When it’s time to paint those exterior surfaces, you want results that will last. The right preparation, materials and maintenance will result in a durable, attractive finish. Follow these exterior house painting tips to give that paint job a longer life.
Prepare the surface before painting
Preparation is key for maintaining exterior painted surfaces. Without adequate preparation, even the best- quality paint will fail to adhere and can turn into a peeling mess. Before you paint, check the surface for moss, mould, old sealants and dirt. You can wash off everyday dirt and grime with a cleaning solution that is labelled for use on exterior paint. Moss and mould, however, require a specialised chemical cleaner for removal.
Some metals will rust and ruin the loveliest paint colours with unsightly brown stains. Remove screws and other fasteners made of oxidising metals from the exterior surface before painting. Remove and replace old, failed sealants and putties. Finally, repair cracks and holes in the surface with a good-quality filler.
Choose quality products and follow directions
High-quality, professional-grade products will perform better than inferior products. Before you apply the paint, apply a good-quality primer that is formulated for the type of surface you are painting. Choose a paint that is specifically labelled for exterior use and follow the directions. For best results, apply the recommended number of coats and avoid thinning or overspreading the paint.
Protect against the elements
South Australia’s hot, dry summers and rainy winters can take a toll on external painted surfaces. The right materials will keep your exterior walls in good condition throughout the year. Acrylic paint, for example, withstands direct sunlight better than alkyd or oil-based paints. Light colour paints with heat-resisting pigments protect metal and wood surfaces from heat damage.
Sunlight and extreme heat are not the only hazards. Along the South Australia coast, you’ll need high- performance exterior paint to protect surfaces from salt. Exterior paints also contain waterproofing ingredients to protect outdoor surfaces from rain and snow.
Keep painted surfaces clean
An exterior painted surface needs a thorough cleaning several times a year. Dirt, soot and plant and animal particulates can cause rapid deterioration if they remain on the surface for an extended time. Of course, you also want to avoid the dingy, unattractive look of dirty walls. Every three or four months, scrub the painted surface and give it a power wash to remove stubborn grime. Make sure that the cleaning products do not contain harsh chemicals that can damage painted surfaces.
Inspect and repair
To keep that paint job looking good, inspect the surface regularly and make needed repairs right away. Check for cracks and repair them to avoid water damage. If the paint is peeling, it may be the wrong type of paint for that surface material. Making necessary changes and repairing minor damage can preserve painted surfaces and prevent greater headaches in the future.
Contact us
Is it time to refresh those exterior painted walls? At Jay Duggin Painting, our professionals have the expertise necessary for top-quality results. We will be happy to explain how to protect your external painted surfaces.
Contact us for information about our residential and commercial painting services in Adelaide and South Australia.
