Exterior Painting Preparation Steps

There are things to consider for jobs that call for exterior painting, the least of which is weather. You know you want to paint in the shade to avoid heat blisters. And humidity is a beast; ideal “drying” weather is low humidity with moderate temps—between 75 and 85 degrees.

But professional painters and painting contractors continue to overlook prepping outdoor areas.

Sure you have a steady hand. But using ladders and scaffolding, there’s a greater chance for splatters and equipment mishaps. Explore these Five things you might be missing during surface preparation for painting

1. Surfaces

Outdoor projects have been exposed to the weather elements for years, leaving rough, uneven surfaces. Prep the area by sanding and use the SuperTuff® Tack Cloth to clean between coats for a blemish-free finish.

2. Hazards

If you’re working on slick concrete or slate (think of patios or garage floors), don’t forget to protect against hazards like slipping and falling—for you and the homeowner. The Stay Put® Vinyl Slip Resistant Dropcloth is 30 percent more effective than traditional plastic drop cloths, draping easily with a rubber backing that keeps it in place. It is easy to clean and reusable.

3. Taping

Even if there’s not much to tape around, you should still tape around faucets, hose reels, light fixtures etc. Consider BluEdge® Professional Painting Masking Tape; this indoor/outdoor crepe-paper painter’s tape works well on curved edges and lasts 14 days.

4. Gloves

Invest in a pair of SuperTuff™ Canvas Gloves to protect against abrasions from concrete, siding, metal and wood. This all-purpose natural colored cotton glove features a knit wrist for a secure fit.

5. Tracking

Your painting project is outside the house, but what are the odds you’ll be indoors at some point, talking to homeowners, running cords for power etc.? Don’t forget the Dirt Trapper® Ultra Sticky Mat to catch dirt from your shoes before you go indoors.

Have your own surface preparation for painting tip? Feel free to share below!

Susan Wilson