PaintPreparationTips

Chicago Exterior Painting Prep Tips

1. Weather Watch: Mother Nature can be a cruel mistress when it comes to exterior painting. Try to choose a time to paint when there is little chance of rain, high winds or extreme temperatures. If she doesn’t play nice, just remember – in Chicago, the weather can change in a heartbeat!

2. Protect the Land: We’re painters, not gardeners! Cover your plants, flowers, and lawn with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint drips and spills. Consider it their personal invisibility cloak against unwanted paint colors!

3. Clean the Canvas: Picture your house as an artist’s canvas – it needs to be clean for the masterpiece to come! Pressure wash the exterior to remove any dirt, grime, and loose paint. Watch out, pigeons!

4. Smooth the Surface: Chicago homes, like Chicago hot dogs, come with a lot of extras. Repair cracks, holes, and flaky patches on the exterior surfaces. It’s like Botox for your house – smoothing out those little imperfections for a more youthful appearance.

5. Prime Time: Using a primer will make your paint adhere better and last longer, and it’s especially important on repaired or stained surfaces. Think of it as the undergarments of the painting world – not always necessary, but when you need them, you REALLY need them.

6. Mask the Details: Use painter’s tape to protect areas like window and door frames, light fixtures, and trim from the paint’s unintended splatters. You wouldn’t want your house to look like it was hit by a passing paintball fight!

7. Ladder Safety: Always position your ladder on solid, level ground and don’t overreach when you’re up there. This isn’t the circus, and we don’t recommend high-wire acts!

8. Paint Application: Paint from top to bottom, allowing gravity to help prevent drips. This isn’t just for a more uniform finish – it also stops any ambitious paint drips from staging a coup and taking over your siding.

9. Dry and Recoat: Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before deciding if you need a second coat. We know waiting is the hardest part, but trust us, the final result is worth the patience!

That’s it, folks! With these tips in mind, you’ll be painting like a pro in no time. And remember, if you ever feel like painting is a chore, A Clean Look is here to lighten the load. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let us lend a hand and give your exterior painting project the professional touch it deserves.