Sadly, you’re probably going to have to deal with peeled porch paint at least once in your life. Reapplying and repairing porch paint may be a time-consuming task. It is a job worth completing, though. A nice, clean-looking porch adds value to your home and welcomes you inside beautifully. In fact, the porch is often the first thing somebody notices as they wait for you to answer the door. An ignored porch can leave guests with a negative impression of your entire house. If you’re wondering how to fix chipped and peeled porch paint by yourself, continue to read our how-to guide below!
Understanding Porch Paint
Before diving into the restoration process, it’s crucial to understand what sets porch paint apart from other types of paint. Porch paint, also known as floor paint or deck paint, is specially formulated to withstand foot traffic, resist fading, and adhere to most outdoor surfaces, such as wood and concrete. These paints tend to be more durable and long-lasting. However, they are not immune to chipping, peeling, and other types of damage.
What Causes Porch Paint to Chip and Peel and how can I Prevent it?
There are many reasons why porch paint may start to chip and peel.
• For starters, it may have been applied when it was too hot (above 30 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (below 10 degrees Fahrenheit). Applying porch paint in either of these unfavourable conditions causes problems with drying and adhesion. That results in peeling and chipping within only a short amount of time.
• Excessive moisture is another major culprit. A porch-made sealer or primer will be necessary to stop this issue from occurring.
• Another reason why your porch paint may be chipping or peeling is that the surface was not properly prepped. Painting over peeling paint on wood is not a good idea. The old paint will not bond with the new layer and may even peel off with the new coat of paint. You should always sand down the surface before painting to ensure an even texture and allow for proper adhesion. If the last coat of paint wasn’t scraped or sanded off, or you forgot to prime it. Then the problems that existed before will continue to live on in the new coat.
• Poor quality products and tools may also be to blame. Unfortunately, many people choose the cheapest brand to save money when applying porch paint. Still, the reason why it’s so affordable is that it uses low-grade materials that will give you less-than-stellar results. Identify the potential causes of your bad porch paint, and then you can start to fix the problem for good.
How Do You Fix Chipped Paint on a Front Porch?
Preparing the Surface for New Peeled Porch Paint
Before you start fixing your porch, you will need to wash it to have a clean working surface. You can do this using a bucket of soapy water, a sponge, or a pressure washer. One benefit of using the pressure washer is that some of the flaking porch paint will come off as you wash over it.
Don’t forget to remove any furniture or plants from your deck before washing them so they’re not in your way. This is especially important while you’re painting because you don’t want a spill or any drips to ruin your belongings. You could also put drop cloths around the perimeter of your porch. And at the section where it meets your house to prevent you from damaging your lawn or siding.
Taking Care of the Damage Before You Reapply Porch Paint
The next step is to remove as much existing paint as you can. Do this by using a putty knife, paint scraper or wire brush. If you have a wooden porch, be careful not to gouge the wood. If there are any noticeable nicks, you may need to fill in spots using an exterior wood epoxy afterwards. You could also use a chemical paint stripper to remove the paint. But you will need to make sure that you wear the appropriate protective gear to protect your health. If you work with a wooden deck, any remaining paint you can’t get off with scraping will be removed when you sand it down. Sanding is important because it provides a rough surface for the paint to stick to and removes any imperfections in the wood caused by weathering and general use. You will roughen the surface of a concrete porch by “etching” it with an acid solution instead.
Putting on a Fresh Coat of Porch Paint
One more step is left before you can apply new porch paint: Priming. Priming is necessary for the paint to stick and to prevent further issues with your new coat of porch paint. Remember to use a high-quality product and to ensure that it is meant for exterior use before you apply it. A brush, roller, or paint sprayer will get the job done, although most people agree that a hand-brushed wooden porch looks the best.
Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting. Depending on your preferences, you can also apply the porch paint with a brush, roller or sprayer. While you would have only needed one coat of primer, two coats of porch paint may be required to get the look you want. Just be sure to let the paint dry properly between coats so that you don’t run into future premature peeling and cracking.
Tips for Maintaining Your Porch Paint
Preserving the freshly restored beauty of your porch requires consistent maintenance and preventive measures. Here are some tips to keep your porch paint charm intact:
Regular Cleaning: Regularly dust off your porch and clean away any debris. Prompt clean-up after storms or harsh weather also helps in maintaining pristine conditions.
Quality over Savings: Splurging a little for a high-quality porch paint may feel steep initially but think of it as a long-term investment. Premium-grade paint offers superior resistance to weather conditions and everyday wear.
Sealing Coating: Consider investing in a sealant as a protective coating. It adds an extra layer of defence between your porch paint and the elements, extending the longevity of your paint job.
Proactive Monitoring: Be vigilant about spotting signs of chipping or peeling in the early stages. Early detection and prompt action could potentially save you from having to redo the entire porch.
Conclusion
Reviving your porch from chipped and peeled paint isn’t just about maintaining aesthetics. It is a cost-effective step towards preserving and increasing the longevity of your beloved outdoor space.
With enough time and effort, a homeowner can easily complete the simple steps to fix chipped and peeled paint. Remember, restoring your porch paint is just the start. Consistent maintenance and preventive measures are equally critical to preserving the shine of your porch and keeping it warm and welcoming for years.
Don’t Have the Time, Patience, or Experience to Fix Up Your Porch Paint?
We don’t blame you. Removing peeling porch paint and refinishing the surface can be a long, tedious task – especially if you’ve never done it before. If you’d prefer to leave the hard work to the professionals, why not have us come and do it instead? Home Painters Toronto is one of the city’s top-rated painting contractors, with more than three decades of business behind us. You can be sure that we can perfectly complete the job. Contact us for a free quote for fixing and reapplying porch paint today!
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Does fixing peeling porch paint sound like a difficult task? If the work involved in repairing or painting outside sounds like it involves too much time and energy to do yourself, call 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
