Ok homeowners, we just filled you in on the first crucial step towards repainting your house. Repainting your house is such a great home improvement step you can take to improve curb appeal and increase the value of your home. Now, the next step you need to take is the scrape off and remove all that deteriorated paint and then sanding to smooth the surface for the new layers.
Here's one cautionary detail we need to throw in before you get started with this part. If lead is present in your old paint job, which is a strong possibility in homes built before 1978, you need to proceed with caution to protect yourself, your family and the surrounding environment. It is vital to use a properly fitted respirator with special lead (HEPA) filters.
If your paint is lead free, you will still need to wear a mask and put down tarps to catch debris. Now, while it may be easier and tempting to to use a power grinder and sander because scraping by hand is a lengthy process, it still is the least damaging way to remove the old paint. A great tool to use to speed up the process is a heating gun, which will soften the paint.
Now, onto the sanding process. At this point, a lot of the paint will already be removed. But much may still remain. If the remaining paint is still well adhered and not too bumpy, you can most likely smooth it with 50 or 80 grit sandpaper. Pad sanders are a great tool to use here as they will make the job go faster. For any areas that need more detail, you can follow up with a 100 or 120 grit sandpaper.
If less than half the old paint is left when you are done scraping, it may be better to strip it all off using an infrared paint stripper or a chemical stripper and then smooth the wood with a bit of sanding.
Make sure, even if your old paint is lead-free to take heed here. Wear a respirator with a HEPA filter to protect yourself. Lay out tarps, remove all plants that you can far from the building and make sure your family is not at home.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Repainting Your Home - Step 1
The sun is coming out and that means let's get to doing some home renovations New York! What's a great place to start, you ask? How about adding a fresh coat of paint to your home? A fresh paint job has the power to totally transform the look of your house and add major curb appeal.
A new paint job should last for a good 15 years, if done correctly. A great paint job also helps to protect your home from the sun, wind and rain. Once it starts to peel and crack, you know it's time to fix things up.
The first thing step and a very important one to do properly is to clean and sand every surface first.
A well-done and thorough scrubbing is absolutely necessary before beginning. It will remove the dirt and old paint residue that will hinder a new coat of paint from adhering as well. It will also get rid of any mildew. Probably the best thing to use here is a pressure washer, however you must be careful when using one as they can damage the wood and potentially shatter glass. Instead, if you are not comfortable with a pressure washer, cannot rent one or hire someone to do it for you, a hose, pump sprayer and scrub brush can work just as well.
Before you get started on spraying down your house, make sure to cover up with fabric drop cloths and move away any plants from your home. You should also lay more drop cloths along the base of the walls to collect any falling paint debris.
Wet all the walls next before you scrub them. Your cleaning solution should consist of 1 gallon of water per 1 cup chlorine bleach and 1 cup of a concentrated, phosphate-free cleaner. Now, work in sections from the bottom to the top to avoid any streaks. Make sure to rinse the walls off well before the cleaning solution dries.
Stay tuned and we'll reveal the next steps towards painting your house.
A new paint job should last for a good 15 years, if done correctly. A great paint job also helps to protect your home from the sun, wind and rain. Once it starts to peel and crack, you know it's time to fix things up.
The first thing step and a very important one to do properly is to clean and sand every surface first.
A well-done and thorough scrubbing is absolutely necessary before beginning. It will remove the dirt and old paint residue that will hinder a new coat of paint from adhering as well. It will also get rid of any mildew. Probably the best thing to use here is a pressure washer, however you must be careful when using one as they can damage the wood and potentially shatter glass. Instead, if you are not comfortable with a pressure washer, cannot rent one or hire someone to do it for you, a hose, pump sprayer and scrub brush can work just as well.
Before you get started on spraying down your house, make sure to cover up with fabric drop cloths and move away any plants from your home. You should also lay more drop cloths along the base of the walls to collect any falling paint debris.
Wet all the walls next before you scrub them. Your cleaning solution should consist of 1 gallon of water per 1 cup chlorine bleach and 1 cup of a concentrated, phosphate-free cleaner. Now, work in sections from the bottom to the top to avoid any streaks. Make sure to rinse the walls off well before the cleaning solution dries.
Stay tuned and we'll reveal the next steps towards painting your house.
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