How To Paint Over Old Exterior Paint Correctly? - Eco Paint, Inc. (2023)

FAQs

Can you paint over old exterior paint? ›

Can I Paint Over Old Paint Without Sanding. If the existing paint is of the same type and the wall is in good condition, you can go ahead and paint without sanding. However, when it comes to wood, you may have to sand for proper adhesion. However, you can also skip the sanding process and make do with a primer.

Removing exterior paint or stain is an important step before applying new coats of paint to the exterior of your home. If you don't remove problem areas where the old paint is failing, the new coat of paint will fail as well.

While it's possible to paint interior walls and furniture with exterior paint, this is not usually recommended. Exterior paints contain a potent blend of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), additives, binders, and pigments that make them unsafe for use indoors.

When applying new metal paint, any old paint that is loose or is peeling away must be completely removed. Hand wire brushing, scraping, and sanding are a few manual methods for removing such paint deposits.

It's important to prime bare exterior wood prior to painting because it seals the grain, prevents bleed-through and improves paint adhesion. It's just as important to prime other materials, such as stucco, metal and concrete, for similar reasons. It seems like extra work, but it can save you time and paint.

Most projects where you're going over a previously-painted surface do not require the use of a primer. In many cases all you'll need to do is spot-prime any bare areas that need to be addressed before applying your finish.

If the existing paint is in good condition, with small spots, stains, and damage, and there is not much difference between the type and color of the new and old paint, you can repaint the walls without removing the whole paint.

You can also use heat to remove exterior house paint. A heat gun or an infrared paint remover will heat up the paint so it peels effortlessly away from the wood. This is a great technique if you want to avoid sanding after scraping paint or you don't want to use chemicals.

Sand the Exterior Walls

Sanding the exterior walls is necessary to provide a real mechanical bond between the coats of paint. If you don't rough up the surfaces sufficiently, your paint job may look good when you walk away from it, but in just a few years, the paint starts to show all sorts of errors.

Generally you're fine. Exterior paint has some additives to avoid mold/mildew growth which isn't needed. It may take a bit longer to dry/cure and therefore smell a bit longer but once the paint is dry it is essentially inert.

Is there really a difference between interior and exterior paint? ›

Different paints come with different properties, as they are manufactured for different purposes. Exterior paint is formulated to handle mildew and fading. Interior paint, on the other hand, is made to allow cleaning and resist staining.

Paint the Concrete. Masonry paint (also called elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating) is a good choice for concrete painting because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Exterior house paint can crack and peel on concrete.

As a rule of thumb, you can stop scraping when the surface is no longer flaking. Remember, the paint must bond to the surface, and if that surface is loose and flaky, then the new paint has nothing to cling to. Be sure the surface is clear of loose paint chips and debris to get the best adhesion.

Using a scraper, wire brush, or 80 to 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose or peeling paint from the damaged area. Remove any dust or debris from the area with a lightly water-dampened rag. Using a putty knife, apply a thin layer of patching material to the damaged area. Allow it to dry.

So, How Many Coats of Exterior Paint Should You Apply? Two coats is typically all that's needed, if you're painting over a well-prepped, primed surface. This is particularly true if you are painting a dark color over a lighter, existing one, as you're guaranteed to have good coverage.

If you skip priming, you risk peeling paint, especially in humid conditions. Moreover, the lack of adhesion could make cleaning more difficult months after the paint has dried. You may find the paint wearing off as you're trying to wipe off dirt or fingerprints.

You can use a primer to thoroughly cover the old color, then apply 1 or 2 coats of the new paint. Paint & primer in one paints are a newer option, which could be ideal for your situation and even shorten the project.

If you are covering a dark colour or a surface that's never been primed or painted, you will need to use an undercoat. It can also provide a better coverage and hiding power than just applying extra top coats.

Do I need 2 coats of primer? ›

You will want to use 2-3 coats of primer to ensure there is a good bond between the new paint and the wall, and also to cover up any previous colors, especially if they are red, orange, or a strange outdated color. In short, you will typically need 2 coats of primer for most painting projects.

The reasons for peeling paint can vary widely. Painting over dirty walls, excess moisture, improper prep, and using latex paint on top of oil paint can all affect the paint's adhesion and cause it to eventually begin flaking off.

Paint strippers are solvents that soften the old finish for easy removal. They're available as a liquid, gel or paste and are effective at removing paint from wood on large projects, curved shapes and fine details. Using paint stripper on rounded surfaces and tight areas is often easier and more effective than sanding.

It's almost always better to strip than to sand. To begin with, except in cases where the old finish is flaking off, it's a lot more work to sand than to strip using a paint-and-varnish remover.

When peeling or chipping paint is found in a small area, you may be able to simply brush off the peeling paint and then prime the wall and paint over it. As long as the remaining edges of the peeling area are stable, this solution will work.

“Acrylic paint lasts the longest and is also known for resisting all sorts of damage caused by weather and other natural variables. Acrylic paint is also excellent for resisting fading or damage caused by exposure to the sun, making it perfect for homes located in hot regions or climates.”

Pressure Washing is Critical

Pressure washing before painting is a chance to remove all dirt, debris, and cobwebs before painting. It's important to wash your house so that the new coat has the best chance to bond with the undercoat.

