Best Practices for Painting Old Houses

Repainting an older home takes more forethought than grabbing a bucket of paint and brushing away.

Old houses have their charm, but the magic spell can easily break when the walls begin to peel and show other signs of aging. A well-maintained exterior can undeniably shave decades off a building. However, repainting an older home takes more forethought than grabbing a bucket of paint and brushing away.

Here’s what to keep in mind when repainting old houses:

Cleaning the walls

Preparing the surface is critical for a successful paint job, and the first step is removing any dirt accumulated throughout the years. Using a pressure washer is productive, but only experienced individuals should choose this option. A pressure washer is a potent tool that can even cause damage when mishandled. Call professional help or stick to a trusty scrub brush and your hose to clean the surface.

Smoothing the surface

Once the walls have been cleaned, the next step is smoothing their surface so the paint can stick evenly. Next, depending on their condition, scraping or sanding the walls may be necessary. However, one must take several precautions before disturbing the existing layer of paint. First, the paint must be tested for lead if the home was built before 1978. Ask professionals about the best course of action if it contains this dangerous substance. Then, if the paint is safe to remove, you can proceed to cover the surrounding area and start scraping and sanding the walls.

Filling the gaps

Old walls tend to have cracks and holes that should be fixed before moving forward with the paint job. Sometimes, these flaws only become visible after scraping the old paint. Use a flexible quick-dry filler for minor imperfections. Larger cracks and areas of rot will require more attention.

Providing the right base

Once the surface is ready, the last step before painting can commence is providing a base coat for the paint to stick. While using a primer is not always mandatory, it smooths patches and helps improve the look of damaged walls. Therefore, old exteriors will benefit from this step. Finally, after the primer has dried, caulk the joints, and the house is ready for the paint.

Breathe new life into an old home

A fresh coat of paint will rejuvenate an old house and create a well-maintained impression. But, while it may seem easier to start painting right away, it’s a recipe for disaster. The steps described above are demanding but crucial for a paint job to last.

Tackling a home’s exterior is challenging—and borderline dangerous—for someone with little experience. Professional painters are better equipped to deal with prep-intensive old houses. Know when to call in outside help and bring in the pros!

M & B Painting, a Father-Son family-run business, has a proven record of Service Excellence in residential and commercial interior and exterior paint projects. Call us at 623-289-3366 for all of your painting needs!