The Importance of Repairs Before Painting 

Painting season is upon us and professionals and DIYers are ready to spend time making homes and businesses look fresh and new with the transformative power of paint. 

Often the most dreaded part of any paint project is the lengthy time it takes to prep an exterior surface on an interior room for painting. The cleaning, scraping, repairing, filling of holes, and prepping of the surfaces can actually be one of the largest parts of any paint project. 

Here are some of the most common issues that need repair and why they should be accomplished prior to your paint project.

Why Repair First? 

It may seem like an obvious answer for anyone who maintains a home or business, but painting over blemishes, stains, holes, gouges, or even slightly rotting wood may be tempting, but it will end up costing you in the long run. 

Repairs to surfaces and wood should always be done prior to the first coat of primer being rolled or brushed on. No one wants to discover that the stain is showing through a few weeks later or that the paint won’t properly adhere to the rotting wood beneath. 

Doing it right the first time will ensure that your paint project will last a long time and look attractive when it is completed. 

Common Repairs 

There are several common repairs that painters come upon as they prep either exterior or interior surfaces. 

Finding the Root of Water Stains 

Ceilings are the typical spot to find water stains in most homes and businesses. They could be caused by a leaky pipe, roof, or something else entirely. The important thing about these stains is to find out what is causing them and repair them before you paint. Otherwise, you may end up with the stain right back on your wall or ceiling. 

Once a plumber has explored and fixed the root cause of the water stain, it should be safe to clean up the stain, use stain covering primer and get to work on your final coat of paint in the color of your choosing. 

Filling Nail Holes 

Artwork, family photos, wall clocks, and window treatments fixtures are usually hung with screws or nails that damage the walls. As you prep your walls for priming and painting you could come across many of these holes. 

It is important to fill them in unless you like to see nail holes after you spent all that time painting. Even if you plan on putting frames and decor back in the same spot, it is best to fill the holes with putty, sand the wall and give it a fresh smooth look. 

Repairing Rotten Wood

This issue is usually only found when painting the exterior of a home or business. Rain, winter precipitation, and humidity can take a toll on exterior wood shingles. It is important that when cleaning and prepping the exterior prior to priming and painting, any rotten wood be replaced. Otherwise, the paint will not adhere properly and the home’s structure will not be secure. Rotting wood can lead to further water damage and an extension of mold or mildew problems on the exterior of the home. 

Remove Peeling and Blistering Paint 

It’s fairly common in New England to have peeling paint after several years due to the winter elements and summer heat. Make sure to scrape any peeling or blistering paint and then sand the area to alleviate further damage. Then a fresh coat of primer and paint can help make the surface look like new again! 

Talk to our team about a free estimate on repairing and painting the surfaces of your home. 

Categorised in: Exterior painting, Jerry Enos