Exterior Painting Preparation Tips
Having your home's exterior painted by professionals saves you a lot of hard work, but it doesn't mean that there is nothing for you to do. Your goal is to make sure the exterior of the house is ready for the painters when they arrive so they can get to work doing the best job possible. The following tips can help.
#1: Trim your bushes
Bushes and plants are the main issues when it comes to painting a home's exterior. A painter can't simply push them out of the way, since the bush will spring back afterward and scratch the fresh paint. Instead, take the time to trim back all bushes, trees, grasses, and flowering plants so there is a generous space between them and your home's walls. Make sure you rake up all the trimmings afterward so they don't blow up against the wet paint if a breeze picks up.
#2: Clear the pathways
Before the painters arrive make sure that all pathways around the house are clear. Move outdoor furniture and children's toys away from the home and off of any sidewalks or thoroughfares. Branches and debris should also be picked up. Mow a day before the painters arrive so there are no loose grass clippings. If a painter drops a tool, they can find it much more quickly in short grass.
#3: Prep a staging area
Your painters will need a place to set up their gear. For exterior painting, this is generally on a driveway, patio, or other large flat surface. Clear off any furniture or items that could get in the way. The painters will generally cover the ground to protect it, but you may want to make sure. Otherwise, you can cover the concrete with a large tarp or dropcloth to prevent paint damage.
#4: Anticipate challenges
Walk around your property with an eye for any challenges or problems that could arise. For example, you will want to make sure the sprinkler system is turned off so the painters don't get soaked. Or, perhaps you need to call and cancel your weekly lawn mowing contractor until after the house is painted. Another thing to consider is whether you will be available the entire time they are painting. If not, you should leave windows and doors unlocked so the painters can open them when painting the frames.
For more help or advice on how to prep for exterior painting, contact a painting contractor in your area.
