Exterior Painting Questions
Last week we talked about the first of our seven common questions about exterior painting. Our next question is about primers.
Prime or not to Prime? Should I apply a full coat of primer when doing exterior repainting?
Appropriate primer should be applied to new/bare surfaces or chalky paint to seal the surface and provide a proper base for the finish coats. Using primer on the problem free painted surface is just unnecessary! Especially oil primers for an already painted siding or trim is a BIG NO!
If the entire surface is peeling and must be sanded down to bare wood, then a coat of primer is necessary.
However, It is best to use a proper 100% Acrylic primer if possible with the exception of the certain bleeding type of wood. If not, spot priming the areas sanded to bare wood is sufficient.
Why not oil?
Many homeowners in Westchester County New York tell me the other painters they have met had recommended a full coat of oil primer for the exterior of their houses before applying a 100% Acrylic paint or stain on the top of it. That does not necessarily give you a better exterior paint job.
Oil primers are food for mildew, especially in the humid North East environment and help black mildew thrive!
Organic components of oil based primers such as linseed oil act as food for mildew! Have you noticed black dots of mildew on white exterior trim or siding? I often spot those sections of the trim that was spot primed with an oil based primer by noticing the presence of black mildew. This can be an eye sore on the white fence and white spindles around the deck, not to mention the trim around doors and windows.
Many of the paint manufactures 100% Acrylic solid stains do not require a primer and can be applied directly to the surface. We particularly like those products because of the fact they minimize mildew growth on the exterior of the house or deck.
We hope this answered some of your questions about exterior repainting!
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Owner & General Manager
Meet Mr. Paint Track himself, Ray! Having been in the industry for three decades, Ray has built Paint Track on a foundation of honesty, knowledge, and respect. He exemplifies leadership, with a commitment to both his craft and our team. Ray is known for his great sense of humor, and if you’re familiar with him, you’ve undoubtedly heard numerous jokes! His vibrant energy uplifts our team. Thanks to his leadership, Paint Track has earned a reputation as a trusted name in the community for the past 20 years.
Ray’s expertise and dedication to quality are evident in every project Paint Track undertakes. He’s not only a master of his craft but also a mentor who generously shares his wealth of knowledge with every team member, helping each of us grow and improve. Ray’s hands-on approach ensures that every detail is attended to, and he consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Ray’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Telecommunications, which have contributed to his exceptional organizational skills and analytical approach to managing projects. His education and strategic thinking have been instrumental in building an efficient and effective business operation that continues to deliver outstanding results.
In addition to his work with Paint Track, Ray is deeply involved in the community. He actively participates in multiple Chamber of Commerce groups and serves as a board member on the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Education and Finance Committees. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting local businesses exemplifies his commitment to both Paint Track and the community.
Under Ray’s leadership, Paint Track has become known not just for superior workmanship but for a client-centered approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and trust. We’re incredibly grateful to have him leading the way, and we’re proud to carry forward his legacy of excellence in every job we do.
Skills Leadership, customer relations, estimating, and problem solving
Hobbies: Exercise, beekeeping, and hiking
Favorite Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Indigo 6531