Table of Contents
Power washing is a great way to get rid of dirt and grime from your home without using harsh chemicals or having to scrub and sand down the surface. That’s why you so often see homes being cleaned this way annually; however, if you want to paint your house (rather than maintain the existing exterior), should you power wash before or wait until after it’s been painted?
1. Do You Have To Pressure Wash a House Before Painting? What Should I Clean the Exterior of My House With Before Painting?
Yes! Before you paint your house, we recommend pressure washing/power washing. Power washing removes dirt, grime, debris, and loose paint that you may not be able to see. You want a clean, dry, dull surface to paint on, and power washing will help achieve those three things.
2. What Is the Difference Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing?
The difference between soft washing versus pressure washing is in the name. Soft washing uses high volumes of water at a lower pressure setting in conjunction with cleaning solutions. In comparison, pressure washing requires high pressure but uses less soap, detergent, and water.
Pressure washing works best for cleaning exterior surfaces to remove tough stains, whereas soft washing works best on delicate surfaces like wood and vinyl siding. That’s why you pressure wash before you paint and use a soft wash to maintain the paint.
3. Why Is Pressure Washing Critical?
Painting the outside of a house is an expensive task, so it needs to be done right the first time. If you do not thoroughly clean the surface beforehand, the paint may stick to the grime. Painting over a dirty surface shortens the paint’s life.
Preparing the surface will ensure a long-lasting paint job. Before you paint, a professional pressure wash will clean the surface and remove the oxidation layer so that the new paint coating can easily stick.
Can You Paint Over Dirty Siding? Why Shouldn’t You Paint Over Dirty Siding?
When you apply paint over dirty siding, the paint will have trouble sticking. It is important to use a clean surface, so the new paint adheres properly. Otherwise, the paint will not penetrate the siding, which causes premature peeling.
What Happens if You Paint a House Without Pressure Washing It?
Typically houses become dirty, so it is essential to do a pressure wash before painting. If the surface still has contamination, oxidation, or dirt, you will not get a thorough bond between the exterior materials (siding, wood, etc.) and the new paint. Despite how nice the paint looks initially, it will crack and peel over time. Then the paint job needs to be redone, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
How Long Does Exterior Paint Last For?
The lifespan of exterior paint in Ohio ranges from five to twenty years, depending on the substrate. Wood siding lasts for five years, while aluminum and vinyl last up to twenty. Regular soft washing will protect the paint and help it last longer.
Can You Power Wash a Painted House? How Do I Prepare My Painted House for Pressure Washing?
No. We do not recommend power washing a freshly painted house. The high pressure can cause the paint to bubble, crack, or peel. Instead, we prefer the soft wash approach, as it is the safest, easiest, and most effective way to keep your house clean.
The detergents used in our Soft Wash process quickly break down mold, algae, and other harmful contaminants. Other cleaning solutions offer gentle and biodegradable options that work well for your garden and flowerbeds.
To prepare for a soft wash, you only need to lock and close all your windows. Trotta’s Power Washing team will handle the rest.
How Long After Power Washing Can You Paint?
Generally, you can paint your house the very next day. Make sure you do a touch test to verify that the surface is dry. Additionally, you do not want to wait more than 30 or 60 days to paint after a power wash.
4. What Are the Benefits of Professional Power Washing?
Maintain the Exterior
Home exteriors must combat weather elements, including the sun, rain, and hail. Over time, the exterior of your house degrades, discolors, and oxidizes. This affects the value of your property. By power washing regularly, you can make your house’s fresh coat of paint shine and stay in good condition.
Increase Curb Appeal
Power washing also improves the curb appeal of your house. Along with the exterior, you can power wash the driveway, sheds, and other fixtures. Clean homes make a great first impression and look more appealing.
Avoid Repairs
Professional power washing removes harmful contaminants that build up and damage the siding. Eventually, algae and mold can grow under surfaces and try to enter your house. Left untreated, these contaminants can cause havoc and costly repairs.
More Convenient
Power washing can reach corners and sections of the house that would otherwise require you to use a ladder. Cleaning your home with power washing is more thorough and effective than hand-scrubbing. Also, using a pressure washer takes far less time.
Environmentally Friendly
Lastly, Trotta’s Power Washing takes pride in being responsible. Power washing is environmentally safe. Not only do we use a gentle cleaning solution, but it is also eco-friendly. We take pride in using products that are non-toxic and completely safe for people and pets.
Why Shouldn’t I Pressure Wash My House Myself? What Are the Possible Drawbacks of Improperly Pressure Washing My House Before Painting?
Although power washing can be fun, high pressure can cause damage in just a few seconds. Water can collect in your attic, walls, and floors if you are not careful. The force from the power wash can blow holes in the siding and strip off the paint. Too much pressure can break windows, too. Additionally, the pressure can cause serious injury if the spray is directed at a person.
Obviously, you run the risk of causing serious damage when using power washers near any electrical outlets on the exterior of your home as water and electricity don’t mix.
Many things can go wrong when power washing. That’s why we never recommend using pressurized water yourself. It’s always better to call an experienced pro like Trotta’s Power Washing.
Considering painting your home this summer? Whether you’re preparing to repaint or simply want to ensure your home looks polished and clean, Trotta’s Power Washing can help. Reach out to schedule your free quote today!
