Patterson NY exterior interior house painting Stucco

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How to Paint the Exterior of a House, the steps of painting the exterior of a house, from prep work through the finishing touches.

Prep Your Surface

You may be tempted to get straight to the painting, but diligent prep work is critical to a professional-looking finish. According Paint, “Ninety-five percent of good painting is having a good surface.”

 Choose Quality Exterior Paint

A good exterior paint is 100 percent acrylic latex. The formula consists of three main components: TESTIMONIALS

 Pigments, which provide the color.
– Binders, which hold the pigment to the wall.
– Solvents, which make the paint spreadable. Today, most exterior paints are water-based.

As paint dries, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind only the pigments and binders. These are known as volume solids. Higher quality paints are generally higher in volume solids. They may also have better binders, which will hold the pigments in place longer. This improves durability.westchesterpainters.net

Natural Cedar Restoration (Deck, Siding, Fence)

Here’s a professional, step-by-step process to restore cedar and bring back its natural color while protecting the wood long-term.

1. Inspection & Prep

  • Check for rot, loose boards, popped nails, splinters
  • Replace damaged cedar before cleaning
  • Protect plants, windows, and nearby surfaces

2. Cleaning (Key Step)

Goal: Remove dirt, mildew, old stain, and gray oxidation

Best method

  • Use a cedar-safe wood cleaner or stripper (oxygenated or sodium percarbonate)
  • Apply with pump sprayer
  • Let dwell 10–15 minutes (don’t let it dry)
  • Light pressure wash
    • 500–800 PSI for siding
    • 800–1,000 PSI for decks
  • Always follow the wood grain

⚠️ Avoid high pressure — it will fuzz and scar cedar

3. Brightening (Restores Natural Color)

  • Apply a wood brightener (oxalic acid)
  • Neutralizes the cleaner
  • Restores warm cedar tone
  • Opens pores for better stain absorption
  • Rinse thoroughly

4. Drying Time

  • Let cedar dry 48–72 hours
  • Moisture content should be below 15%

5. Sanding (If Needed)

  • Light sanding for:
    • Fuzzy wood
    • Raised grain
    • Heavy weathering
  • Use 80–100 grit (don’t over-sand)

6. Natural Finish Protection

For a true natural look, use:

  • Clear or Natural-tone penetrating oil
    • Semi-transparent cedar oil
    • UV inhibitors are a must

Application

  • Brush or stain pad (best control)
  • Back-brush for even penetration
  • One coat usually enough (follow manufacturer)

7. Maintenance Schedule

  • Clean yearly
  • Re-oil every 12–24 months
  • Avoid film-forming stains (they peel on cedar)

Best Products (Professional Grade)