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As with all painting projects, the key to success is
preparation. Your first step is to clean everything
thoroughly with a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) or
a good phosphate-free substitute. This removes dirt and
grime that would keep new paint from adhering.
You can rinse everything afterwards using your garden
hose, but don't blast it. Too powerful of a jet could
force water between the seams of your siding.
Once everything is clean and dry, you'll need to patch any
holes, and caulk joints with a top-quality exterior latex
caulk – be sure to get a caulk that is paintable. |
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 Trim or tie
back any bushes and limbs that will get in your way. Cover
nearby plants with drop cloths or tarps. Turn off any air
conditioning units and cover them with plastic and tape as
needed. |
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 Remove any
shutters and close the storm windows. Inspect your siding
and trim carefully, looking for holes and cracks, then
make the necessary repairs. You should fill holes and
damaged areas with some wood filler, let it dry, then sand
it smooth. |
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 You'll want
to reglaze windows if the old putty is cracked or
shrunken. You can remove the old putty with a chisel or
stiff putty knife, but be careful not to break the glass.
Apply the new glazing compound as needed, pressing it in
place with a putty knife. |
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 Use a brush
or broom to scrub the siding and the trim with a solution
of trisodium phosphate or a phosphate-free substitute. You
can rent a pressure washer that makes fast work of this
job, but be careful not to force water into any cracks
between the siding. Be sure to wear gloves and other
protective gear when using cleaners and chemicals. |
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 Rinse the
entire house with a garden hose until the runoff water is
clear. If you used TSP to clean the house, rinse twice to
ensure the solution is completely gone. Let the siding and
trim dry completely, usually 2 days, before painting. |
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 Use a power
sander to remove any remaining paint scraped areas. A
sander will cut through the paint in a hurry, so be
careful not to damage the siding. |
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RELATED PROJECTS
Exterior Painting
Techniques
Painting Exterior
Windows
Painting Soffits and
Fascia
Painting Jambs, Casings,
and Trim
Using Chemical Strippers
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