How to Prepare Surfaces for Paint

Instructions

• 1

  For hard exterior surfaces use a pressure washer to clean the surface and dislodge any loose paint. Allow the area to dry before continuing any other preparation work.
• 2

  Use a paint scraper to remove any loose paint that was not removed during the pressure washing. Be careful not to damage the surface with overly aggressive scraping. Use a flat file to sharpen the edge occasionally to keep the scraper sharp.
• 3

  Remove loose paint in hard-to-reach areas with a detailed scraper.
• 4

  Using a palm sander with 80-grit sandpaper, smooth out rough surface areas and edges.
• 5

  Purchase or make your own blocks from fouls, wood scraps, garden hose or other household materials.  Use these sanding blocks with 80 to 120-grit sandpaper to remove paint and smooth ridges.
• 6

  Check surfaces closely for cracks, rock or other damage. Mark damaged areas with coloured pushpins or tape so you can find them when making the repairs.
• 7

  Use caulk, wood fillers or other appropriate materials to repair cracks, holes and other damage.
• 8

  Use of finishing Sander with 120-grit sandpaper to Sandown ridges and hard edges left from the scraping process, creating a smooth surface.
• 9

  Use a coarse abrasive pad or 150 great sandpaper disc golf sand glossy surfaces on doors, window casings and surfaces painted with enamel. This creates better bonding surfaces.
• 10

  Use paintable, silicone caulk for filling cracks in siding and gaps around windows and doors.