The Guide - Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is the single most important part of any paint
project because it promotes better adhesion of coatings.
Inadequate surface preparation and moisture are the major reasons
paints fail to perform. Homeowners should thoroughly clean any
surface before applying paint products. Exterior surfaces should
be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, sap, mildew, and any other
substances that might inhibit adhesion or take away from the
overall appearance and durability of the finish. Surfaces can be
cleaned by hand with household or commercial cleaners, but this
method of cleaning can be time consuming. A more conventional way
to clean exterior surfaces would be to use a pressure washer (
power washer ). It is much less time consuming and will achieve
the desired result. Different surfaces require a different type of
pressure washing and the amount of pressure that is used may very
from surface to surface. If used improperly, pressure washers can
cause a lot of damage to surfaces. Whoever is pressure washing
should be sure they understand what they are cleaning and how far
they can go on a particular surface before it becomes damaged. If
a homeowner is mixing bleach and other detergents to remove dirt
and mildew, NEVER MIX BLEACH WITH detergents that contain AMONIA.
The fumes released from the combination of the two have the same
affect as mustard gas, and can be fatal.
Interior surfaces should be free of dust, dirt and grime.
Scrubbing may or may not be necessary. Use of general household
cleaners should be adequate. Repair all gouges, cracks, stains,
holes, etc., and sand area’s smooth where applicable before
applying primers and paints. The conditions will dictate how much
a homeowner or contractor will have to do.
After the surface is thoroughly washed, remove all loose and
peeling paint where applicable and sand those area’s to provide a
smooth surface. The degree of sanding will be determined by the
thickness of the paint. All damaged area’s need to be repaired. If
broken glass needs replacing or window glazing becomes loose and
brittle, the windows will need reglazing once the surface is
cleaned. A coat of a top quality alkyd primer before and after new
glazing is applied will provide maximum adhesion. All rust should
be wire brushed and treated with a hardening chemical and a top
quality rust inhibited primer to prevent future rusting. Rusty
nail heads need to be reset, primed with a top quality rust
inhibited primer and caulked. If rust is not properly treated it
will reemerge through the new paint within days. Finally, caulk
cracks where applicable and then apply a top quality primer and a
top quality finish coat. |
