Why Pressure Washing Is Essential Before Exterior Painting
Have you ever admired a random home’s impeccably painted siding or trim and wondered how you can paint yours to look equally professional?
The secret lies in the state of the surface. If the surface is dirty, the paint will not look good and won’t last very long. This is why pressure washing or power washing is a step you should never skip. Painting over grime will inevitably cause blistering, peeling, and uneven color. In other words, it is a waste of time, effort, and money.
Make time for professional pressure washing before painting the exterior of your house. The result will be a long-lasting, gorgeous finish that instantly enhances your home’s curb appeal.
Why Is It Important to Clean Siding and Trim Surfaces?
There is no stopping dirt and other pollutants from accumulating on siding and trim. The dirtier the area gets, the thicker the barrier that forms and prevents new paint from adhering properly.
It doesn’t matter whether you buy the most expensive paint that promises 100% coverage. Over time (a short time), the paint will peel and flake if you apply it without cleaning the siding and trim.
Pressure Washing Eliminates Mold and Mildew
Parts of your trim and siding will typically stay in the shade. When it rains, these parts will stay damp for longer. Over time, these damp areas may become susceptible to mildew and mold growth. Both mold and mildew eat into wood, degrading paint binders over time.
Pressure washing services that use the appropriate cleaning agents will quickly eliminate these contaminants. This improves the lifespan of your paint and even the air quality around your home, which is excellent news for homeowners in rainy areas like Raleigh and Wilmington.
Benefits of Pressure Washing Before Exterior Painting
There are several more benefits to pressure washing before you tackle exterior painting, including:
Exceptional new paint adhesion and durability: When you clean siding and trim properly, it becomes more porous. New paint will penetrate more effectively, reducing the risk of blistering and peeling.
Reduced health hazards: As mentioned, removing mold and mildew helps improve air quality. Your family members suffering from allergies or respiratory conditions can breathe more comfortably. Professional painting teams follow the EPA’s RRP rule (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) for safe containment and disposal when working on properties older than 1978 to prevent lead-contaminated runoff.
Damage detection: Pressure washing lifts away several layers of dirt and old paint. If the material beneath is rotten or insect-damaged, the problem will become visible, allowing you to replace materials before repainting.
How to Do Pressure Washing Properly
If you want to attempt pressure washing your home’s exterior yourself, consider the following:
Most house exteriors consist of wood, fiber cement, and vinyl. PSI settings should not exceed 2,500 because it may damage these surfaces. Wood and vinyl, in particular, should not be subject to pressures higher than 1,000 to 1,500 PSI.
Ideally, you should use mild cleaning solutions to loosen stubborn dirt and eliminate mold or mildew growth. Remember to rinse thoroughly.
When pressure washing, hold the nozzle about 12 inches from the surface that needs cleaning. Rinse top to bottom to prevent streaking.
Pressure wash surfaces in cooler temperatures and low humidity. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fast drying and streaks.
Why You Should Consider Professional Pressure Washing Services
It is always best to consider professional pressure washing services because:
Your house is cleaned with commercial-grade pressure washers.
Trained technicians know the proper PSI and techniques.
Professional technicians also know how to perform EPA-compliant containment.
Most professional pressure washing companies include a pre-coat inspection and minor repairs in their services.
If you want flawless exterior painting, a professional crew can deliver superior cleaning and pre-paint inspections to ensure a smooth finish and lasting results.
Anderson Painting’s Comprehensive Approach
Anderson Painting’s licensed experts offer high-quality pressure washing and unmatched exterior house painting services.
Whether you want to clean and paint your family home in Raleigh or a commercial property in Wilmington, Anderson Painting will deliver.
If you’re ready to transform your property, contact Anderson Painting today for a quote and let us prepare and paint your exterior for lasting curb appeal.
