10 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job

Old wood siding, fast becoming a dinosaur in new construction, regularly needs the protection of a new coat of paint. A professional paint job should last 5–10 years. The key is professionalism and proper preparation.

Following are 10 steps to note if you want to DIY instead of hiring professional exterior painting contractors in San Antonio.

1. Get The Lead Out

If your home was built before 1978 when lead paint was banned for residential use, you should protect yourself and your neighbors from airborne lead particles.

The first step is to test the lead paint: Kits are available at paint and hardware stores. If the test proves positive for lead, keep paint dust to a minimum by taking the following precautions.

- Lay plastic drop clothes and collect scrapings.

- Clean the area with HEPA vacuum.

- Wear a mask and Tyvek suits.

- Dispose of all materials at an approved hazardous materials site.

2. Wash The Exterior

Mildew grows under fresh paint, which won’t adhere well to dirty, grimy, spore-sporting, exterior walls. So, wash your home’s exterior before painting. Use a mix of water and phosphate-free cleanser and mildew killer concentrate.

As it is not a task for amateurs, we recommend hiring professional exterior paint contractors for this.

3. Scrap Off Loose Paint

Once the clapboards are dry, remove extra paint from them. A handheld scrapper is usually the best tool but you can also use a hot air gun. Never use an open-flame torch as it can easily catch fire and is illegal in most states unless you have the permit.

4. Sand Rough Spots

A pad sander or a random-orbit fitted with 80-grid sandpaper will smooth out any rough spots. Don’t push so hard that you leave sander marks on the wood.

5. Fill and Repair

After washing, scraping, and sanding your wood siding, inspect what is remaining. Fill minor holes and dings in the siding with a patching putty. If you’ve got a major rot problem, contact a carpenter to replace the bad wood.

6. Apply Primer

White, grey, or tinted primer provides an uneven base for topcoats to stick to, and a uniform canvas from which to survey your work.

7. Close All Joints

Siliconized or top-of-the-line polyurethane acrylic caulks give paint jobs a smooth, pleasing look. But the benefits aren’t purely aesthetic. Tight joints also prevent air leaks and block water penetration.

8. Choose The Right Paint for Coat

Painting with water-based acrylic latex is so much easier than dealing with oil-based paints. It:

- Applies easily

- Dries quickly

- Cleans up with soap and water

NOTE: If your house has already oil-based paint, which is more durable than latex, you’ll have to stick with it.

Less is more when it comes to applying top coats. More layers are not recommended because paint flakes off through the years. If you are going from white to yellow or cream, a single coat is enough for you. Going from dark to light, or vice versa, requires two coats.

Don’t have time for this time-consuming process? We are here for you. Contact River City Painting today and get a FREE quote from professional exterior painting contractors in San Antonio.