A fresh coat of paint can completely transform any area of your home, whether it’s a bedroom, a home office or even the exterior. However, many painting projects don’t yield that smooth, long-lasting finish you’d expect. However, this isn’t because of the paint — it’s due to insufficient preparation.

Not preparing the surface before a paint job is often why homeowners experience painting problems. We’ll explain why improper surface preparation leads to painting problems.

Give Paint a Proper Foundation

Paint is designed to bond to a clean, stable surface. If dust, dirt, oil or loose plaster is on the walls, the paint won’t settle properly. Instead, it’ll sit on top of the contaminants, which act as a barrier. This is what causes paint to peel, blister or chip within months after you apply it. Make sure to properly clean and sand the surface before you start painting it.

Eliminate Moisture Issues

Another leading cause of paint problems is having too much moisture. Painting over a damp area like a wall with wet spots traps moisture beneath the film. This often results in bubbling, blistering and even mildew growth. It’s critical to address any moisture problems before painting to avoid long-term issues.

Don’t Paint Over Old, Glossy Finishes Without Priming

A common mistake many people make is painting over old, glossy finishes without priming or scuffing first. Glossy surfaces often reject new paint, leading to streaks, uneven coverage or peeling. You need to sand the old finish or apply a primer. This helps create the necessary texture and grip, so the paint can stick.

Address Surface Damage

Cracks, holes and uneven textures may seem minor at first glance, but painting over them only hides the problem for a short time. Once the pain dries, these imperfections will reappear and may even worsen. Before painting, fill in holes and caulk gaps to prevent water infiltration and further deterioration.

Resist the Urge to Cut Corners

Many homeowners cut a few corners to save time. However, taking shortcuts almost guarantees more work and higher costs in the future. For example, if your project starts peeling or flaking, you’ll inevitably have to scrape, sand and add a new coat of paint. This means you’ll spend more time and money than before on redoing the same project.

We’re Here to Help

Paint is only as good as the surface it’s on. It doesn’t matter how high quality the paint is or how skilled the painter is — a lack of preparation undermines the entire project. For help painting your home’s exterior in Fresno, CA, contact our team at All American Painting.