How To Prepare Exterior Trim For Painting

Start by scrubbing off all dirt and chalking paint with a scrub brush and a solution of trisodium phosphate TSP.

How to prepare exterior trim for painting. How to Patch Trim for Painting Step 1. The key to a long-lasting paint job is to prepare the woodwork so its clean and gloss free. When working outside it is best to work out of direct sunlight and in temperatures between 50º-90º F with moderate humidity.

Make sure that you cover any additional hardware on the door with a two-inch blue painters tape at least to ensure that theres no splattering on it later on. Another key step preparing trim for paint is priming. How do you prepare exterior door trim for painting.

Allow the primer to dry for 24 to 48 hours next apply two coats of exterior paint. Staple a plastic tarp. Wash Surface Wash the surface of the trim with a TSP solution or a low-phosphate household cleaner.

How to Prep for Painting. Sanding and Scraping The real bulk of the work in exterior paint prep is surface prep. Use a long-handled scrubber brush and a mild detergent to gently scrub away accumulated dirt grime mold and other residue.

There is no need to mask trim as giving it a body over-spray coat as well. This step is especially important if the door is exposed to weather. Begin your painting project by pouring thoroughly mixed paint into a bucket and dipping a quality 2-2½ wide nylonpolyester brush into the paint.

Well show you how to achieve a mar-free surface thatll hold paint for 10 years or longer. Whether youre repainting wood or painting wood. In this video This Old House host Kevin OConnor and painting contractor Rich ONeil show how to properly prepare a house for paint.