As spring nears and thoughts turn to exterior maintenance and maybe a new color of paint or just a fresh coat to keep things in good shape, it is important to realize a new coat of paint is only as sound as the surface underneath. It is crucial for the old paint not to peel or flake to ensure a paint job that stands the test of time and weather. Here are a few common preparation steps taken by Ransom Brothers LLC on a daily basis that can help you with your project or even to choose the right contractor:
There are many different methods for stripping paint depending on the surface material. Sandblasting is a well-known way to remove paint from metal, concrete, and other hard surfaces. Always use caution or ask a professional about the types of material that are too fragile for sandblasting!
Pressure Washing:
Pressure washing is a great option for prepping home exteriors. Spraying water at high pressure, this is an excellent method for paint removal from wood, masonry, and concrete exteriors. Please be aware that high pressure water can be dangerous and can also be harmful to wood and other exterior materials if not done right so we always recommend calling your local professionals at Ransom Brothers LLC for all your pressure washing projects. If you choose to take on a pressure washing job yourself keep in mind a few tips: Keep the end of the spray wand moving at all times, if you stop in the middle of a pass, the water can leave a line or just plain tear up the surface. Also be careful to never aim the high pressure water at people or pets. Pressure washing is also a great option to clean up surfaces that don’t require paint, such as vinyl siding or composite decks. Ransom Brothers LLC has the experience and the ability to help with these projects as well.
Paint stripping:
There are times when a pressure washer may not be the answer. If your project is a deck or wood siding that you want to restore to natural wood or stain, paint stripping is the answer. Industrial paint strippers are made up of powerful chemicals so we never recommend these products for the average do it yourselfer, but if you choose to tackle a project like this please follow all the precautions from the manufacturer, they are for your safety, and we find that we even go beyond their safety measures when we use paint stripper! It is often necessary after the stripper has done its work to finish by scraping or pressure washing or both.
Scraping:
Every painter’s least favorite task, scraping is none the less one of the most important jobs before paint is applied. For newer houses scraping is often minimal, but there are very few jobs that have no scraping at all. A good scraping job can make the difference between a job lasting for years or only looking good for a matter of months. Ransom Brothers LLC doesn’t cut corners when it comes to scraping or any prep-task for that matter, so our customers can be assured of a top quality job that will last as long as possible.
Prep work often makes the difference in the final result of a paint job and yet it’s the one that is easy to skip over to save time. Don’t make the mistake of skipping prep this spring! The final job is always worth the extra time and effort! For help with any of your prep jobs this spring click the Contact Us link and we at Ransom Brothers LLC will be happy to give you a hand or just some friendly advice.
