Thinking about painting your house this summer? Exterior house painting is an investment, both in terms of time and money. To ensure you get a great finish and long-lasting results, the preparation phase is crucial. And did you know that properly cleaning your home's exterior before painting could potentially double the lifespan of your new paint job? It's a smart move that can save you money and hassle in the long run.
At The House & Building Wash Company, we know that a clean surface is key to achieving a durable, beautiful paint finish. A pre-paint wash is the essential first step in the process. This cleaning ensures that the surface is free from dirt, mould, mildew, grime, old peeling paint, and other contaminants that can interfere with paint adhesion. Without this important step, the paint may not adhere properly, which can lead to premature peeling and fading.
Why is a Pre-Paint Wash Important?
Prolongs the Life of the Paint: By thoroughly cleaning the exterior, you remove any barriers that could prevent the paint from sticking properly. This helps the new coat of paint bond securely to the surface, resulting in a longer-lasting finish. A good wash could potentially double the lifespan of your paint job.
Ensures a Smoother Finish: Cleaning the surface removes old peeling paint, dirt, and debris that could cause an uneven paint finish. A clean surface ensures the new paint goes on evenly, leaving you with a smoother, more polished look.
Protects Against Future Damage: Cleaning with anti-fungal and anti-mould solutions helps prevent future issues with mould, mildew, and fungi. This can be especially helpful in damp or shaded areas where these issues tend to develop.
How Do We Do It?
At The House & Building Wash Company, our pre-paint wash process combines the best elements of our standard soft washing technique with slightly higher pressure washing to prepare your exterior for paint. Here's how we do it:
Salt-based cleaning solution: This solution kills mould and fungi spores, preventing them from returning once the house is painted. It also helps to stop the growth of green algae and black fungi, ensuring your home remains clean for longer.
Grease-cutting citrus solution: This special solution breaks down residue from traffic, barbecues, and other environmental factors, ensuring that grease and grime don't interfere with paint adhesion.
Neutral, eco-friendly detergent: This gently removes dirt, dust, and grime, ensuring the surface is as clean as possible.
After applying the cleaning solutions, we use medium to high-pressure water to thoroughly rinse the exterior. We also ensure that all glass surfaces are flushed with fresh water to remove any residue (although note that this is not the same as a full window cleaning).
While a pre-paint exterior wash is an essential part of the prep process, it does not eliminate the need for sanding the surface as sanding smooths rough surfaces, improves paint adhesion and removes any stubborn residue.
Ready to start your painting project? Get in touch with us today for a professional pre-paint exterior wash, and set your home up for a beautiful, long-lasting finish!
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