How to Prepare Your Boulder Home for Exterior Painting

Getting a house painted requires more than just showing up with a brush and a bucket. Homeowners in Boulder know that intense sun and sudden weather shifts test the limits of any coating applied to their siding. When residents call Jacobsen Brothers Painting, the first thing we discuss is not the color but the condition of the exterior walls. Finding reliable exterior painting contractors means finding a crew that prioritizes the groundwork before opening a single can.

Applying new coats over dirt, flaking layers, or raw wood guarantees a failure within a couple of seasons. The secret to a finish that lasts for years lies entirely in the prep work done before the application begins. A thorough assessment reveals hidden moisture damage and dictates exactly what scraping and priming steps are necessary. We focus heavily on these initial stages to ensure the final product actually sticks and protects the property.

What you will find below:

● Lead paint safety: Handling older Boulder homes correctly.

● Surface cleaning: Removing dirt and chalking for a strong bond.

● Scraping and sanding: Leveling out the old layers.

● Shielding non-painted areas: Protecting landscaping and hardscaping.

● Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating Lead Paint in Older Homes

A major step for older properties involves identifying hazardous materials before any sanding begins. Check for lead paint first using tests from paint stores. If lead is detected, call a professional to remove or encapsulate it as lead paint is hazardous. Lead paint, banned in the US in 1978, can still be found in homes built before then and becomes dangerous when deteriorating or disturbed. If the current paint is well bonded and not peeling or cracking, you can safely paint over it.

Proper Cleaning and Scraping Techniques

People often ask us how they should prepare their homes for painting. Proper preparation is key to a successful paint job, including surface cleaning, sanding, priming, and protecting furniture or landscaping. Without thorough preparation like cleaning surfaces, using primer, filling cracks, and shielding non-painted areas, you risk peeling paint, messy spills, and damaged landscaping.

We take this preparation phase very seriously because it dictates the entire outcome of the project. Customers appreciate when a crew handles the messy details with care and precision.

► Client Experience: "Not only do the walls and ceilings look great, but the job was completed within a day by a very efficient, professional and personable crew. This is a business you can trust."

That level of trust comes directly from showing up on time and doing the unglamorous prep work properly.

Addressing Wood Damage Before Painting

Preparing an exterior often uncovers rotting trim or damaged siding boards that need attention. Addressing these issues with proper carpentry repairs ensures the new coating seals out water effectively. If decks or fences are involved in the project, our stain and wood services help strip away grayed fibers to prepare those surfaces for a fresh protective seal. Applying caulking to every seam and crack blocks wind and moisture from getting behind the siding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does all the old paint need to come off?

Only loose and flaking sections require removal to create a sound edge. Intact sections provide a good base as long as they are clean and scuff sanded.

What happens to the bushes around the house?

Drop cloths and plastic sheeting keep plants and concrete safe from drips. Tying back branches prevents leaves from brushing against wet walls during the drying phase.

Securing Your Exterior Finish

A solid foundation of scraping and priming keeps weather out and color intact for the long haul. Give our team a call to schedule an inspection of your current siding and trim.