A good aboriginal point is to always select paint from a reputable paint company, it is a precise paint preparation means that a new paint finish will last its intended lifespan. Sound prep work is a crucial process in ensuring that the finish will not prematurely fail, through is the senior originate of most failures in the righteousness of a finish because sited by sundry studies preformed by The Historical Maintenance Society. Further, exterior painting projects often miss the most alacrity in preparation due to the bitter weather and sunlight conditions in which the finish will have to endure. Each geographic area has particular conditions which are wearing to manufactured coating systems. In Phoniex, Arzona caotings need to vigorous dry hot conditions. In Seattle Washington coatings need to withstand high humidity levels for partly 6 months from November to April.
On a typical job, over half or extended of most painting projects are spent in the preparation of the finishing surface. The word used by professional painters is " surface profiling ", and the extent of the pace and resources needed to properly prepare a surface depends on the existing surface conditions:
1. What is on the siding / substarte nowadays? What is the genius of that coating; from sound ( which can be repainted ), to de - laminating / ill adhered which needs to be removed before painting.
2. Does the surface have contaminants? Contaminants can be dirt, guidance, or chemicals; or a combination of all three. Contaminants need to be removed before painting. One process to remove contaminants is to pressure wash the substrates. Whereabouts ever perhaps Shearer Painting, seattle painting contractor prefers not to use chemical cleaners when they are not needed.
Exterior paint prep outline:
Proper care and planning will surpass to quality paint finish; it is pertinent to know the extent of surface preparation in its entirety. It is essential to make decisive the setup is indepth and takes into balance the whole home. It is certainly necessary tackle these projects one - step at a generation and provide extra care in addressing slice areas that depend upon repair.
Most often fascia boards, windows, doors and wood trim are areas that crave extra care in preparation. Though light stupidity and damage to these surfaces can be addressed with epoxy wood cushioning or bonding blend, it is necessary to spring from scrap wood that is critically fatigued or rotten. In the course of our work we frequently complete home repairs; restore window casings, fascia boards, and other exposed substrates. In some cases replacement is a cost able choice to repair.
Prevention can save eventual headache
Some home changes and repairs can violently improve the longevity of a paint finish and save the hassle of repairs down the road. This includes such items as metal flashings to protect from rain and ice. Many homes are constructed without these, using merely calk to try and fend off the elements. It is essential that all fascia boards have metal flashings that extend from the underside of the roofing material and overhang beyond the fascias. Metal flashings are crucial in providing proper roof drainage. Such flashings can be installed if not present.
Often times, the condition of the old paint can be an indicator of areas that will require attention. Water leaks can be evident by the blistering and peeling or discoloration. Areas that are exposed to heavy moisture are likely to have peeling paint and even mold or mildew. If present, any mold or mildew must be completely removed and leaks must sealed before applying the primer to prevent future problems
Pressure wash siding, shingles, and stucco in order to remove chalk deposits on the existing finish. Clean surfaces are key in providing a proper base for the new finish and are one of the first steps that must be taken.
If a home is being restrained extra attention to detail in cleaning the surface is of the utmost importance.
After washing, preparation is continued by scraping and sanding to find loose paint. It is a good practice to use both techniques and alternate between the two to ensure no loose paint is left on the surface.
In preparing rough - cut wood, such as rough sawn cedar, a wire brush will be the necessary tool in paint removal. Wire paint stripping attachments for power drills can help ease the process.
Though one of the most physically demanding steps to exterior refinishing, it is by far one of the most important. In removing any and all loose paint from the surface, it is crucial in laying the groundwork for a lasting finish.
Getting the job done right.
In many homes built before 1978, lead paint can be a major concern. Do the right thing and take the proper safety measures and precautions in protecting yourself and your family. In any project, safety always comes first and foremost. Research how to handle the situation. Shearer Painting is an EPA certified lead renovator.
When caulking, masking and priming, be sure to use the best quality products available to ensure the finish comes out looking right and will not deteriorate prematurely. The same care in selection should be taken when purchasing paint and using proper technique.
When consulting a painting professional, proper exterior paint should be included as well as many repairs, saving time and money.
