Spring exterior painting is the perfect opportunity to refresh your home’s curb appeal in Lenexa, KS. If you’re thinking about tackling exterior house painting this spring, there are a few key steps to prepare your home before the painters show up. The right prep work can make a big difference in how your home looks once the job is done—and can even help extend the life of the paint job. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do to make sure your project goes off without a hitch.
Key Takeaways
7 Preps Before You Hire a Painter
1. Start with a Clean Slate: Power Washing Before Painting
One of the first and most important steps in exterior painting prep is cleaning your home’s surfaces. If you’re asking, “Should I pressure wash before painting?”—the answer is yes! Power washing helps to remove dirt, mildew, and any leftover chalky residue from old paint. This cleaning step ensures that the new coat of paint will stick properly and create a smooth, durable finish. You don’t want any debris standing between your new paint and your siding.
While you can pressure wash your house yourself, it’s often a good idea to hire professionals, especially if your home has high or tricky-to-reach spots. Professional exterior painters have the right equipment and know-how to get the job done safely and effectively.
2. Inspect the Exterior: Check for Damage and Repair Needs
Before you even think about slapping on that first coat of paint, take a walk around your house and inspect the condition of your siding, trim, and other exterior elements. This is one of the spring painting preparation steps that shouldn’t be rushed. Look for areas of peeling paint, cracks in the trim, or any areas where water might have caused damage. If you find any issues, now is the time to get them fixed.
Caulking exterior walls where needed and repairing wood trim are important to prevent water from seeping behind the paint in the future. As for siding, if you find any areas that are warped or cracked, it’s best to replace those sections to avoid future issues. These repairs should be completed before you apply any new paint, as they’ll make sure the paint adheres properly and stays in place for years to come.
3. How to Prepare Siding for Spring Exterior Paint
Siding prep is key in any exterior house painting project, and it’s particularly important during spring. Sanding before painting may be necessary if you have rough, uneven spots on your home’s siding. Sanding helps smooth out imperfections and gives the paint something solid to grip onto.
When prepping wood siding, make sure to scrape off any peeling paint and sand the edges to ensure the new coat of paint bonds well. This is especially important if you’re using oil-based paints, as they need to adhere properly to the surface.
Exterior paint prep tips for siding are all about patience—don’t rush the sanding or cleaning. The more effort you put into the prep work, the better the outcome will be.
4. The Best Time to Paint Your House in Spring
Is spring a good time to paint your house? Absolutely! In fact, spring exterior painting is perfect because the weather is typically mild, which is ideal for paint application. But, how warm should it be to paint a house in spring? Most experts agree that temperatures between 50°F and 85°F are best for painting—anything colder or hotter than that can affect how the paint dries and adheres to the surface.
Take the time to check the weather forecast for a couple of days of mild, dry conditions. This way, you can avoid delays and make sure your paint job is completed to perfection. The best exterior paint for spring weather is one that can handle temperature fluctuations, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality, weather-resistant paint for the long haul.
5. Protecting Plants and Landscaping During Exterior House Painting
Painting the exterior of your home is bound to get messy, and your plants are at risk. How to protect plants during spring painting is something many homeowners overlook, but it’s crucial. If you have flower beds or bushes near the house, cover them with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. This keeps paint from splattering on your greenery and ensures that your landscaping remains intact.
In some cases, you might need to temporarily relocate plants or outdoor furniture to avoid paint splatter. Taking this step helps keep your garden looking as beautiful as it was before the project began.
6. Caulking and Sealing Gaps
One of the most overlooked steps in spring house painting is caulking exterior walls. If there are any gaps between your trim, windows, or doors, now is the time to fill them with a high-quality exterior caulk. This step isn’t just for aesthetics—it helps keep moisture out, improves energy efficiency, and ensures that your paint job lasts longer.
Look for caulk that’s designed for exterior use and works well in varying temperatures. Remember, filling these gaps is a small effort that pays off big in terms of the quality and durability of your paint job.
7. Get Your Home Ready: Exterior Painting Checklist
Before the paint goes on, make sure everything on your exterior painting checklist is covered. It’s easy to forget little things when you’re excited about the new look, but details matter. A quick list to check before your painters arrive:
By following this exterior house painting prep checklist, you’ll be setting up your home for a successful painting project that’ll leave it looking refreshed and well-maintained.
Why Choose Sharper Impressions Kansas City for Your Spring Exterior Painting?
When it comes to exterior house painting in Lenexa, KS, Sharper Impressions Kansas City is the team you can trust. With years of experience in residential painting services, our team understands the importance of spring painting prep. From power washing to final touches, we take care of every step to make sure your home gets the makeover it deserves.
Whether you need help with siding preparation, caulking, or simply need advice on the best time to paint house in spring, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today for a FREE estimate.
Get Ready for Your Best Paint Job Yet
Spring is the ideal time to give your home a fresh new look, but it all starts with proper preparation. By following these simple steps, you’ll set your home up for success, and your paint job will shine throughout the season. When you’re ready to get started, Sharper Impressions Kansas City is here to help with expert guidance and professional exterior painters that know the ins and outs of spring exterior painting.
For a FREE estimate, call us today at 816-451-2404. We serve Lenexa, Overland Park, Shawnee, and surrounding areas. Let’s bring your vision to life!
