Homeowners depend on paint to both beautify and protect. If you have decided to put the power of paint to work for your home’s exterior firsthand, use these top exterior painting preparation steps to succeed.TESTIMONIALS
Clean:
If you are power washing your home with anything other than water (e.g., a chemical cleaner), mask your plants and landscaping with plastic drop cloths, taped down to stay in place should wind pick up. Any part of the perimeter that you don’t want cleaner to touch should be covered, especially if you are using a chemical cleaner. After power washing, mask windows too, to avoid time-consuming clean-up of dried paint flecks on window panes later.
If there is existing paint that is peeling,
you need to discover the cause and correct it. Be sure to smooth the edges of any areas where paint has peeled. Sanding provides a smooth surface that improves the adhesion of both paint and primer.
We recommend always priming prior to caulking and patching.
Remember the peeling areas you sanded down in Step #3? You’ll need to spot prime (applying primer to particular areas) surface areas that are not in sound condition. Note that brick should always be primed entirely. www.manuelzpaintinghomeimprovementinc
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
If you want, I can:
- Write this as a customer-friendly website section
- Turn it into a proposal or estimate description
- Customize it for deck, siding, or fence
- Rewrite it branded for Manuel Z Painting Home Improvement Inc.
