Paint needs a clean surface
Paint and stain bond to the surface they touch. If that surface is chalky old paint, pollen, or a layer of mildew, the new coat is stuck to that layer instead of the house. That's how fresh paint ends up peeling or turning spotty in a season.
What the wash should cover
- Every wall that's being painted, top to bottom
- Soffits, fascia, and eaves
- Trim, doors, and porch ceilings
- Fences and decks that will be stained
Timing
Wash a few days before the painters start. Stucco and wood need time to dry, and a couple of sunny days usually does it. Ask your painter what they want, and we'll schedule around it.
Soft wash, not a blast
High pressure can drive water into stucco and raise wood grain, which makes painting harder. A soft wash cleans and kills the mildew without soaking the surface.