Painting your siding is one of the simplest ways to completely transform your home’s exterior. However, keep in mind that the success of a paint job depends on how well the surface has been prepared.
Cover the Landscape
Before starting with the preparations, cover shrubs, flower beds and areas of the lawn with plastic or canvas tarps. The siding may need to be cleaned, and the tarps should prevent soapy water and scraped paint from reaching the plants.
Complete Repairs
You have to make sure that the siding is in great condition before the painting starts. Any damaged or loose siding must be repaired or replaced. Hire a reliable siding contractor to ensure quality siding repair or replacement.
Clean the Surface
Wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement siding that are lightly soiled can be cleaned using a garden hose. Use a hose, a soft-bristled brush and mild soap on dirtier surfaces. Mold and mildew can be removed with a diluted bleach solution. While pressure washing is a faster way to complete the cleaning, it should be done by professionals. Using a pressure washer without experience can damage the siding.
Get Rid of Loose Paint
Peeling, lose or blistering paint must be removed. You also have to make sure that the damaged paint isn’t caused by moisture problems. If it is, then the issue needs to be addressed before the paint job.
Prime Bare Wood
All bare wood must be primed with an exterior primer. Oil-based primers conceal flaws better than water-based ones. You can use oil-based primers if you are using a water-based acrylic or latex paint as a topcoat.
Turn to Twin Cities Siding & Roofing, one of your most trusted siding contractors, for reliable home exterior services. Our team specializes in siding, door and window replacement. Call us at (651) 571-9557, or fill out our online form for a free quote. We work with homeowners around Minneapolis.
