Preparing for Your Painting Project: Essential Steps!
Preparation, both of the job site and your surfaces, makes or breaks the painting process. What should you look for?
If you follow our articles, you know that we put a strong emphasis on the importance of surface preparation. In the past we’ve outlined the planning stages that should lead up to your project as well, including clear communication, a detailed estimate, reviewing your warranty, etc…
Today, let’s take a closer look at the specific steps we take as we prepare your surfaces.
It’s been said that preparation is 80% of a painting project, and we absolutely agree. Time invested in these early steps pays high-value dividends.
What’s Included in Surface Preparation?
#1: Pressure Washing
Depending on the age, type, and condition, of your siding, we start with a thorough pressure washing. In the hands of a trained technician, this is an efficient way to remove mildew, dirt, and other contaminants.
#2: Careful Masking
Spraying is a fast, effective way to cover large areas during commercial and residential painting projects. First, however, we cover and mask all surrounding surfaces to protect against overspray.
#3: Protect Your Landscaping
We’ll work carefully around your landscaping, including covering plants.
#4: Sanding
Using a combination of orbital sanders and hand scrapers, we’ll carefully remove loose, flaking paint. This is the first step in building a strong foundation for your primer.
#5: Priming
We then apply an exterior wood primer to surfaces left bare by sanding. This product penetrates the exposed wood, creating a sound, solid base for your paint. We’ll also spot prime any patched surfaces so that the finish coat of paint can adhere properly.
#6: Caulking
For a close look at why caulking is so essential, be sure to click over to this article. We’ll remove any brittle, failed caulking, and replace it with new Sikaflex Premium Caulking, sealing out any water that could create a problem in the future.
#7: Window Glazing
Any failing window glazing (putty) will be removed. After priming, new glazing will be installed.
8: Surface Repairs
If wood rot is present, our carpentry team can help with repair/replacement. If there are stucco cracks that need to be addressed, we’ll open them up and repair them with an elastomeric patching system.
The takeaway?
Every project we finish is backed by our MB Jessee Painting, Inc. Warranty, covering labor and materials. We stand by our work! You deserve to be completely satisfied, and we know that our processes and standards will stand up to the test of time.
Regardless of who your painter is, make sure that they can clearly articulate their specific procedures so you know exactly what kind of value to expect.
