas with peeling or chipped or flaking paint
• Racks in the walls
• Mold, mildew, or even rot

These are all signals that your house's "skin" is not in the best shape and requires attention before you proceed with painting. If you find that there are damages, make sure that you get them fixed before proceeding with painting.

Step 3: Protecting the Surrounding Area

Begin by moving outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other movable items out of the way. For those things that can't be moved, such as large plants or immovable fixtures, protection is key. This is where your drop cloths or tarps come into play.

Cover everything that's at risk of catching falling paint chips, dust from sanding, or paint splatters. Secure the tarps or drop cloths in place to ensure they stay put even if the wind decides to join the party. Similarly, protect the areas of your house that aren't getting painted, like windows, doors, and fixtures, with painter's tape and plastic sheets.

Step 4: Cleaning The Exterior

Houses face all sorts of weather, dust, and grime throughout the year, and over time, these elements can create a layer of dirt that clings onto the exterior of your home.This dirt can interfere with the paint's ability to adhere to the surface, so we need to show it the door before we proceed.

If your house is lightly soiled, a hose and a long-handled, soft-bristle scrub brush might do the trick. For more stubborn dirt or for larger houses, a pressure wash could do the trick. This handy tool uses a high-pressure spray to dislodge dirt and loose paint, leaving you with a clean surface ready for further prep.

Remember to be gentle—especially if you're using a pressure washer—as too much pressure can damage the surface. The goal here is to clean, not strip the exterior.

Once you've given your house a thorough clean, give it some time to dry off completely before moving to the next steps.

Step 5: Scraping and Sanding

The scraping part is pretty much what it sounds like. You'll want to take your paint scraper tool and gently but firmly remove any loose or peeling paint from the exterior surfaces. A pro-tip: always scrape in the direction of the wood grain to avoid potential damage.

Once you've scraped away loose paint, you might notice that some areas of the surface have become a bit rough or uneven. This is where sanding comes in. By using sandpaper to smooth these areas, you'll create a uniform surface that your fresh paint can easily adhere to.

A word of caution: remember to wear a dust mask during this process. The last thing we want is for you to breathe in any paint dust.

Step 6: Primer

Primer creates a smooth, uniform surface that your paint can adhere to. It also helps seal any remaining porous areas, so the paint can't seep in and cause damage over time. Plus, it aids in showcasing the true color of the paint, so you get the exact shade you want.

Start by applying a layer of primer to the entire area you'll be painting. Be sure to cover any bare wood or other exposed materials and any areas where you've made repairs. You can use a paintbrush, a roller, or a sprayer—just choose what's most comfortable and efficient for you.

Let the primer dry completely before moving on. This could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the weather and the specific product instructions.

Step 7: Painting the House

This is it! We've reached the most satisfying part of our journey: transforming your house with color. By now, your well-prepped, primed exterior is a perfect canvas for the new paint.

Depending on your preference and the size of your house, you can use a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer. Whichever tool you choose, remember to apply the paint evenly across the surface, ensuring all nooks and crannies are adequately covered. It's often best to apply two coats of paint, allowing for drying time in between, to achieve the most vibrant and durable result.

Painting Your Home: DIY Project or Hire a Painting Contractor?

Now that we've walked through the steps of prepping your house for a paint job, you might be wondering: should you tackle this as a DIY project, or is it better to hire a painting contractor?

While painting your home can be a rewarding DIY project, it's worth considering the time, effort, and skill it requires. From preparation to painting to clean-up, the process can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming than you might anticipate.

On the other hand, hiring a painting contractor like Green Valley Painting  can save you a considerable amount of time and effort.

The Bottom Line

And there you have it—a step-by-step guide to prepping your house for a fresh coat of paint. Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, you're ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on your painting project.

But what if you could get the same exceptional results without all the elbow grease? That's where Green Valley Painting comes into the picture.

Transform Your Space with Green Valley Painting: Your Local Experts in Professional, High-Quality Home and Commercial Painting Services

With over 15 years of experience serving Napa and Contra Costa counties, we're a one-stop shop for all your painting needs. Our extensive industry knowledge and resources enable us to deliver high-performance painting solutions that not only meet your timeline and budget but exceed your expectations.

Green Valley Painting offers much more than just painting. Our services include drywall repair, custom cabinet refinishing, elastomeric painting, epoxy flooring, and more. Our goal is to create a seamless experience for you and build a long-term relationship based on excellent service.

And here's the best part: We're not just another painting company. We're locally owned and operated, and we're proud members of our community—just like you.

So why not save yourself the time and effort of a DIY project and let us bring your vision to life? It's our job to make you feel good about choosing Green Valley Painting for your painting needs.

Call us today at (707) 864-6864 for an estimate. Your beautifully painted home is just a phone call away!