Exterior Painting Procedure in Three Steps

MOUNTAIN VIEW — When it comes to exterior painting, proper procedure is crucial to ensure long-lasting results. In essence, this procedure boils down to the following three steps:

Surface preparation

Before any paint or primer can be applied, the surface needs to be clean and ready for application. This includes treating any mold, mildew or dry rot; power washing the entire structure; scraping off the old paint; and power sanding to smooth down the surface.

Priming

Primer ensures a strong bond between the surface and the finish paint. If you apply paint directly to the surface without primer, it’s going to peel off prematurely. This goes for both wood and metal surfaces, so make sure all surfaces are properly primed before moving on to step three.

Painting

Typically, an exterior paint job should consist of two coats—this will give the overall job more staying power. When correctly applied, a quality paint job should last a minimum of eight to 12 years.