As a general rule, if you don't sand the wood before painting then the applied paint could peel off after a while. This will only happen, however, if the new paint was applied to an already painted or sealed surface. If the paint is applied directly to raw, untreated wood then sanding is not required.

What is eggshell paint? ›

One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms. Eggshell paint is more washable than flat sheens, and it resists stains and scuffs.

An exterior wall primer paint will not work well on interior walls and vice versa. a. Drywalls are porous surfaces that absorb a lot of paint and can make the overall application uneven and blotchy. Using a wall primer levels in the gaps in the drywall and smooths out the rough surface.

Conclusion. Never use exterior paint on your garage walls, or any other interior room. The best type of paint to use in your garage is an acrylic latex paint because it is durable, quick-drying, and easy to clean.

Stark whites are often considered a best exterior white paint because the cool hue relates to natural colors well. Blue sky, green grass, and green landscaping all work well with cool hue paints. Cool whites feel more modern, classic and fresh. Conversely, warm whites feel more cozy, relaxed and timeless.

That said, oil-based paint is still ideal for certain exterior painting projects. Oil-based paints shrink less than latex and acrylic paints do, hold up in high-traffic areas and glide on smoothly. Oil-based paint dries to a smooth, hard surface and works well on porch floors, doors, trim and other small details.

An average two-story house will cost between $3,500 and $6,000 to paint the exterior. An indoor paint job may cost slightly more, averaging between $4,000 and $7,000. Most homes with more than one story are more expensive to paint than the same surface area on a single-story home.

The best kind of paint to use on a concrete floor is epoxy paint because of its durability. You can also use latex paint, though it won't hold up as well as epoxy. Acrylic paint also works well, especially for exterior concrete walls as it can withstand harsh weather.

Always prime concrete before painting. Priming provides the perfect surface for paint to stick to and makes the best final product. Everyone is always in a rush and wants to use 2 in 1 paints but they're not great for concrete. Take your time and apply a primer coat all by itself and then your paint.

This porous nature of concrete means that all types of liquid, including moisture and paint, can be absorbed through the little pores, which is the main reason why it's so important to seal concrete prior to painting.

Using a scraper, wire brush, or 80 to 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose or peeling paint from the damaged area. Remove any dust or debris from the area with a lightly water-dampened rag. Using a putty knife, apply a thin layer of patching material to the damaged area. Allow it to dry.

How long should exterior paint last? ›

Exteriors should be painted every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint and craftsmanship it was painted with last time. Here are some guidelines based on exterior surface: Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years. Aluminum siding needs to be painted about every 5 years.

You should look to remove any loose or flaking paint, starting with a wire brush and then wash down to clean grime and smaller dust particles left behind. Filling: Before you start painting the outside masonry, you should fill any holes to the exterior using a good external filler.

So, How Many Coats of Exterior Paint Should You Apply? Two coats is typically all that's needed, if you're painting over a well-prepped, primed surface. This is particularly true if you are painting a dark color over a lighter, existing one, as you're guaranteed to have good coverage.

You can use a primer to thoroughly cover the old color, then apply 1 or 2 coats of the new paint. Paint & primer in one paints are a newer option, which could be ideal for your situation and even shorten the project.

As a rule of thumb, you can stop scraping when the surface is no longer flaking. Remember, the paint must bond to the surface, and if that surface is loose and flaky, then the new paint has nothing to cling to. Be sure the surface is clear of loose paint chips and debris to get the best adhesion.

Poor wall preparation, moisture accumulation within walls, incorrect rolling techniques, painting in adverse weather conditions, adhesion failure caused by poor-quality products or incompatibility between primer and paint types, and normal wear and tear are some of the reasons for peeling paint.

“Acrylic paint lasts the longest and is also known for resisting all sorts of damage caused by weather and other natural variables. Acrylic paint is also excellent for resisting fading or damage caused by exposure to the sun, making it perfect for homes located in hot regions or climates.”

It's a common misconception that using a paint sprayer rather than a brush and roller results in a lower quality job. In fact, in most cases, the newer substrates being used for siding today are better sprayed. In the hands of a skilled painter, spraying will leave a smooth, durable, uniform coat of paint.

As mentioned, when choosing exterior brick paint, elastodynamic and 100% acrylic latex paint are the two best options. It is important to apply at least two coats to achieve its highest durability. For the best results, you need to brush and roll the bricks as you usually do with any other wall.

Do I need a primer for masonry paint? ›

You should be sure to first put down a coat of primer on your masonry. These primers are usually oil based. Your primer is going to serve as a protective coat as well as an additional binding agent for your masonry paint. Once you've let your primer dry, you can start with your masonry paint.

Exterior paints are formulated with chemicals that make them waterproof and resilient to extreme weather conditions. You do not need to seal most types of painted wood with anything; however, because certain types of painted finishes are subject to duress, a wood sealer can help prolong the life of the finish.

According to Grasley and other designers, here are general rules of thumb to follow when waiting a minimum amount of time for your paint to dry: Interior Paint: Dry in one hour, re-coat in two hours. Exterior Paint: Dry in one hour, re-coat in two hours (on heavy stains allow 12 to 16 hours before recoating)

This is the best paint roller nap size for interior walls and ceilings. ¾-inch roller nap. This is ideal for rougher surfaces, like house exteriors and popcorn ceilings. 1¼-inch roller nap.