The Role of Pressure Washing in Preparing Your Home for a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is an important factor affecting your home’s overall curb appeal. However, before you begin to paint your home for renovation, you must first pressure wash it. First impressions are important for a home, and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior can provide a positive impression for potential buyers. Below, we’ll learn more about the role pressure washing can play in preparing your home for a new paint job. 

Is pressure washing crucial?

You should wash your house before you paint, as a clean exterior means the pain will last longer, and you won’t experience more problems in the future. However, when you paint on a dirty exterior, the paint’s lifespan is often reduced. Since exterior house painting is time-consuming and expensive, you should get the job done right the first time. Additionally, cleaning the exterior of your home can increase the lifespan of the paint, so it is worth the effort, money, and time. 

Hand washing or pressure washing

Hand washing can be effective if you have the energy and time to do so meticulously and manually. Unfortunately, it is very time-consuming to wash the exterior of a home by hand. If you cannot be bothered with hand washing, it is best to opt for pressure washing as it will do a quality job and not take up much of your time. This is a much easier and more practical method for the average homeowner. 

When to paint after pressure washing your home

Pressure washing is an excellent way of keeping your home’s exterior new and clean. However, there are right and wrong times to paint after you use a pressure machine in your home. Let’s explore some factors to note when you choose to paint after pressure washing your home’s exterior.

• Ensure you wait for the surface to dry. That does not take more than 30 days and is essential because when you paint over a wet surface, the paint will not stick properly and eventually peel off. 
• If you use a chemical cleaner, ensure you rinse the surface thoroughly before you paint. 
• Ensure the temperature is right. Too cold a temperature can make the paint take longer to dry, and it might crack. When it is too hot, the paint begins to blister. 
• Paint on a calm day, as high winds may cause the paint to peel or dry unevenly. 
• Check the surface for damages such as holes or cracks. If you find any, repair them before you begin to paint. 

Should you hire a professional? 

There are various personal pressure washers available for sale by homeowners. This has made it easy for any person to use a pressure washer in their home. However, while you have the option of doing it yourself, it might not be the best one. Below are some common problems that arise when you opt for DIY pressure washing before a paint job. 

• As a novice, it is easy to cause damage to the exterior of your home when you use the wrong cleaning product, pressure level, or nozzle. You might even mistakenly pressure wash a surface that is unable to take a high-pressure level. Using the wrong amount of pressure can increase the chances of damaging the exterior surface. It’s important to allow a professional who can use the right amount of pressure to handle the task. This way, you can be rest assured that nothing will be damaged during the pressure washing process. 
• Pressure washers can be dangerous, and a miscalculation of distance can leave you with serious injuries. 
• Causing damage to your home’s exterior often results in you spending additional money on repairs. 
• Many homeowners cannot accurately estimate the right time to paint after pressure washing. Professionals know the right time to give a surface before applying a paint job. You may be tempted to use Google for answers, but this isn’t the best option. Every siding has its timing for drying and how you wash can be an important factor in the amount of time needed for it to completely dry.
  

Opting for a professional pressure washing service provides peace of mind. These services have the right tools and equipment to properly clean the surface you intend to paint.

Endnote

Pressure washing your home before you embark on a painting job is crucial. It allows the paint job to look excellent and offers a clean canvas to work on. If you intend to paint the exterior of your home, then it is crucial to begin with pressure washing.