If you’re gearing up to repaint the outside of your home, you might be wondering whether you need to strip all the existing paint first or if you can simply paint right over it. Generally speaking, there are certain circumstances where skipping this step will cost you far more in the long run! However, understanding when complete paint stripping is required and what to expect can help you set realistic expectations for your exterior painting project. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do I Need to Remove Older Exterior Paint?
There are a few key reasons why it’s usually best to remove older exterior paint before adding a new coat, including:
- Peeling, Flaking, or Alligatoring Paint — If the paint on your home is extensively peeling, flaking off in sheets, or has developed a cracked “alligatoring” texture across large areas, the old paint has essentially failed. Applying new paint on top of a failing foundation means your new coat will fail just as quickly.
- Too Many Built-Up Layers — Every coat of paint adds thickness, and exterior surfaces can only hold so much before problems begin. When paint has been applied repeatedly over many decades, the buildup can cause operational issues with windows and doors, obscure architectural details, and ultimately collapse under the weight of one more coat.
- Underlying Surface Damage — Removing old paint gives painters a clear view of the surface beneath, making it possible to identify and repair damage that would otherwise be hidden, like wood rot, moisture intrusion, cracks, or other structural concerns. These issues must be addressed before any new paint is applied.
- Lead Paint Concerns — Homes built during the ‘70s and prior may contain lead-based paint, which is a known health hazard. In these cases, removing all the paint from affected surfaces should be carried out by professionals following strict safety guidelines.
What’s the Best Method for Removing Exterior Paint?
To remove older exterior paint, there are a few different effective methods. The first, and most common, is the scraping method, which involves using special tools to sand, shave, and scrape away smaller areas. Thermal methods can also be used, which rely on heating tools used to heat the paint until it begins bubbling before it’s then scraped away. Chemical paint strippers can also be used, but these require additional safety measures and are normally not recommended for DIY projects.
If this sounds like something you don’t want to do yourself, don’t hesitate to contact a team of pros! Not only will they safely and correctly remove all exterior paint—they’ll ensure the new coat looks excellent and exceeds all of your expectations!
About Platinum Painting of Flower Mound
Our team here at Platinum Painting of Flower Mound has served homeowners all across the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering a wide range of interior and exterior painting services for commercial and residential projects. If you’re getting ready for a new exterior painting project but feeling overwhelmed when it comes to the process, including removing old paint, let our talented team handle it all! If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule a FREE in-home estimate, just visit us online or call today for more information. Telephone: (214) 304-7133.