How Do Painting Work Contractors Prepare the Surface for Painting?

The painting contractors don’t start the work immediately after reaching the site. They prepare walls and other surfaces for painting so that the result looks good. The preparation depends on the condition of the walls. If the condition of the walls is very poor, preparing it takes more time than less-damaged walls.

When the time for commercial painting contractor services is defined, the preparation time is also considered. So, it’s important that you understand what contractors do for preparation.

Surface inspection

A painting contractor looks at areas of imperfections, primarily around windows, gutters, downspouts, and other areas where the chances of water contact with the surface are high. Also, contractors look for pest damage, which includes rodents, birds, or insects.

The initial inspection ensures that the surfaces have got the necessary attention and the problems are fixed before the painting job begins.

Items and surfaces' protection

Preparation includes protecting all surfaces, even if they aren’t going to be painted, of the commercial property. The contractors either remove or cover those items or surfaces, both interior and exterior.

For example, they cover shrubs or bushes using a protective tarp or plastic located near the exterior surfaces and cover carpets, desks, and chairs that are near interior painting surfaces. Sometimes, they remove the fixtures or use painter’s tape on hardware, windows, or outlet boxes.

Surface cleaning

A lot of grime or other depositions are found on walls, especially exterior walls. Sometimes, these grimes are highly stubborn, and they need proper cleaning for seamless paint application. Contractors prefer pressure washing for removing grime and strong depositions.

If surfaces are sensitive, contractors prefer gentle but effective cleaning methods, such as a soapy cloth or a soft-bristled scrub brush. As the effect of detergent varies with the grime types, contractors know what and where to use it.

Scraping to remove exterior paint peeling

Surface scraping is required to remove all peeling paint and other debris from surfaces. If paint chips are left behind, they are equivalent to leaving dirt on the surface. If there is dirt on the surface, the new paint will not adhere to the old paint.

Contractors use a strong blade in their scrapers and replace them as frequently as possible. A sharp blade efficiently removes the paint and other types of debris. Sometimes, they use a striking cap for stubborn areas.

Caulking and crack repairing

For quality results, painting over holes and cracks isn’t recommended. As cracks are common in various areas of commercial buildings, painting contractors prefer caulking for them. They dig out old caulking and put in a new caulk.

Sometimes, they use a variety of fillers for preparing holes and cracks. They are allowed to dry and sand down until the surface is flat, making the paint look uniform and professional.

Priming the surface

To let new paint last longer and look attractive, the painting work contractors prime the surface. They use different types of primer based on the surface and color of the paint that’s going to cover it.

A coat or two of primer that is sanded after drying is considered the final step in the preparation process. The use of primer lets the paint adhere to the surface and extends its life.

Bottom Line

If you are planning to hire a professional painting contractor, make sure your walls are prepared for painting. If not, then connect with contractors who successfully take up the preparation job before the actual job.

At Michael Grant Painting, we first prepare the walls and then paint them using your chosen paint colors. So, contact us today.

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