|
John Sez:
Time For A Little Preventive Maintenance
Even if you painted just last year, we recommend you take an annual walk around the house looking for any areas where water has gotten behind your paint. If it has, the paint will begin show signs of peeling. Look closely at windowsills and the ends of boards, as these areas are more likely to absorb water.
If you do see evidence of peeling you should scrape off all the loose, flaking paint until you get to paint that is properly adhering. I have every paint scraper that has been made, which I keep in a separate box. When it is my time to inspect the house, I take that box with me. I keep changing scrapers, as different areas often require different tools to allow me to properly remove the loose paint. I also have a couple of types of wire brushes to help with this task.
After scraping off the loose paint I spot prime the bare wood areas. Once the primer is dry I apply new caulk to block future water intrusion, followed by two coats of touch up paint.
By using this process, I seldom see a paint problem in the areas I repaired the previous year. Unfortunately, though, each year I am able to find a different area that needs attention. This system is an excellent way of significantly postponing an expensive, complete repaint of the entire house.
Hope this helps and call or e-mail me with any paint concerns you encounter.
Belcaro Paint & Decorating Center, Inc.
5475 Leetsdale Dr., Denver, CO 80246
303-757-5435
Belcaro Website
Email Us
|