As Columbia, SC’s leading exterior house painting company, Despres Painting knows that the key to a successful paint job is all in the preparation. Whether you’re planning to do it yourself or hire professionals like us, proper preparation before getting started can make all the difference and ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when preparing for an exterior house painting project. From surface protection to paint selection and application – we’ve got it all covered!

Pre-Painting Preparation

The pre-painting preparation stage is essential for a successful paint job. To ensure the best finish, start by cleaning the exterior surfaces thoroughly with a pressure washer or soft brush. Be sure to remove any dirt, debris, or mold – this will help create an even base for your new coat of paint. After deep cleaning the surfaces, you’ll want to repair any damages such as cracks and holes to guarantee a smooth and seamless paint job. Finally, always allow the surfaces to dry fully before applying any paint. If you rush this step and begin painting too soon, you risk creating a patchy finish that won’t last nearly as long as it should.

To help your paint job last even longer, consider using primer before painting over newly repaired walls or those exposed to extreme weather conditions. Primer acts like glue on the wall’s surface allowing the new coat of paint to adhere better while also protecting from elements like sun damage or moisture buildup in humid climates. Additionally, primers are available in different forms enabling you to adjust coverage and sheen according to your needs. By taking these steps prior to painting, you can ensure a vibrant and long-lasting finish every time!

Surface Protection

At Despres Painting, we believe that surface protection is the key to a flawless and stress-free exterior house painting experience. It not only guards against potential damages and accidents but also protects each home’s unique features and landscaping. We take all the necessary precautions to maintain the beauty of your home’s surroundings and prevent any potential damage, ensuring a successful painting project.

As a part of our surface protection process, our skilled team covers plants, trees, and other features near the painting area with plastic or drop cloths, shielding them from any potential harm. This attention to detail allows us to paint your home with ease, knowing your cherished landscaping and outdoor elements are well-protected. 

Moreover, we take the time to mask off windows, doors, and other areas that won’t be painted, helping us avoid accidental paint splatters and ensuring clean lines for a professional finish. By prioritizing surface protection during your exterior house painting project, our team can confidently deliver a stunning, long-lasting paint job that enhances the overall charm and appeal of your home.

Paint Selection and Preparation

Painting your home involves more than just applying a coat of paint; it’s a crucial decision that demands careful thought and planning. At Despres Painting, we invest time in understanding our clients’ vision and guiding them in selecting the ideal paint that will stand the test of time.

  • Assessing exterior surface materials: We begin by evaluating the exterior surface, whether it be wood, brick, stucco, metal, or vinyl siding. The material dictates the type of paint required to ensure proper adhesion and protection against external factors like humidity, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations.

  • Choosing a paint finish: Clients must decide on their preferred finish—gloss, semi-gloss, satin, or flat/matte—taking into account durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal.

  • Environmentally friendly options: We also offer low or zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints to reduce indoor air pollution and create healthier living spaces.

Proper storage of the chosen paint is essential for maintaining its quality and prolonging its shelf life. It should be kept in a cool and dry place, away from extreme temperatures. Before application, our team members mix the paint thoroughly using a stirrer tool or a power drill with a mixer attachment to ensure even distribution of pigments and additives. We also recommend mixing the paint periodically throughout the painting process to maintain color consistency.

Pre-application testing: To guarantee color accuracy and compatibility with existing paint layers, we suggest using paint swatches or sample pots applied to small, inconspicuous areas of the home.

Color consultation: For further guidance on selecting colors that create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing combination, we provide free color consultations upon request!

Painting Application

Painting application is a vital step for achieving a pristine and long-lasting finish on any exterior house painting project. At Despres Painting, we understand this, and our team of skilled house painters takes every precaution to ensure that the paint is applied evenly, accurately, and precisely. Utilizing quality brushes, rollers, and sprayers, we apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick layer to reduce the risk of runs or drips. Additionally, we allow each coat to dry completely before moving forward with the next layer in order to ensure full adhesion and protect against weathering or moisture buildup.

To ensure that your home looks its best, we take extra measures to prime any bare wood or metal surfaces with a sealer or primer before applying fresh paint. This process ensures better adhesion between the surface and a new coat of paint for an even finish that will last!

Clean-Up and Final Touches

Our commitment to excellence goes beyond just applying paint. We value cleanliness and meticulous attention to detail in every painting project, ensuring no spill or splatter escapes our watchful eye. By skillfully removing masking tape and protective layers, coupled with a thorough final examination, we ascertain that our clients receive nothing short of a breathtaking and unblemished surface. 

We leave no stone unturned – inspecting every corner, perfecting each section until we achieve complete satisfaction and exceed our clients’ expectations. At Despres Painting, we don’t just paint; we create masterpieces.

Exterior House Painting Checklist & Free Estimate from Despres Painting

It’s essential to follow the exterior house painting checklist in order to ensure a successful project that yields stunning results and stands up against harsh weather conditions. At Despres Painting, we understand this and strive to provide superior service and quality workmanship with every paint job we undertake.

Whether you’re located in Columbia, SC or one of our other servicing areas such as Blythewood, Lexington, Forest Acres, or Irmo – contact us at 803-991-4774 for your free estimate! Our team is ready and waiting to help make your vision into reality. Let’s get started on transforming your home together!