Exterior Painting with CertaPro Painters of Portland – FAQ’s (Part 2)

We’re back with another batch of frequently asked questions about Exterior Painting!

This article focuses on the process of properly preparing your home to be painted. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people are asking about preparing for exterior painting in Portland.

 Prep & Process

5. How do you prepare the house before painting?

Great question! Prep is THE MOST important part of the process! Our Gold Standard Preparation Process is detailed in our written proposal. During your estimate appointment, we’ll also talk through that process with you.

6. Do you power wash first?

A clean surface is critical to a successful and long lasting paint job! We always clean the surface before applying any coatings. Depending on the substrate being painted, we will power wash or soft wash to remove all dirt and debris. We also use products to remove moss where needed.

7. Will you scrape and sand peeling paint?

All loose material must be removed from the surface before painting. If it’s not, the new paint will simply not adhere to your home and failure will occur quickly with flaking, bubbling, or peeling of the new paint and the old. We are an EPA Lead Certified contractor, and make sure to follow the EPA guidelines for working with lead based paint on any home constructed before 1978.

8. Do you repair wood rot or damaged siding?

Yes! We can handle a wide range of carpentry needs from replacing fascia boards and window trim to siding of any kind. Our customers love the ease of being able to hire one contractor to address needed repairs and painting.

9. Do you caulk gaps and seal cracks?

One of the primary purposes of an exterior painting project is to protect the significant investment you have in your home. Caulking is an important part of that process to prevent water from getting where it shouldn’t. With certain types of siding, it’s just as important to know where NOT to caulk as it is to know where to caulk. Many types of wood siding used in the Pacific Northwest need to be allowed to expand and contract naturally. During the estimate, we will assess the condition of the caulking around your home and when onsite, our crews will remove any cracked or failing caulking and re-caulk. Working with a contractor who understands different siding types and how to properly prepare each one for painting will help maintain your home’s appearance and value.

10. How do you protect landscaping and windows?

Any surface that will not be painted and is at risk of being dripped on or getting overspray on it will be protected. We use plastic, liquid masking, paper, tape, drop cloths, and landscaping fabric as appropriate for your project. During the estimate and also scheduling, we will discuss the work you will need to do before the paint crew arrives. We can recommend reliable companies to help with many tasks such as roofing and landscaping. Any landscaping that is touching your home should be trimmed away before your home is painted. It’s also just a good practice to keep trees and shrubs away from the surfaces of your home. They can scrape and damage the paint and also trap moisture against the surface. If you have small shrubs that are planted close to the home, we will gently pull them back to access the surface to be painted. If you have trellises mounted to your home, we will address how to best deal with those during the estimate.

While preparation is key to a successful and long-lasting paint job, the details of every project are unique. Contact CertaPro Painters of Portland today and schedule your free estimate!