Preparing Your Home's Vinyl Siding For Repainting
If you have vinyl siding that's looking worn or dated, a fresh coat of paint may be a good alternative to replacement. Before your painting contractor arrives, there are a few steps you'll want to take first to prepare the siding and your home for this task. Here are some tips you can use to get ready for repainting your home's siding.
Replace Any Damaged Sections
If you notice that you have a few small damaged sections of vinyl siding, repair or replace them prior to painting. For small cracks or chips, you can use a vinyl siding repair kit to make minor repairs. You can find one of these kits at your local home improvement store. If you have a section of siding that's become warped or damaged, you can remove that section and replace it with a new piece. If you have leftover materials from when your siding was first installed, you can cut a section to create a patch for the damaged area. Otherwise, you can purchase a single length of siding at a home improvement store. Keep the rest of the length of siding in your garage or storage shed in case you need to make additional repairs in the future.
Clean The Siding
You can use a pressure washer to clean the siding, or you can scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush and a cleaning solution. You'll want to make sure that any mold, mildew, or layers of dirt are removed so your painter has a fresh, clean surface to paint. Be sure to do this task a few days before your painter is scheduled to arrive, as this will provide ample time for the vinyl to finish drying. If possible, clean the siding on a warm, sunny day to aid in the drying process.
Purchase Extra Paint
It's a good idea to purchase at least a small amount of extra paint when gathering the supplies for your project. Having this extra paint on hand will come in handy should you need to patch or repair the siding later, as you'll already have the perfect color match ready for the siding patch. If your contractor is providing the supplies, ask them to bring a quart of extra paint you can keep in your garage or tool shed.
It's also a good idea to clean your yard and the area directly around your home before your painter arrives. Remove any items that might block ladders or scaffolding, and avoid watering the grass directly next to the home right before your painting appointment. This will help to ensure the ground is firm and stable for ladders. To learn more, contact a company like NORTHWEST PERFORMANCE PAINTING.
