Why Power-Washing Your Home Before Painting It Is Important

Power-washing your home before painting is one of the best things you can do to preserve your investment.

Power-washing is important for two distinct reasons.

First, it removes any dirt, grime or other substances from your home. This is important because a clean surface allows your new paint to adhere to your home better, meaning your overall paint quality will be better and last longer over time.

Second, it will also be more resistant to rain, snow and heat, meaning it will give your home stronger protection from the elements.

A professional painter knows how important power-washing is. That’s why you’ll always find the best names in the business caring just as much about the prep work – including power-washing – as they do the actual painting process.

Is power-washing really necessary?

When a homeowner decides to save money and paint themselves, they usually look at it from the cost of paint alone. A power-washer is expensive; which is why a great majority of homeowners simply skip the process. Yet this one simple step can in some cases add years to your paint job.

Can I use a garden hose instead?

Instead of power-washing it, some homeowners will pull out the garden hose and attempt to do the job on a budget. But is it truly the same thing?

Power-washing puts the emphasis on power. You can’t get the same kind of force from a garden hose that you can from a power-washer. Yes, a garden hose may get off little bits of dirt and other stuff clinging to your home. But it won’t be able to take off the dirt and grime that has been cemented into the paint and wood after months and years of harsh weather.

Can I use a power-washer if I’ve never done it before?

Yes, anyone can rent a power-washer from a garden supply store. But beware that power-washers do have a lot of power. Depending on the machine you rent and the tip you use, power-washing has the ability to etch and erode concrete. So imagine what it can do to a human or animal, composite decking, or the wood or vinyl siding on your home.