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How Long After Power Washing Can You Paint?

Today’s the day. After numerous delays – family events, smaller DIY tasks inside, uncooperative weather – you can finally tackle the long-awaited exterior house painting project that’s been on the back burner. Blue skies and nothing but sunshine. But first, the siding looks a little dingy and definitely needs to be cleaned before you can paint. If you’ve decided to go the DIY route rather than hire professional Long Island power washers, we’ll offer some advice to help you get the results you need.

As you know, house siding accumulates a thin film of dirt, chalk, and other debris, and even if it’s not easily visible, it’s critical to remove all detritus before you start painting. The worst thing you could do is paint over dirt or minuscule debris which will eventually bleed through the paint, possibly forcing you to scrape or power wash all over again. The most effective way to clean your siding is to use a power washer.

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR POWER WASHING

As the name implies, power washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to remove loose mold, paint, grime, mud, dust, chewing gum, and dirt from objects and surfaces like buildings, vehicles, and hard surfaces. To prepare your home’s siding for power washing, closely examine it for any cracks or gaps. If you find any of these areas, you may want to wash these spots by hand as a full-blown power wash could result in unintended damage.

Also make sure breakable objects are removed from the area or otherwise covered, as debris dislodged by the power washer could fly and break glass lighting, windows, and other fragile items. Pets and children should be kept away from the area that’s being washed, and we always recommend that homeowners refer to power washer documentation for operating instructions and tips on safety equipment to wear during power washing.

LONG ISLAND POWER WASHING TIPS

  • Please remember to use a power washer carefully, as the water jets can easily further damage wood or vinyl siding which may already be in questionable shape. Unless you’re careful, the pressure can effortlessly gouge wood siding or dislodge mortar from between bricks. Also, don’t be surprised if you still have to scrape a few spots, as even experienced power washing services may have to do the same. Pressure washing can be used on aluminum, wood, vinyl siding, and masonry, but we don’t recommend it for moisture-vulnerable hardboard siding, which is very hard to fix if it’s accidentally gouged.
  • Save time, money, and effort by renting a power washer that puts out 2,000 pounds per square inch and plan on keeping it overnight, just in case.
  • Pair a six-foot extension wand with the right nozzle, usually a 15- or 20-degree model. A zero-degree should be avoided unless you’re an experienced professional.
  • Don’t drive water directly into visible cracks or gaps in the siding.

HOW LONG AFTER POWER WASHING CAN YOU PAINT?

There are numerous factors that determine the time needed for Massapequa area homeowners to paint after using a power washer. The three most obvious are:

Moisture within the siding following power washing

In a perfect world, you should wait about three to four days afterward before you start exterior painting. This gives typical surfaces like wood, brick, and other porous materials time to fully dry. It’s never a good idea to paint onto still wet surfaces. For example, if the wood beneath the siding is drenched, the paint may begin to bubble. When the siding is hot, moisture escapes from the wood, leading to visible imperfections.

Weather Conditions

You never want to paint when it’s raining. Humidity and cold temperatures in waterfront towns like Massapequa and Oyster Bay can affect the waiting time between washing and applying paint. These conditions add moisture to the air, meaning it could take longer for any surfaces to dry. If you try power washing under these conditions, only bad things will result. Our advice? Simply wait until dryer weather before you think of exterior painting.

What about kinds of paint?

The kind of paint you want to use also is important. If you power wash on a rain-free, sunny day, you can likely begin painting within 24 hours using latex-based paint. Oil-based paints should only be applied to fully dried surfaces, so you’ll need more time between power washing and painting.

Using a power washer is a big undertaking, most likely one you’ve committed to in anticipation of an even larger project. You may be preparing your home for a large family gathering, or getting ready to work with a realtor and sell it, and believe your residence would benefit from a fresh coat of paint.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU SHOULDN’T CLEAN WITH A POWER WASHER?

If you have any doubts about what can or can’t be cleaned with a power washer in Brookville, Melville and nearby communities, please call our professional Long Island pressure washers for more information on services in Seaford, Wantagh and nearby communities. Generally speaking, you should never use power washing on:

  • Windows
  • Electric meters, or anything electrical for that matter
  • Asphalt shingles
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Structures with old brick or crumbling mortar
  • Motor vehicles
  • Stained or fragile surfaces
  • Light fixtures

WORK WITH A TRUSTED PROFESSIONAL

Majestic Windows & Exterior Cleaning has been a preferred window cleaner and pressure washer for hundreds of customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and neighboring communities for more than 20 years. Whether you’re a residential or business customer with big or small power washing needs, contact us today at 631-421-2295 to arrange a no-obligation inspection.