hastings on hudson ny prep house painting Exterior siding & trim

/ EXTERIOR HOUSE PAINTING POUND RIDGE NY / By

Prep exterior House Painting siding & trim sanding

Prep Exterior Sading & Prime

Step 1: 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 to Dan Lawson of Medallion Paint, “Ninety-five percent of good painting is having a good surface.”westchesterpainters.net

If you are repainting an existing home, inspect the exterior walls and trim for chipping, peeling, mildew and other imperfections. Kill off mildew by applying a chlorine bleach solution with a garden sprayer. Then pressure-clean the entire exterior to remove dirt and old paint that has come loose.TESTIMONIALS

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)

  • Cleaners: Restore-A-Deck, Armstrong-Clark, DEFY
  • Brighteners: Oxalic acid-based
  • Finishes: Penetrating oil, semi-transparent cedar tone

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