How a Residential Exterior Painter Prepares for the Job

If you're about to hire a residential exterior painter, you may be wondering what they do to ensure quality work. According to Minchew, you can expect an exterior painter to spend 30–50% of the time on proper prepping. It's essential to devote enough time for preparation because most exterior paint failures are caused by poor surface preparation or structural defects that lead to water damage. Spending extra time on stripping the exterior surface is almost always worth it. Read on to learn more about how a residential exterior painter prepares for their job.

Smoothing the Surface

The exterior painter must first sand the area to ensure a smooth finish. This will also help to remove any impurities on the surface. Sanding the area can be done by gently rubbing a piece of sandpaper against the surface. As their hand moves in a circular motion, the painter will be able to feel any irregularities, and they will work on those spots until the surface feels smooth. Alternatively, the painter can also use a mechanical sander to get the job done faster and more efficiently. The sanding also works to remove any paint that's peeling or flaking. The painter will also use filler to ensure a smooth surface if cracks or holes are on the surface.

Cleaning the Surface

Before painting, it's also necessary to clean the surface. In most instances, exterior walls will have accumulated dirt and grime that can affect the quality of your paint job. Cleaning the surface can be done with a pressure cleaner, which will wash off the dirt quickly. The painter can also use a brush or damp cloth to clean the surface gently. This is important because the paint won't stick to a dusty or dirty surface.

Masking The Area

Masking off the walls before painting is the reason why your residential exterior painter can achieve such professional-looking results. Masking the area ensures clean lines and a faster paint job. The painter will use high-quality masking tape and line it along the trims, windows, and other areas that are not supposed to be painted. The masking is later removed before the paint completely dries.

Your residential exterior painter should do all these things to ensure a great paint job and exterior finish. As experts in residential exterior painting, we can deliver the quality work you need, so don't hesitate to get in touch today.