At Elco Painting, we know that surface preparation is crucial for a successful paint job. In fact, it’s one of the most important steps. Skip or minimize the process and even the highest quality paint will not adhere properly, leading to premature peeling, cracking, and flaking.

And nobody wants that.

So, what exactly is surface preparation, and why is it so important? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more to help you better understand the important role it plays. Also, keep in mind that this isn’t just valuable to know if you’re painting on your own, but if you’re hiring a professional house painter, too. You have to know and understand what should be included in your estimate, what questions to ask, and advocate for yourself (and your home). 

Ready? Let’s dig in.

What is Surface Preparation?

Surface preparation is the process of cleaning, repairing, and priming a surface before painting. The goal is to create a smooth, clean, and stable environment that will allow the paint to adhere properly and last longer.

The steps involved depend on the overall condition of the surface and the type of paint being used. Generally, the process involves cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants, repairing any cracks or holes, and applying a primer to help the paint adhere (stick) properly.

Why is Surface Preparation Important?

Surface preparation is critical for a few reasons. First, it ensures that the paint will adhere properly to the surface, preventing premature peeling, cracking, and flaking. Going even further, it can extend the life of the paint job, meaning you won’t have to repaint as often. And, it can improve the overall appearance of the paint job by ensuring a smooth and clean profile for the paint to grip onto.

How Do You Properly Prepare a Surface for Painting?

Here are the steps we recommend:

1. Cleaning: We begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove dirt, debris, and any other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint.
2. Repairing: Next, we repair any cracks, holes, or other damage to the surface. This ensures that the surface is smooth and stable, allowing the paint to grip well.
3. Sanding or scraping: We then sand or scrape any loose or flaking paint to create a smooth surface for the new paint.
4. Priming: Finally, we apply a primer to the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the paint and to provide a uniform base coat.

Benefits of Proper Surface Preparation

We touched on this already, but it bears repeating.

1. Longer-lasting paint job: Proper surface preparation ensures that the paint will adhere properly to the surface, meaning it will last longer before needing to be repainted.
2. Improved appearance: A smooth and clean surface translates to a smooth and clean paint job!
3. Saves time and money: Investing in proper surface preparation can actually save you time and money in the long run by extending the life of the paint job and reducing the need for frequent repainting.
4. Prevents paint failure: Poor surface preparation is one of the most common causes of paint failure. By properly preparing the surface, you can prevent premature peeling, cracking, and flaking.

We’re not exaggerating when we say that surface prep is 80% of a successful paint job, indoors or out. Be sure to ask your painter what’s included (and have it listed in your estimate), and put a high value on a job done right. Cheap estimates might look attractive initially, but they quickly lose their luster when you see the cheap work.

If you have more questions, be sure to contact us at Elco Painting. We’re here to help!