Preparation is the key to any successful painting project. First, remove as many items as you can (planters, mailboxes, shutters, house numbers, hoses, outdoor furniture, and light fixtures).
Drop Cloths
Put drop cloths in place under the areas you plan to paint.
Smooth Surfaces
Make sure that all surfaces you plan to paint are smooth and free of cracks. Countersink any exposed nail heads, and spot prime areas as needed.
Putty and Caulking
Use putty to fill any nail head depressions, cracks, and imperfections on the surfaces to be painted. Where necessary, scrape away old caulk and apply new caulk and prime.
When working with bare wood, apply primer before you re-caulk.
Glossy Surfaces
For glossy or shiny surfaces, lightly sand for better adhesion. Sand any "mill glaze" off new siding, to ensure proper paint adhesion.
Salt
Wash under eaves to remove any salt that may have accumulated.
Dust, Dirt, and Mildew
Use a cloth or soft brush to clean off any dust and dirt from the surfaces to be painted. Remove chalk residue with a brush
or water, and be sure to remove any mildew.
Priming
On any exposed areas where paint has worn thin, peeled, or blistered, apply primer and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clean and prime your gutters and downspouts before painting. Because they are factory-coated, new aluminum gutters and downspouts should remain in good condition for several years.
For previously painted gutters and downspouts, remove any rust or peeling paint with a scraper or wire brush. Sand the edges smooth, from sound paint to bare spots.
Under eaves, wash protected areas with a garden hose, using a strong stream of water. After the surface of the eaves has dried, apply self-priming IronClad® Latex Low Lustre Metal & Wood Enamel.
When new, galvanized gutters and downspouts are coated with a fabricating oil that must be removed before painting. Use our Benjamin Moore M83 Oil & Grease Emulsifier to remove the oil, and prime with a latex product only.
For Special Surfaces, Special Steps
If your brick or masonry surface is streaked with a white powder or efflorescence, you can remove it with a wire brush and scraper. Take care to find and eliminate the cause of any efflorescence.
For newly constructed block and stucco surfaces, be sure to allow 30 to 60 days before you apply primer or topcoat.
