How Much Preparation Do You Need To Do Before a Painter Arrives?

If this is your first time hiring a professional contractor for exterior painting, it’s normal to have some questions. One of the most frequent questions is how much prep work homeowners need to do before the painter arrives. Is covering plants your responsibility or do painters take care of it? This guide can let you know what to expect.

Do You Need To Do Anything Before Exterior Painting?

There are a few things you can do to make the painting process easier and avoid any accidents:

• Watch the weather: You can’t predict the weather, and neither can painters. However, you can try to schedule exterior painting when the chance of rain is less. Partly cloudy days are the best.
• Move outdoor furniture away from the house: Painters cover furniture, plants and deck areas with plastic to avoid paint splatter, but it’s easier to work in an area that’s free of obstacles. If possible, move chairs and other outdoor furniture away from the area to be painted.
• Schedule exterior painting before fall hits: Cold weather is bad for painting. It affects paint quality and causes a lot of problems when temps drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Do Professional Painters Prepare Your Home?

Prepping for painting involves first giving your home exterior a thorough cleaning, often using a pressure washer. Cracks and damaged areas of trim are repaired. Seams are caulked. Sanding may be needed for good adherence. All of this happens before the first coat of primer is applied.

For the most part, painting professionals take care of all the heavy lifting when it comes to exterior painting. In fact, a big reason why people choose to have a professional paint their house — aside from the exceptional results — is because it’s so convenient. People with a busy schedule can have an attractive, beautiful home without having to lift a finger.