Exterior winter painting is tricky. It’s easy to make simple mistakes that can lead to flaking, bubbling, cracking, and other paint issues, requiring you to start over. One of the most essential parts of the process is the prep that lays the foundation for the rest. Here are a few invaluable exterior painting winter prep tips for homeowners that will make everything go much easier.

Choose the Right Day

Prep needs to be done on a day where the weather isn’t too cold or extreme. You’ll want a day when it’s easy to work with the medium you’re painting, when the weather won’t create conditions that keep you from getting anything done, and when humidity or dew isn’t going to get in the way. The conditions might not be perfect all the time, but you must choose a day with the right weather for your paint job. Selecting any other day might seem convenient, but it will cost you.

Clean and Ensure the Surface Is Ready To Be Painted

A big part of the prep is cleaning and preparing the surface you’re working with. At the most basic level, you’ll want to make sure the exterior is clean and not wet. Wiping down any moisture that may be built up on the sides will prevent paint from bubbling or cracking. Even if you’re working during the best part of the day, you should still check to make sure the exterior of your home isn’t wet.

Then consider whether anything needs to be done to your home’s exterior to ensure the paint adheres and looks good. For example, some siding may still have loose or flaking paint, imperfections that could create problems once painted over, and significant issues like cracks. Whether you need to sand, power wash, caulk, or repair entire sections of siding, always take care of this prep step first. Doing any less will lead to an exterior that looks less than its best.

Select the Right Paints

If you haven’t begun shopping for paints yet, now’s the time to do your research. There are paints designed for colder weather, making them suitable for exterior painting. You can also choose oil-based primers or paints, which are better suited for cold weather.

Prepping surfaces, selecting the right paints, and choosing the right weather set the stage for a seamless exterior paint job. But, even so, you might want a professional to do it to prevent the risk of making mistakes. Reach out to Top Coat Painting in Fort Wayne, IN, for your exterior painting needs.