If only our exterior house paint was a little more like our skin! Scrapes would heal themselves, and peeling paint would just grow new layers! Unfortunately, peeling or cracking exterior paint will not fix itself, and if left untreated, the problem will only get worse. What should you do about it, then? How do you treat peeling exterior paint on Portland homes?
The worst thing you can do is just to paint over it. This is worse than doing nothing, because the older paint will continue to fail underneath the new layer, and the eventual work of fixing it properly will be even more complicated.
Solutions for Peeling Exterior Paint
If exterior paint is peeling, flaking, or has significant cracking, it needs to be removed before it can be painted over. This is usually done by manually scraping the surfaces using a wide bladed tool, or using a power sander. In some cases, a pressure washer can also be used in conjunction with these other tools.
Health and Safety Caution: Many older homes in and around Portland contain lead in the paint. Any time you work with lead paint, breathing protection is essential. Even if there is no lead paint on the home, it is good to wear breathing protection whenever you are sanding or scraping the exterior surfaces.
When Do You Need Exterior Primer?
When you are applying new exterior paint to a home, primer is not always necessary, but it is very often helpful. If you have removed failing paint, there is probably some exposed substrate, such as wood, metal or masonry. These surfaces must be primed before the new exterior paint is used, or the fresh layers will not adhere like they should.
Primer is also needed if you are making a significant change in the color of your home exterior, or if other conditions make proper adhesion more difficult.
Is It Time for Pressure Washing?
Any time you perform exterior house painting, it is important to begin by washing the surface. This ensures that the new paint will be able to properly cure and stick to the house. It also removes any surface dirt or contaminants that would show through the new paint. Pressure washing is a task that requires skill and experience, otherwise injury or property damage is likely to occur.
Sundeleaf Painting
Since 1930, owners of fine homes in the Portland area have trusted Sundeleaf Painting for exterior painting services. Our craftsmanship is unbeatable, and our customer service is attentive and individualized. In addition to exterior painting, we offer pressure washing, concrete cleaning, interior painting, wood refinishing, cabinet painting, and much more.
For your free exterior house painting estimate, contact our office today, or use our online estimate request form. We look forward to hearing from you!
