Over time, buildings of all types will require repainting services to restore their appearance and add a layer of protection to underlying materials. The key to any successful painting job is sufficient preparation and pre-paint repairs.
When starting any maintenance contract, we'll provide a thorough inspection, advising clients of any required repairs. For instance, a property may require repairs to door frames, windows, walls, skirting boards, and other components, which First Response can provide. Before starting any type of painting project, it's imperative that all relevant elements are in working condition. This is why we provide repairs to restore these items prior to commencing paintwork.
Common steps for pre-paint prep work and pre-paint repairs
There are several common elements of pre-paint prep work and repairs that we can perform. These steps include:
1. Clean the areas
The first step of the preparation process entails cleaning the designated painting area. Dirty surfaces will make it harder for the paint to adhere to the surface. Cleaning involves applying water and soap to the surface and lightly cleaning the walls. Dirt, grease, and other types of contaminants require complete removal prior to painting. It's also important to wipe the walls dry.
2. Fill in any holes
After cleaning the painting surface, the next step involves filling in any holes present. A reliable external filler will be able to fill holes and form a flat surface that's ready for painting. A scraper can remove any loose material to make the wall flat after filling in holes. Once the filler has dried, sanding can further flatten the surface.
3. Remove cracked or peeling paint
Any peeling or damaged paint on the surface requires removal. This will also require the use of a scraper. A hand brush can also smooth out the surface and eliminate any excess paint or masonry.
4. Replace damaged plasterboard or wall cracks
Additionally, you will need to remove any damaged plasterboard in place and repair any wall cracks in place. Removing plasterboard requires several types of equipment, including hammers that put holes in the damaged wall and clear away the plaster, a shovel, or a saw. In more extensive repairs, you may require the replacement of underlying lathes, which entails even more involved labour. In these cases, it's also important to turn off the electricity and other utilities running along the walls.
Similar to filling holes, you may also need to fill cracks with Spackle if they don't require the removal of damaged plasterboard.
5. Identify and fix water leaks
If water damage is present on existing walls, you will need to identify and address any leaks. Otherwise, leaks will persist and cause damage to the paint and underlying wall. Identifying the source of a leak could be challenging and often requires extensive searching along the walls to locate leaking pipes or exposure to external weather elements.
6. Remove any remaining stains
If any stain is present that isn’t removable through cleaning alone, you will need to take extra steps to remove it. Typically, the application of primer will help remove these stubborn stains.
The importance of working with professionals that offer complete pre-paint repairs
Painting typically requires a lot of work, but preparation can take as long or even longer, depending on the extent of damage to the wall and existing paint. This is why it's important to hire professionals with experience completing pre-paint repairs along with painting services.
At First Response, we offer reliable pre-paint preparation and painting services to optimise the efficiency of these processes while staying within your budget. By working with the experienced painting professionals at First Response, you'll benefit from great results and long-lasting paint materials that keep your property looking its best.