Your home should make you smile when you see it. It is your safe place. But our Lake Stevens weather can be tough on houses. The rain and damp air can make paint peel and fade.
I have been painting homes here for over twenty years. I have seen what works and what does not. Our team at MGR Painting wants to share some simple tips with you. This guide makes exterior painting Lake Stevens WA a much easier job. You can protect your home and make it look beautiful.
Why Good Paint Matters for Your Lake Stevens Home
Think of paint as a raincoat for your house. It does more than just add color. It is a vital shield that keeps your home safe and dry.
Lake Stevens gets about 42 inches of rain each year. All that water can find its way into wood and siding. This can cause rot and other big problems. A quality paint job stops that moisture in its tracks. It is your home’s first line of defense.
A fresh coat of paint also makes your home look great. It adds a lot of curb appeal. We see it all the time. A nice paint job can make an old house look new again. It is a smart way to protect your biggest investment.
Your Guide to Exterior Painting Lake Stevens WA: The 5 Prep Steps
A great paint job is all about the prep work. It is the most important part. I tell my team that about 80% of our work happens before a can of paint is even opened.
These five steps create the perfect surface for paint. When you do the prep right, your new paint will last for years. It is the secret to a professional look.
Step 1: Clean Every Surface
Paint needs a clean surface to stick to. Dirt, dust, and mildew will make it fail quickly. You must wash your home’s exterior walls first.
A pressure washer on a low setting works well. You can also use a simple scrub brush with soap and water. Rinse all the soap off. Then let your house dry for at least a full day.
Step 2: Repair Damaged Areas
Now look closely at your siding and trim. Do you see any cracks or soft spots? You must fix these areas before you paint.
Use a good wood filler for small cracks. If a piece of wood is badly rotted, it is best to replace it. Paint can hide some flaws, but it cannot fix real damage. A solid surface is key.
Step 3: Scrape Away Old Paint
Look for any old paint that is peeling or bubbling. All of it must come off. A paint scraper or a wire brush will do the job.
The goal is to remove anything that is loose. After you scrape, sand the edges of the old paint. This will make them smooth. Your new coat of paint will blend in and look much better.
Step 4: Caulk Gaps and Cracks
Small gaps around windows and doors can let in a lot of water. Sealing them is a very important step. Use a high-quality exterior caulk.
Fill in all the cracks you can find. This simple step protects your home from moisture. It also gives your paint job a clean, finished look.
Step 5: Prime the Surface
Primer is a special base coat. It helps your paint stick better and last longer. It is a key part of any pro exterior painting Lake Stevens WA job.
Always apply one coat of a good exterior primer. It covers up old stains and bare wood. It also helps your final color look even and true. Never skip this step.
Choosing the Best Paint for Our Climate
Our wet weather demands the right kind of paint. I always tell homeowners to use a 100% acrylic latex paint. It is the best choice for our area.
This type of paint is very durable. It can stretch a little as your house settles. This helps it resist cracking and peeling. It is also great at fighting off mildew. For expert help with painting Lake Stevens, our team can guide you to the perfect product. A great paint job starts with great paint.
Get a Perfect Finish Every Time
A new coat of paint is a wonderful thing. It protects your home from the weather. It also gives you a home you can be proud of.
Following these simple tips will help you get great results. A beautiful and long-lasting exterior painting Lake Stevens WA project is something you can achieve. For a perfect finish without the hard work, call our team at MGR Painting LLC. We are always happy to give you a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time of year for exterior painting Lake Stevens WA?
A: Paint your home in the dry season. This is from late spring to early fall. The temperature should stay above 50°F. This includes at night.
Q: What is the first step for fixing old, peeling paint?
A: First, you must scrape off all loose paint. This creates a smooth, solid surface. New paint needs a clean surface to stick to.
Q: What is the best house paint for the wet Lake Stevens climate?
A: Use a 100% acrylic latex paint. This kind of paint is best for our wet climate. It is durable and fights mildew. It also flexes to stop cracks.
Q: Why is good prep work so vital for a paint job?
A: Good prep work is very important for a paint job. It helps the new paint stick to the wall. This makes your paint last for many years.
Q: How does professional exterior painting Lake Stevens WA protect my home’s value?
A: A pro paint job protects your home from rain. It also boosts its curb appeal. This is a very smart investment for your home.