Pressure Wash: Why Do It Before Painting

Man pressure washing the roof of a garage

Residential pressure washing, also known as power washing, is essential for getting your house ready for exterior painting.

Your house is more than just four corners of wood and cement. It’s your home. The outside of your house should be as inviting and clean as the inside. You can refresh your exterior with new paint if it looks dingy or neglected.

When doing this, it is vital to have a blank slate. Although you would love to paint right away, perform pressure washing first before picking up a paintbrush. It’s like being an artist with a clean canvas. Discover why you should pressure wash house first.

Power Washing a House: Do You Have to Do It?

Although you might think your house’s exterior is clean enough, it is a mistake not to clean the exterior of your house. This step is crucial in the exterior paint process.

If your home hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned, paint won’t stay on the walls for long. Professional power washing will ensure dirt is removed and will remove any chalking, mildew, or paint that you may not see.

House Power Washing vs. Hand Washing

Hand cleaning your house can work if you have the patience and time to do it properly and carefully. Handwashing your house with soap, water, and brushes can yield the best results.

You can pressure wash if you are unable to do a hand wash. This method is more accessible and more practical for average homeowners. Although you can buy a pressure washing machine for personal use, hiring a professional to handle the job is better.

Benefits of Professional Pressure Washing

When it comes to painting your house, professional house painters can be a great help. Here are reasons you should hire experts to power wash house:

1. Powerful Clean

Your garden hose won’t suffice to pressure wash your exterior home. A pressure washer can do more than a regular hose. Power washing hoses can be 50 times more powerful than regular hoses.

These high-pressure systems allow for thorough cleaning of your house siding, preparing it for smooth paint jobs.

2. Access to Correct Equipment

You don’t likely have a pressure washer on hand. Renting one is an option, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. You would have to find one, pick it up, learn how to use it, and return it on the agreed-upon date.

On the other hand, professional house painters have all the necessary equipment and are familiar with it. With experts, power washing a house is hassle-free.

3. Long-lasting Results

Exterior house painting takes time and money, so make sure you do the job right the first go. Water pressure cleaning could potentially double the life expectancy of your paint. If your exterior is clean, the paint will last for 7-10 years or longer.

4. Avoid Damage to Surfaces

You can use pressure washers at various pressures. You will need to know which setting to use for your home’s material. Otherwise, it could cause or make chips or scratches worse.

Professional painters are skilled in selecting the correct pressure to pressure wash house. They will ensure that your surfaces shine without any damage.

Things to Mind When Using a Power Washer

Pressure washing aims to clean the surface, not strip away the old paint. While most pressure washers can take off paint easily, it’s best to use a scraper, sander, or heat gun to do the job.

Because of these two instances, pressure wash sometimes has a negative reputation:

1. Injecting

Avoid spraying siding at low angles. Instead, spray perpendicularly or slightly downward. High pressure can push water up between the siding boards and soak any insulation or sheathing within the walls.

Be aware of other openings such as heating exhaust, crawl spaces, cracks around doors and windows, and air vents when you power wash house.

2. Etching

Pressure washers can penetrate through brick and concrete when the pressure is intense. Imagine what this could do for cedar, vinyl, and fiber-cement siding. If you stand far enough away to aim your sprayer at the siding, you can avoid this inadvertent damage.

The PSI rating will determine how far away you should be from the surface. Also, use a fan spray nozzle and not a stream one. A stream nozzle has a needle-sharp jet that can tear into the siding.

Steps to Take Before Pressure Washing Your Home

Getting a spotless exterior takes some preparation and knowledge, but the rewards are well worth it. Here’s how to get started if you’re looking to pressure wash your home:

1. Protect Plants, Doors, and Windows.

Avoid leaks by covering shrubbery, plants, doors, and windows with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Secure the covers with duct tape.

2. Focus on the Major Debris.

Use the pressure sprayer to rinse the siding using plain water. This step requires a low-pressure sprayer and a broad spray angle.

You want to eliminate as much visible debris as possible: leaves, insect nests, and most dirt. Leave it to dry.

3. Clean areas with mildew using a bleach solution.

Mix one part bleach and ten parts water to treat siding areas stained by mildew. Apply the solution to the affected areas. You can also use a garden sprayer to apply it.

Avoid spraying onto shrubs or other landscape plants. The bleach will kill mildew without the need for any scrubbing.

4. Use a cleaning solution for a more seamless result.

This step should be completed when the siding is not exposed to direct sunlight or strong winds.

You will need to fill your pressure washer with a cleaning solution. Then pressure wash the siding with the water-solution mix, starting from the bottom. You will find the correct setting instructions in your pressure washer manual.

5. Rinse the surface and let it dry.

Allow the solution to work for approximately 10 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water. Leave everything to dry for 48 hours before you paint or until the wood surface is 100% dry.

Choose Jeff Schultz Painting

If you’re looking for house painters in Sarasota, FL, call our team of experts.

Compare the difference in a pressure wash house before and after. We have the tools, equipment, and skills to produce quality results. Elevate the vibe of your home by investing in professional residential painting services.

At Jeff Schultz Painting, your new house paint will look like something out of a magazine. We can’t wait to serve you!

Jeff Schultz

Jeff Schultz

Jeff Schultz is a skilled painting contractor with more than 35 years of experience. Since 1988, he's been offering top-notch painting services for homes and businesses in Sarasota, Bradenton, and along the Gulf Coast. Jeff knows how to choose the right paint for the area's weather, making sure the paint job lasts. His team can paint many different types of buildings, like high-rises, offices, churches, and more, without causing much disruption. Jeff's goal is to give the best painting service around, with great customer care, reliable work, and excellent results.

About Me

Jeff Schultz Painting is a full-service painting company that specializes in commercial and residential projects.
Jeff is a professional interior and exterior painting contractor with over 35 years of experience.

Recent Posts

Angies list

Jeff Schultz Painting Earns 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Contact Infomation

Check Jeff's Finished Projects

Jeff Schultz personally takes care of all customers with high-quality services personalized for their unique needs. We are available to take your order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our staff members are professional, courteous and efficient.

Testimonials

Angi Logo
Previous slide
Next slide