How To Avoid Peeling Paint On Your Home Exterior in Boston, MA

One of the most common issues homeowners face with their exteriors is paint peeling.

This tends to be an eyesore, and when left unattended, can lead to more severe structural damage that goes beyond the fix a painting project can provide.

So, if you’re looking to avoid this dilemma in your upcoming exterior painting project, you should check this out!

Here’s How To Avoid Peeling Paint On Your Home Exterior.

1. Don’t Forget Surface Preparation

To avoid peeling paint on your home exterior, you should not forget to do proper surface preparation beforehand.

Peeling paint often stems from a lack of surface preparation; dirt, dust, grime, grease, and any other related substances affect your paint’s adhesion, resulting in peeling later on.

And since you’re painting your exterior, which is constantly exposed to these substances, the need for proper surface preparation is even more evident.

To do this, you’ll want to first clean your exterior using a brush and a detergent, or a pressure washer for more stubborn stains.

Then, you’ll also want to sand the surface – this promotes better adhesion for your paint! – and repair any physical damages present on the surface, for a smooth and even surface to paint on.

2. Primer and Paint

If you don’t already know, primer and paint always go hand in hand in any painting project – skipping one of these will inevitably result in paint problems such as peeling.

People commonly make the mistake of skipping primer application and going right into paint application, but this is exactly the kind of mistake that leads you right into the problem you’re trying to avoid in the first place.

Additionally, it is also important to remember that every painting project entails a specific kind of paint – which, in this case, you’ll want to get paint suited for exterior painting.

Lastly, while it can be tempting to invest in cheap paint materials, it is also important to remember that the low price of these materials is enabled by their low-quality materials and formulation.

Using these will then inevitably lead to early paint problems such as peeling, requiring early and frequent touch-ups and revisits, and eventually costing you more than if you’d just invested in quality paint in the first place.

3. Ensure Optimal Weather Conditions

Painting under the right weather conditions is crucial for preventing peeling paint.

Extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight can all impact the paint’s adhesion and drying process.

Here are some factors to think about:

1. Temperature: The ideal temperature range for exterior painting is typically between 50°F and 85°F (10°C to 30°C). Avoid painting on extremely hot or cold days, as these conditions can affect the paint’s ability to cure properly.
2. Humidity: High humidity can slow the drying process and affect paint adhesion. Aim for humidity levels between 40% and 70%. If you live in a humid climate, consider using paints specifically formulated for high humidity.
3. Sunlight: Avoid painting in direct sunlight, as it can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to poor adhesion and potential peeling. Paint in the shade or during times when the sun is not directly hitting the surface, such as early morning or late afternoon.

4. Employ Proper Application Techniques

Lastly, your painting application techniques matter more than you think, especially in avoiding future paint issues such as paint peeling.

Painting your exterior goes more than just beyond brushing and applying the paint; there are certain techniques you must apply to ensure great results.

While there are a lot of other techniques to know, here’s a great start:

1. Brushes and Rollers: Use high-quality brushes and rollers specifically designed for exterior use. These tools ensure better coverage and minimize the chances of streaks and uneven application.
2. Spraying: If using a paint sprayer, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper setup and application. Sprayers can provide a smooth, even finish but require careful handling.
3. Multiple Coats: It is recommended to apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat, to prevent drips, runs, and uneven drying, ensuring a smoother and more durable finish.
4. Overlap: When applying paint, slightly overlap each stroke to ensure full coverage and prevent missed spots, which can lead to peeling.

We are Total Pro Painters. As a successful, family-run business we’ve been providing commercial and residential painting services in the Boston area since 2010.

For painting inquiries, you can contact us at 774-509-0345 or send us an email at info@totalpropainters.com.

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