A house is not bricks and cement. It is a home for
memories, laughter, and comfort. The external walls are
exposed to the scorching sun, heavy rains, and dust
daily. With time, they lose their sheen and begin to
appear dull and old.
Exterior painting is like breathing fresh air into the
house. But don't forget that good painting is not all
about colour. The key is in how well you prepare the
walls for painting.
Without proper preparation, even the most costly paint
would not last. It could peel, crack, or fade within
months. But done properly, a new coat of paint can make
your home strong and stunning for years.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Home for Exterior
Painting
You need to follow the steps as mentioned below for your
home exterior painting:
1. Inspect Every Wall with Care
Walk slowly around the house. Examine the walls, corners,
and joints closely. Ask yourself the following:
- Are there cracks?
- Is the old paint peeling?
- Is there green algae or black fungus on the
surface?
- Do you see damp patches or signs of water damage?
Consider this step similar to examining an ill patient
before treatment. You cannot repair what you have not
observed. A talented painter will never forget this
inspection.
2. Clean the Walls As Washing Away Years of Dust
Walls collect dust, pollution, and dirt daily. With time,
there is an accumulation that prevents paint from
adhering properly. In coastal regions, there can also be
salt deposits.
- A water spray under high pressure is ideal for
cleaning.
- If nothing else, use a brush and soapy water to
scrub the walls.
- For fungus or algae, use a wire brush and a
cleaning solution.
Cleaning isn't cosmetic. It provides the paint with a
healthy, fresh surface to hold onto.
3. Fix Cracks and Broken Plaster
Wall cracks are like wounds. If neglected, rainwater
penetrates and aggravates the situation.
- Small cracks: Seal with an
available exterior crack filler.
- Large cracks or broken plaster:
Scrape out loose pieces, replaster using a
cement-sand mixture, and level out.
A smooth wall provides a smooth paint job. Without
fixing, even the finest paint job will appear bumpy.
4. Cure Dampness Before It Consumes the Wall
Dampness is quiet but harmful. It undermines the wall and
ruins the paint from within. You can observe bubbles,
flakes, or white powdery patches. These are indications
of water damage.
- Identify where the water is leaking in. It could
be from leaky pipes, rooflines, or open joints.
- Seal them tightly.
- Apply a waterproof sealant before painting.
If you paint wet walls, the damage will recur within
months.
5. Strip Old, Loose Paint
Painting over flaking paint is like covering dirty skin
with a new cloth. It won't last.
- Scrape off all loose layers using a scraper, wire
brush, or sandpaper.
- Sand the edges to smooth into the surface.
This step makes the new paint stick and remain
fresh-looking for years to come.
6. Use the Right Primer
Primer is like the wall and paint handshake, as it makes
them join forces.
- Always use an exterior-grade primer.
- Apply it evenly and allow it to dry fully before
applying the first coat of paint.
Skipping primer can save some time, but reduce the
paint's life.
7. Shield Windows, Doors, and Plants
Cover grills, windows, and doors with old cloth or
plastic sheets before painting. Pull plants back from
the walls or cover them as well. This prevents dust and
splashes from damaging them.
8. Select the Right Season
Outside painting is preferably done in dry weather. Avoid
monsoon seasons or scorching heat. In most of India,
winter or early summer works perfectly. Paints dry
faster and stay longer in mediocre weather.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Exterior Painting
Most believe that painting is all about colour. They
hasten to begin without giving importance to essential
steps. These mistakes end up costing time as well as
money.
- 1. Skipping Cleaning:
Grease and dust cause paint to peel rapidly. It is
like cooking without proper vegetable washing. It
spoils the end dish.
- 2. Overlooking Repairs:
Wiping away cracks and patches of dampness is a must
first. Paint won't be able to cover them; instead,
they get more prominent.
- 3. Painting on Wet Walls:Wetness
causes paint to bubble and peel off. Always allow
the wall to dry thoroughly.
- 4. Using the Wrong Primer or
None:The wrong primer will make the
paint wear off quicker. Not using it at all is
better.
- 5. Not Scraping Off Loose Old
Paint:If you don't remove loose,
flaking paint, the new coat will flake right off,
too.
- 6. Painting in the Incorrect
Season:Painting in rain or heavy
humidity can spoil the finish.
Steering clear of these blunders makes your paint job
last for years rather than months.
Factors to Keep in Mind While Hiring Home Exterior
Painting Services
Are you wondering “how to choose the best exterior house
painters in my area”? Hiring the proper painting service
is as critical as selecting the paint itself. The wrong
decision can ruin your dream and turn it into
disappointment.
1. Experience and Skill
Professional painters know how the Indian climate
affects walls. They understand the ideal way of doing
various surfaces, from cement plaster to textured
finishes.
2. Knowledge of Products
A quality painter will walk you through how to pick the
proper paint and primer for the climate in your area.
For example, if you live by the sea, you'll require
paint that is salt and moisture-resistant.
3. Good Preparation Process
Ask them: Do they clean, fix, and prime first, then
paint? If they reply with a no or sound uncertain, seek
another one.
4. Tools and Safety Measures
Exterior painting also requires work at heights. They
should have ladders, scaffolding, and safety belts. They
should also cover your doors, windows, and plants.
5. Completion on Time without Hurrying
Work should be completed within the committed time. But
they should not hurry so fast that they leave out
preparation.
6. Guarantee on Work
A warranty is provided by a service that is confident in
the quality of its work. This provides you with peace of
mind.
Why Choose Us at 123 Home Paints for Your Exteriors
Exterior painting is an investment. As one of the
leading house painting
companies, we treat your house like our own at
123 Home Paints.
- We inspect, clean, fix, and prime before painting
every time.
- We employ high-quality products for Indian
climatic conditions.
- Our painters are trained and adhere to safety
guidelines.
- We complete on schedule without compromising.
- We offer long-term results and a satisfaction
guarantee.
You receive more than colour with us. You receive
protection, beauty, and peace of mind.
The
Start Shapes the Finish
A stunning home begins with attentive planning. Clean
walls, fixed cracks, proper primer, and the proper time
of year are what set it apart. Ignoring these measures
will only end in disappointment.
Do you wish your house to be picture-perfect and remain
protected for years? Go for a professional paints
company in Kolkata that cares as much about preparation
as painting. Call 123 Home Paints today, and we'll
provide your house with the love it deserves.
FAQs
Q1: How long will exterior paint last once well
prepared?
A. It can last 5–7 years, even in the Indian climate, if
done correctly.
Q2: Can I paint in winter?
A. Yes. Winter is one of the best seasons to paint in
most regions of India.
Q3: Is primer absolutely necessary?
A. Absolutely. It enhances adhesion, richness of colour
and paint life.
Q4: Can professional painting services repair
wall cracks before painting?
A. Yes. A quality painting service will repair cracks
and dampness before beginning.