Some repairs require a building permit and inspection. Such repairs a contractor may or may not be able to repair depending on their qualifications. In the US, one can contact their local building authority for information on repair permits and inspection.
In Canada, websites such as About Building In Canada provide excellent information on Canada ' s building permit as well as the definition and when permits will be required for a project.
By taking time and care in properly preparing your painting surface, it is possible to achieve a finish that will last 10 years or more.
Some homes of historical value, such as those listed on the National Historic Registry, require considered planning and resources to properly prepare a surfaces while preserving the integrity of the original architectural elements ( wood, stucco, etc ). The prep and paint of these buildings can amount to three times the cost of normal buildings. Several Seattle painting projects undertaken in 2010 are of historical value.
1. Pressure / Power Washing: Blast that house!
* To remove dirt, mold, and mildew, use biodegradable detergent ( USDA - approved ) and bleach. Biodegradable detergents are better for the environment, don ' t smell bad, and are safe for you and your home.
* Wait for house to completely dry.
* When contracted, driveways and decks will be cleaned as well.
Special Notes on Power Washing:
* You may think that power washing is simple a DIY job, but that ' s not the case. You must follow very specific and important techniques to successful clean and bleach your home. DO NOT USE AMATEURS.
* At times, power washing can be dangerous if not performed properly. High pressure water can go through many surfaces almost instantly, especially if you are using a 3, 000 psi pressure washer. You could conceivably carve a hole into the side of your house. In fact, highway crews actually use a version of a pressure washer to cut the holes for dynamite blasting when digging for highway construction.
2. Scraping, Priming, and maintenance: Peeling off the ugly
* Surface Profiling: Loose paint is reduced to a sound substrate. Shearer Painting uses a combination of metal and carbide scrapers, articulated metal scrapers ( for dental molding and trim ), wirebrushes, mechanical and manual sanding. All bare surfaces are primed before adding topcoats. Note that different surfaces ( wood, metal, concrete ) often require different primers. Shearer Painting can advise you on what level of paint removal and what primer should be used on your house.
* To prevent water from entering home / siding ( which causes premature paint failure ), all open cracks around doors and windows are caulked.
* Window panes will be inspected and receive new putty ( where necessary ) in order to prevent water damage and minor drafts.
* Complete siding inspection to determine if replacement / repair is necessary. Shearer Painting is experienced replacing and repairing wood clapboard, wood shingle, cement clapboard, cement shingles, and stucco siding.
* Trim, siding, and stucco repairs are available as well - just make sure you speak with your contractor about it.
* Most professionals will agree that proper prep is the single most important component in the longevity of a paint job. Conversely, improper preparation can result in almost instant coating failure, and it ' ll end up costing you more in the long run.
* A Big Don ' t: If you leave cracked clapboards or vertical trim without repair or replacement, moisture can leak in behind the surfaces, penetrating them and resulting in paint failure.
3. Painting: The middle stages of a beautiful home
* A full finish coat is applied for suitable coverage and finish.
* Dark / deep base colors often will require addition coats of paint for full coverage.
* Non - painted surfaces are protected from splatters and drips.
* Only top quality paints and stains are used.
* When it comes to paint, you may think that more is better; this is not necessarily so. Different manufacturers have different recommended thickness ideas for each coating. Many agree that 2 coats are optimum for surface protection and resilience. But as time goes by, each additional coat over the home ' s original siding actually adds weight that pulls from the surface which will eventually cause peeling.
* If you have paint peeling problems every year, it ' s probably not because of the material used. In many cases, moisture is the reason paint tends to fail. At Shearer Painting, we find the source of moisture to help fix the problem.
4. Clean - Up
* Will be performed every day and upon completion of the job.
* Supplies are removed.
* Double - check to make sure that plant beds are cleaned ( if it ' s an exterior paint job ) and paint chips removed.
* Outdoor fixtures and furniture are replaced, if needed.
* Touch - up paint is labeled and left with the customer.
* If you store your touch - up paint in the garage, it will freeze in winter; summer will take its toll as well. This will reduce the paint ' s shelf life.
