How To Paint Your House Exterior Trim In Few Simple Steps

Spending the extra time to prepare properly for your exterior painting project is a direct investment in your time and money. North Texas weather requires a good exterior painting preparation to help the paint last longer, look better and prevent other related problems such as mold growth, chipping and peeling

Get Rid Of the Dirt

This is essential because paint will not stick well to any type of dirt, especially the outdoor kinds of dirt like grime and dust. We recommend using a power washer for this step. Make sure to use a strong power washer, 3500 PSI, to get rid of all dirt and possible lose paint without damaging the trim.

Scraping

Make sure to have your goggles on when you scrape any loose paint. To be most effective, use a paint scraper, putty knife or wire brush. Another option for removing stubborn paint is a rotary paint remover, which can be attached to an electric drill. The stiff wire tines on the rotary quickly remove large areas of paint. Take caution when you are using this tool, as it should never come into close contact with your body parts. Consider practicing on a small piece of wood before working on the siding.

Sand & Repair

For wood siding, fill any gouges or holes with patching compound; make sure the compound is exterior grade. Sometimes this product is called plastic wood, so keep that in mind when you go to purchase this product. You will also need to sand the edges of the area of removed paint to help the new paint cover and hide the edge. Caulk any cracks, seams or gaps with paintable exterior caulk. It's important to be meticulous near the doors and windows so that the paint will stick properly in these tricky areas.

Taping & Covering

This is the final step before getting into the actual painting. You will need to tape off any areas not be painted, such as around windows, with painter's tape. Place drop cloths anywhere that you do not want paint dripping, including shrubs, bushes, porches and the like.