04-09-2007, 06:17 PM
I do this when when a painter friend needs help on a crew (and we're in Cape May at the beach). Your difficulty's a common problem. and preparation's key.
You know about starting at the top and working down, outside edges to center.
Pressure wash only if damage/mildew's really severe (pressure washing if not done correctly damages the surface - then you're replacing wood/structure). 50/50 warm water and bleach. Otherwise, hand scrub w/ scrubbing brush on a handle. Rinse w/ plain water from a hose (or pressure washer if you've gone that route). Let dry thoroughly before continuing (2-3 days depending on conditions) You must get all the mildew or it will return quicker than if you hadn't (you'll lose at least 3 years) and the surface must be dry before you continue.
Scrape to get all loose paint free. We use flexible putty knives - rigid for large or stubborn areas - but a scraper's good if you're adept.
Sand all surfaces w/ medium grit paper - palm sander's ok; sanding block by windows - and feather edge where bare wood meets good paint (light touch here - ah, gentle).
2 coats of primer. Kilz is ok, but there are other, more expensive products available. Ask the paint store guy in your area. We roll large areas (thickest nap roller you can lift filled w/ paint; we use 3/4"), and finish edges w/ 3" brush (opposite process from sanding). Lightly hand sand between coats.
1-2 coats of finish. You can get away w/ one if the preparation's been done right and you're putting on a good amount of paint w/ each application. We usually put on 2 coats of finish anyway. Using a very light grit, hand sand - more like barely scratch - the surface between coats of finish - no palm sanders here.
If you use good products and your situations like ours, your finished job'll last about 6-9 years depending on the severity of the weather, the patience you take w/ the preparation and whether you finished w/ one or two coats of color..
It's not a quick job, but it's not micro-surgery either. Patience, good tools, good products and you can do it (you can also save a bundle). Serenity now.
Good luck.
You know about starting at the top and working down, outside edges to center.
Pressure wash only if damage/mildew's really severe (pressure washing if not done correctly damages the surface - then you're replacing wood/structure). 50/50 warm water and bleach. Otherwise, hand scrub w/ scrubbing brush on a handle. Rinse w/ plain water from a hose (or pressure washer if you've gone that route). Let dry thoroughly before continuing (2-3 days depending on conditions) You must get all the mildew or it will return quicker than if you hadn't (you'll lose at least 3 years) and the surface must be dry before you continue.
Scrape to get all loose paint free. We use flexible putty knives - rigid for large or stubborn areas - but a scraper's good if you're adept.
Sand all surfaces w/ medium grit paper - palm sander's ok; sanding block by windows - and feather edge where bare wood meets good paint (light touch here - ah, gentle).
2 coats of primer. Kilz is ok, but there are other, more expensive products available. Ask the paint store guy in your area. We roll large areas (thickest nap roller you can lift filled w/ paint; we use 3/4"), and finish edges w/ 3" brush (opposite process from sanding). Lightly hand sand between coats.
1-2 coats of finish. You can get away w/ one if the preparation's been done right and you're putting on a good amount of paint w/ each application. We usually put on 2 coats of finish anyway. Using a very light grit, hand sand - more like barely scratch - the surface between coats of finish - no palm sanders here.
If you use good products and your situations like ours, your finished job'll last about 6-9 years depending on the severity of the weather, the patience you take w/ the preparation and whether you finished w/ one or two coats of color..
It's not a quick job, but it's not micro-surgery either. Patience, good tools, good products and you can do it (you can also save a bundle). Serenity now.
Good luck.