When it comes to exterior painting, there are quite a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. Beyond the obvious things like picking the right color, preparing the site, and coordinating cleanup afterward, one other crucial part of the process is the removal of the existing paint. In fact, you cannot expect your project to go well if you neglect this crucial step! Here’s why it’s a necessary part of any exterior painting process, along with a few appropriate ways to carry it out.
Why Should I Remove My Old Paint?
It might seem like an extra step that’s ultimately pointless, but removing existing exterior paint before adding a new coat will serve your new paint well. Here are the three main reasons why:
- New paint adheres more effectively to clean, bare surfaces. If you paint over old, peeling, or uneven paint, your new paint won’t settle properly as it dries, leading to premature cracking and peeling.
- Multiple layers of paint can create a thick, uneven surface, which makes it almost impossible to achieve a clean and polished look – which is usually why you’re painting in the first place. Removing the old paint first eliminates this possibility.
- By removing the old paint, you’re given a clear look at the underlying surface, which means you’ll be able to thoroughly assess it for damage. Chips, cracks, areas of moisture and rot, or even filthy spots can all compromise the paint as it’s applied. These types of damage will need to be repaired before you paint.
How Can I Remove Older Exterior Paint?
There are several different methods for removing paint:
- Thermal methods are excellent for removing multiple layers of paint, especially if the paint in question is peeling, cracking, or alligatoring. The process is simple; you heat the paint until it bubbles and then begin scrapping it away, moving the heat source to the next area as you work.
- Abrasive removal, which relies on sanding, shaving, and scraping the paint is one of the most commonly used methods and arguably the safest. While it’s not great for entire paint removal, it works best for prepping spotty areas. This method is also considerably more cost-effective.
- Chemical paint strippers rely on active ingredients that penetrate the paint film and cause it to swell, releasing it from the substrate. Chemical stripping can be messy and a safety concern, so while it can be effective, it’s normally not recommended in favor of thermal or scraping/sanding methods.
If you’re unsure about which method best suits your project, you shouldn’t hesitate to speak with a team of professionals for guidance – not to mention, they can guarantee that your results exceed all expectations!
About Platinum Painting of Arlington
Here at Platinum Painting of Arlington, we’ve assisted countless homeowners across the DFW metroplex with a wide variety of interior and exterior painting projects, and we’d love to help you next! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please feel free to visit us online or call us today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (817) 983-7280.