As you may know, MTS is based in Mesa, Arizona. We are blessed to live in a beautiful desert. But that beauty comes with the challenge of going a month or more without a drop of rain. Everything gets coated with a layer of dust, including the exterior walls of your house. Whether you are planning on painting your house yourself, or if you’re planning on hiring a professional painter, pressure washing the house is a necessary first step. If you receive a painting estimate that list pressure washing as an optional upgrade, toss it in the trash where it belongs. Pressure washing is not an option.
Clean, Dry, Dull and Solid is essential prep for any paint job.
Pressure washing a house before painting offers several advantages, especially in the hot climate of Phoenix. Let’s dive into the benefits:
- Enhanced Paint Adhesion:
- Pressure washing removes dirt, grime, and pollutants from the exterior surface, creating a clean canvas for paint.
- Without a contaminant film in between, adhesion will ensure that the paint adheres well and lasts longer, preventing issues like peeling or chipping.
- Clearing Chalking and Residue:
- Aging paint often leaves a chalky residue on walls. Pressure washing clears off this chalking, ensuring an adherable surface for the new primer or paint application.
- If the surface has extreme chalkiness, a special pressure washer with larger volume and higher pressure is needed, along with scrubbing, followed by a second washing session.
- Pressure washing can also be used to prep the loose surfaces and remove much of the flaking or chipping paint or substrates, which will provide the beginning of a solid surface for the patching or primer coatings.
- Special pressure washing tips may be needed to remove stubborn peeling paint.
- Pressure washing can also remove heavier mold and mildew growth, but it should still be eradicated before and after using the proper EPA approved chemicals.
- Identifying Underlying Damage:
- Pressure washing reveals hidden damage, such as cracks, mildew, or wood rot.
- Addressing these issues before painting ensures a more durable and attractive result.
- Improved Curb Appeal:
- A freshly pressure-washed exterior instantly enhances your home’s appearance.
- Clean walls serve as a better backdrop for the new paint, making your house stand out in the neighborhood.
- Long-Term Savings:
- Investing in pressure washing upfront can save you money in the long run.
- Properly prepared surfaces lead to better paint longevity, reducing the need for frequent repainting.
- Maintenance Cleaning:
- Few homeowners and contractors know this, but most paint warranties require maintenance cleaning such as pressure washing.
- Lack of paint coating maintenance can void the warranty. (Although I’ve never heard of it being denied in my 45 years in the industry.)
Remember, quality prep work, including pressure washing, sets the foundation for a successful and lasting paint job. If you’re considering painting your home in Phoenix, prioritize this crucial step.
If you plan to hire a professional painting crew, they will bring a suitable pressure washer to the jobsite on the first day. But what if you are planning on painting the house yourself? Here’s what you should know. When choosing a pressure washer for house painting prep in the Valley of the Sun, consider the following factors:
- Pressure Level: opt for a pressure washer with adjustable pressure settings. For house exteriors, a pressure range of 1,500 to 2,500 PSI (pounds per square inch) is suitable.
- Water Flow Rate (GPM): Look for a model with a higher gallons-per-minute (GPM) flow rate. A GPM of 2.0 or more ensures efficient cleaning.
- Hot Water vs. Cold Water: Hot water pressure washers are effective for removing tough stains, but cold-water models work well for general cleaning. In Phoenix’s hot climate, a cold-water pressure washer will suffice.
- Accessories: Consider attachments like extension wands, and turbo nozzles. These enhance reach and efficiency.
- Consider a rental:A pressure wash is a handy tool to own, especially for the person who loves tools. But a one-day rental will save a lot of money over the cost of owning.
If you are planning on painting your home, but you’re not planning on doing it yourself. Give us a call. Our friendly and knowledgeable estimators can answer your questions and provide you with a free estimate. Ask them about pressure washing. Besides pressure washing the areas to be painted, we can also pressure wash siding, decorative stone, patios, walkways, and driveways.
