Exterior Painting Blue Bell, PA: Important Steps to Consider

Exterior Painting Blue Bell, PA: Important Steps to Consider

Exterior home painting is an extensive undertaking that we always recommend hiring a qualified painting contractor in Blue Bell, PA.

However, if you’re considering trying DIY exterior painting, here are some of the most important steps you should keep in mind;

Surface Preparation

Clean. Let Dry. Sand: if you’ve ever been in the company of painters, you’ve probably heard them repeat these three terms. Here’s what you need to know about each of these essential steps.

Cleaning

If you are washing your home with a pressure washer using something other than water (e.g., a chemical), cover your plants, surrounding vegetation and any surfaces you want to protect with plastic sheeting, by fixing them with adhesive tape so that they stay in place if the wind becomes aggressive.
After this step, also cover your windows to avoid wasting time removing dried paint stains on the panes afterward.

Let Dry

The exterior substrate must be thoroughly dry before the paint application stage.
The moisture content of the wood must be less than 15%. Consult a pro painting contractor in Blue Bell, PA, for more information on measuring the moisture content of the wood.

Sand

Usually, the adhesion of a new coat of paint can be compromised if it is applied to a very glossy surface.
Fortunately, most exterior finishes are not very glossy, but front doors are. If this is the case, it is preferable to sand your surface with sandpaper or with a liquid mattifying product.

If the existing paint coat peels, you need to find the cause of the peel and fix it. Remember to smooth the edges of the peeled areas. Sanding improves the adhesion ability of the primer and paint.

Applying the primer
We recommend always priming before caulking and repairing. Don’t forget the peeled areas you sanded above.
You must touch up the areas that are not in good condition with the primer. Please note that brick surfaces should always be primed.

Caulking

Seal small cracks and cavities around windows and doors with a high-quality caulk that can be painted.
Apply caulk between each piece of siding and between the flashings (the sealing strips that prevent water from infiltrating).
The smoother the surface, the more uniform the paint you will apply in the next step.

Apply the paint

When embarking on a painting project, start with the shaded side of the house. Direct sunlight can speed up the drying time of the paint and help build up marks and blisters.

Always work from top to bottom, starting with gutters and eaves if you want them to be the same color as your hose walls.
Cover the moldings before the front of the house and be ready to apply two coats of top quality exterior paint.

TIP: The paint can be applied with a sprayer, brush, or roller; it is up to you to choose the applicator.

Tips for covering the following surfaces:

Wood siding

To get a nice finish on your wood siding – one of the most popular outdoor residential siding – follow the tips below:

• Start by covering the moldings with a brush.
• Continue covering the paint drips and decorative moldings.
• After cutting in, apply the paint with a roller, covering sections of about 1 m.
• Finally, use a brush to thin the paint and obtain a smooth finish.

Brick

The best choice for brick is acrylic or latex paint. Avoid covering efflorescence – a clear deposit of salts that often forms on the brick in the presence of water – rather remove it with a wire brush or other tool.

Consult A Painting Contractor
Hiring on a professional painting contractor like Aspen Painting is the guarantee of a flawless, durable, and high-quality paint job.

We have years of experience in exterior painting and staining with a long list of happy customers in Horsham, PA, Ambler, Dresher, Ft. Washington, and Blue Bell, PA.

Call us today on 215-773-8422 for a FREE estimate to get started