Exterior Preparation

Preparation

Preparing the surface correctly can add years to the life of your paint job.  In fact, preparation is so important, you can spend up to 60 percent of your time getting the surface ready to paint.   Plus, proper preparation will make it easier to apply the final coat.  Follow these simple steps to help ensure a beautiful, lasting finish.

	Cover landscaping Cover plants, decks, porches, air conditioning units – anything you want to protect from drips.  Tie back or trim plants that could get in the way while you’re painting.  Remove all hardware and accessory items – shutters, light fixtures, awnings, house numbers, etc.
	Troubleshoot and Repair If you don’t address problems now, they’ll continue to be problems – even under a fresh coat of paint.  With every problem area you fix, your goal is a smooth, clean surface. For specific problem solutions, please go to our Troubleshooting tab.  From there, follow the link to the Paint Quality Institute.  They provide photos of specific problems to help you identify issues, and best of all, they recommend solutions.
	Wash and Clean After you’ve finished sanding, scraping, and repairing, thoroughly wash the surface with an all-purpose household cleaner, then rinse.  Allow the walls to dry completely before priming.  Even if you’re painting a surface that’s never been painted before, such as bare wood, aluminum or vinyl, you’ll still need to wash and scrub the surface.  Any dust or dirt that remains can cause paint failures or ruin a smooth surface.
	Mask trim and windows Use masking tape to protect glass and trim.  Be sure to remove the tape before the paint dries, otherwise the paint may pull off.  Plus, it’s easier to clean up any paint that feathers under the tape.
	Prime Priming provides great topcoat adhesion, helps prevent cracking and offers better color retention.  It is essential to prime any new or bare surface, or any surface you’ve exposed during repairs.  You’ll also want to prime when painting a light color over deep or bright colors.  It’s the only way to ensure topcoat performance and cut down on the number of topcoats needed.

To apply primer, follow the steps for painting, found under the “Paint Application” section.  Then, sit back and allow the primer to dry according to the label directions before topcoating.

Application

You’ve prepped.  You’ve primed.  Now, it’s time to reward yourself with a beautiful, durable topcoat – simply follow these steps:

	Mix paint thoroughly If you’ll be using multiple cans of paint over one area, mix them together in a 5-gallon container to assure uniform color.
	Start Painting The weather should be between 50°F and 90°F (unless you are using our Weather King® II product, which can be painted as low as 35°F) with low humidity, low wind and rain-free skies. Begin with the body of the house, and work from the top down.  Use painter’s tape to mask windows and areas you won’t be painting.  Start with the side of the house that is in the shade, and always try to paint with the shade.  Painting in direct sunlight can cause paint to dry too quickly. Choose your tools depending on the surface you’ll be painting.  Concrete, stucco or brick: roller with a heavy nap or a paint sprayer.  Aluminum, wood or vinyl siding: flat brush or a paint sprayer. Brush tips: Clear out any loose debris – strike the flat side of the brush against the palm of your hand. Dip the bottom 1/3 of the bristles into the paint and tap lightly on the side of the can.  This should load your brush with the right amount of paint. Paint the underside of siding first, then follow immediately with strokes that cover the entire board. Always maintain a “wet edge” – in other words, paint from unpainted areas into wet, painted areas. If you’re using oil-based paint, drag your brush across the surface several times for a smooth finish; if you’re using latex, one or two strokes will do the job – anything more could leave brush marks. Roller tips: A roller works best for surfaces such as masonry and stucco. Before using new roller covers, remove any excess lint by running a lint brush or masking tape over the cover. If using latex paint, run your roller cover under water and shake off excess before you begin to paint.  This helps the new cover absorb the paint evenly. Pour a small amount of paint into a roller tray.  Dip your roller into the paint and roll back and forth to remove excess paint. Roll the paint across the surface using even strokes.
	Paint Windows, doors, and trim Allow wall to dry completely To paint windows:   a) Use a quality, angled sash brush and move from the inside out.   b) Slide the window open.   c) Paint the inside sash first, followed by the outside sash and crossbars.   d) Finish with the frame and sill.   e) If any paint drips on the glass, remove it carefully with a razor blade. To paint trim:   a) Tape off areas where the trim meets the wall.    b) Using a 1 ½ or 2 inch angled brush, paint the trim from the top of the home down.  A sprayer can be used for detached shutters.  To paint doors:   a) Use a flat brush or small roller with a medium nap.   b) Since exterior doors are heavy and difficult to remove, you’ll probably paint them while they’re attached.   c) Work from the inside out, painting any carved edges and panels first, using an angled trim brush.   d) Finish the outside edges with the flat brush or roller.
	Cleanup If you used latex paint, clean brushes and other tools using soap and warm water.  For oil, clean with an appropriate paint thinner following package directions.  If possible, hang brushes from the handles and allow to dry.  If you drip paint on carpeting, don’t try to wipe it up.  This will only smear it into the pile.  Allow it to dry, then snip out the drop of paint with scissors.