To create a picture-perfect outdoor area, preparation is essential. Start your exterior paint prep by getting rid of as numerous products as you can (planters, mailboxes, shutters, home numbers, hoses, outdoor furnishings, and light fixtures), and follow these actions:.

Use Drop Cloths.

Put ground cloth in place under the areas you plan to paint.

Smooth the Surfaces to Be Painted.

Make certain that all surfaces you plan to paint are smooth and without fractures. Countersink any exposed nail heads, and spot prime locations as needed.

Putty and Caulking.

Your outside paint preparation need to include using putty and caulk to fill any nail head depressions, splits, and imperfections on the surfaces to be painted. Where essential, scrape away old caulk and apply brand-new caulk and prime.

When dealing with bare wood, apply primer prior to you re-- caulk.

Dull Glossy Areas For glossy or shiny surfaces, gently sand for much better bond. Sand any "mill glaze" off new siding, to guarantee correct paint bond.

Remove Dust, Dirt, and Mildew.

Use a fabric or soft brush to clean off any dust and dirt from the surfaces to be painted. Eliminate chalk residue with a brush or water, and be sure to get rid of any mildew.

Prime Problem Areas.

On any exposed areas where paint has worn thin, peeled, or blistered, apply primer and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Clean Gutters, Downspouts, and Eaves.

When preparing a house for painting, make sure to clean and prime your gutters and downspouts before painting. Since they are factory-- coated, new aluminum rain gutters and downspouts ought to continue to be in good condition for numerous years.

For formerly painted rain gutters and downspouts, remove any rust or peeling paint with a scrape or wire brush. Sand the edges smooth, from sound paint to bare spots.

Under eaves, wash shielded locations with a garden hose, making use of a strong stream of water. After the surface of the eaves has actually dried out, apply self-- priming IronClad ® Latex Low Lustre Metal & Wood Enamel.

When brand-new, galvanized rain gutters and downspouts are covered with a fabricating oil that must be gotten rid of prior to painting. Use our Benjamin Moore Oil & Grease Emulsifier (M83) to eliminate the oil, and prime with a latex product just.

Preparation Masonry and Stucco Surfaces.

If your brick or masonry surface is streaked with a white powder or efflorescence, you can eliminate it with a wire brush and scraper. Make sure to find and get rid of the cause of any efflorescence.
For newly constructed block and stucco surfaces, make certain to permit 30 to 60 days before you use a primer or topcoat.