When you envision your fresh, new paint job, you’re thinking about that final look and the vibrant color or sleek sheen you’ll have. It’s exciting to think about, but at JA Seekins Painting, we can tell you that the real magic happens before that final coat goes on. A good painter in Bothell knows that quality prep work is what makes the project successful, and if you cut corners here, even the highest quality paint is going to fail.
Why Your Painter in Bothell Takes Prep as Seriously as the Final Coat
What is involved in prep, exactly? Well, it’s a series of tasks that turn a surface into the optimal canvas for applying paint. It starts with thoroughly cleaning off all dirt, grease, mildew, old paint, and any tacky substances that could in any way interfere with the paint properly adhering to the wall. We’ve got a pretty damp climate here in the Bothell area, and that means moisture is always an issue. When we paint the exterior of a building, we pay special attention to mold and algae growth.
The next step is sanding, and this is where you smooth out the imperfections and rough edges. That keeps the surface even and ready to grip a new layer of paint. The third step is to properly prime. Priming is essentially applying a sealant that blocks stains, enhances the vibrancy of any color you want to put on the wall, and promotes better paint bonding. Along the way, we’ll also take care of any repairs that need to be made, like filling in cracks or patching holes.
The Science and Logic Behind Good Prep Work
Ultimately, good paint preparation is a matter of chemistry and physics. The paint molecules are going to adhere best to a clean, porous surface where the molecular bond can be strong. If you’ve got molecules of contaminants like dust or oil on the surface, then your paint molecules are actually sitting on top of those instead of integrating with the wall itself. That’s what leads the paint to flake off or bubble over time.
Properly priming your surface can ultimately extend your paint job, which not only means you don’t need a whole new paint job so quickly, but you also don’t need touch-ups so frequently, either.
The Downside of Poor Prep
We understand that people want to save money, and it can seem that doing painting themselves or going with cheap contractors can accomplish that. Both budget contractors and DIY enthusiasts often look at the prep phase as an expendable one that can save time and money, but the consequences of bad prep are serious.
If you don’t prep well, the tannins from wood can bleed through your paint to stain your color, for instance. You also get visible brush strokes or roller marks when sanding is neglected, and then there’s the paint chipping off or the interior walls developing cracks from settling paint. Those are just a few issues you’ll face.
Talk to us today at JA Seekins Painting in Bothell, WA to get a free quote and find out more about how good prep changes everything.
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425-552-1031
Bothell, WA 98021