How Do You Get a Long-Lasting Exterior Paint Job in Knoxville, TN?

The Value of Preparation

This might surprise you, but the longevity of an exterior paint job is determined even before the first brush stroke. Even before you crack open a paint can. And it’s NOT determined solely by the quality of paint. 

80% of your paint job’s success and longevity depends on surface preparation.

Those tedious, unexciting early steps can literally make or break your exterior repaint. Why? Because paint needs a clean, smooth, and sound surface to adhere to. In other words, no matter how top-shelf your paint is and how meticulously it’s applied, it’s only as sturdy as the surface it lives on.

How Do You Prepare for Exterior Painting in Knoxville?

Here’s a snapshot of the early steps:

• Cleaning the Surface. Over time, dust, dirt, and mildew accumulate on your home's exterior. We recommend a thorough power washing to remove these contaminants, giving your paint a clean surface to grip onto. 
• Repairing Damage. Cracks, chips, or any form of damage can be the downfall of a new paint job. Filling and repairing these issues ensures a smooth finish and better paint adhesion.
• Priming the Surface. Fully priming isn’t always necessary, but spot priming over repairs definitely is. 

The Importance of High-Quality Products

We said above that high-quality paint isn’t the MOST important part of your paint job, but it does play a huge role in the longevity of your exterior repaint. Bargain brands may be tempting, but they just don’t offer the same benefits and performance in the long-run. In fact, if you took the time to do the math, you’d likely find that cheaper paint is more expensive when you factor in the need for frequent repaints, touch-ups, needing more product, etc. 

Here are a few key benefits of going with the top-shelf products:

• Longer Lifespan. Premium paints are made with better ingredients that last longer and protect your surfaces more effectively. It really is as simple as that: you get what you pay for. 
• Better Coverage and Finish. High-quality paints spread evenly and more efficiently, providing a much better finish quality that low-grade paints can't match.
• Protection Against External Elements: Good quality paints protect your home against harmful UV rays, rain, and other external factors, and that’s an especially big deal here in Knoxville where weather can get extreme.

Should You Hire a Professional Painter in Knoxville?

We’re all for do-it-yourself projects now and then. They can be fun, rewarding, and provide a pretty awesome learning opportunity too. 

But when it comes to a job as big (and potentially expensive) as exterior painting, we’re big believers in hiring professional painters. Are we biased? You bet. But we’ve also seen firsthand what can go wrong, what’s at stake, and know that large-scale projects like these often involve a lot more time, experience, and material than homeowners anticipate. 

Here’s what a professional house painter brings to the table:

• Expertise and Experience. We’ve seen it all, from common challenges homeowners face to more unique problems. Experience means that we can anticipate roadblocks and avoid them proactively. 
• Right Tools for the Job. Professional exterior painting isn't just about brushes and rollers. It involves a suite of tools and equipment, from pressure washers for thorough cleaning to sprayers for an even coat. Professionals come equipped with these tools and know how to use them to their fullest potential.
• Detailed Surface Prep. As we mentioned, a long-lasting paint job relies on prep work. Professionals know how to handle all of these early steps and make sure they’re done right. 
• Product Knowledge. Which paint is best for wood? How about for brick? How about unique primers that offer specific benefits for your type of project? House painting is both an art and a science, and it’s critical that just the right products are used. 
• Efficiency and Speed. Don’t lose a summer’s worth of weekends to a paint job that never seems to end! Professionals know how to work efficiently without sacrificing quality, and can provide an accurate, up-front timeline.
• Safety. Let's face it, painting the exterior of a house, especially multi-story homes, involves risk. Professional painters are trained to work at heights, use ladders safely, and navigate tricky spots. They also have the necessary safety equipment to protect themselves, giving homeowners peace of mind.
• Warranty and Assurance. Many professional painting companies offer warranties on their work. This not only underscores their confidence in their skills but also provides homeowners with an assurance of the paint job's durability. Should any issues arise within the warranty period, they'll address them at no extra cost.

What’s Your Takeaway?

A long-lasting paint job is the sum of its parts: finding a reputable house painter, investing in the right prep, using the best products. So take your time, do your research, and make sure you partner with a local painting contractor that is as committed to the results as you are. 

If you live here in Knoxville, please contact us at McLain’s Painting Service. We’d love to serve you and your home.