How to Strip and Paint a Porch

An unsightly porch can make the outside of your home look unattractive. No matter what you do to improve the look of your home, the porch will continue to stand out unless you strip away the old paint and apply fresh paint.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint scraper
• Wood sander
• Detergent
• Bleach
• Primer
• Paint
• Citronella
• Paint Roller

1. Remove the old paint by scraping it off. Use a paint scraper and apply even pressure while scraping in one direction. It is not recommended to use paint thinner on a porch because it can damage the wood.

2. Sand the wood to make sure it is smooth and even. A power sander will make the job a lot easier. Good surface preparation is essential to ensure that the paint will hold up under harsh conditions.

3. Wash the porch with a mixture of detergent and water to remove any grease. If mildew is present, remove it with a mixture of bleach and water. Allow the porch to dry for two to three days before repainting.

4. Prime the wood with an exterior primer. Two coats of primer is recommended.

5. Paint the porch with a floor paint. Floor paint is specially formulated to hold up under rough conditions. Mix in a few drops of citronella to prevent bugs from landing in the paint while it dries.

6. Allow the first coat of paint to dry and then apply a second coat. If you don't let the paint dry in between coats, the porch will have a tacky feel.

7. Repaint the porch every three to five years to keep the exterior of your home looking beautiful.

Resources

• Learn more do-it-yourself projects at the Do it Best website.
• Visit Essortment for more home improvement advice.

[xenalulu]

on 9/5/2007 Excellent article! Simple, thorough instructions! Thanx!