painting my house Tag

To keep your home’s exterior looking its best—and prolong its life—experts recommend painting every five years or so. Preparing the Exterior Surface for Painting Here’s the step-by-step process for proper surface preparation which gives you the best results and a longer lasting paint job. 1. Power Wash The Surface A power washer is the best way to eliminate dirt and peeling/flaking paint from most types of siding. (Do not power wash stucco since it can destroy the surface in seconds.) Keep the spray wand at least 12 in. from the siding to prevent surface gouging. Don’t spray up under the siding flaps. Don’t use it to clean windows: it will break the glass. Always wear eye protection; never spray on a windy day. For the cleanest surface, use a good cleaning agent with the power washer, such as TSP or an all-purpose cleaner. Once the cleaning agent has been