How to Pressure Wash Your House Before Painting

Pressure washing your house before painting is one of the most important steps you can take to help ensure the new paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Thoroughly cleaning the exterior surfaces removes dirt, chalking paint, mildew and other contaminants that can cause the new paint to fail prematurely. Following proper pressure washing techniques prior to painting can extend the life of the paint job dramatically.

Why Pressure Washing is Essential Before Painting

Pressure washing utilizes a high-powered stream of water to clean surfaces and remove substances that can cause problems for new paint. Here are some of the main benefits of pressure washing before painting:

Removes Loose Paint: Over time, exterior paint can deteriorate, chip and peel. Pressure washing removes any loose, flaking or peeling paint so the new coat only adheres to solid, stable surfaces.
Eliminates Chalking: Chalking occurs when the binders in the old paint disintegrate, leaving behind a chalky powder on the surface. This chalk prevents proper adhesion. Pressure washing removes the chalk completely.
Cleans Away Dirt & Grime: Grit, grime, dirt and other contaminants can get lodged in tiny crevices. Pressure washing blasts it all away.
Kills & Removes Mildew: Mildew is a type of mold that leaves behind unsightly stains. Pressure washing not only kills the mildew but blasts away the discoloration.
Uncovers Hidden Damage: By removing everything from the exterior surfaces, pressure washing may reveal areas of rot, cracking and other damage you didn’t know existed so you can repair them prior to painting.
Opens the Pores: Pressure washing opens the pores of surfaces like wood and stucco so the new primer and paint can properly penetrate for maximum adhesion.

Thoroughly pressure washing all exterior surfaces ensures the new coat of paint sticks as it should and enjoys a longer lasting, more beautiful finish.

How to Choose the Right Pressure Washer

Choosing the appropriate pressure washer for house painting preparation makes the cleaning process faster and more effective. Consider the following factors when selecting a pressure washer:

Power

Pressure washers are measured by their PSI (pounds per square inch) rating, which indicates the force or “power” of the water stream. Most residential pressure washers range from 1500 to 4000 PSI. 2000-3000 PSI is ideal for general house washing. Go with a higher PSI model if you need to remove paint or deal with extremely dirty surfaces.

Water Volume

GPM (gallons per minute) measures the volume of water the pressure washer can dispense. 2-4 GPM capacity works for typical residential cleaning. Match the GPM to the PSI to ensure optimal performance. Higher PSI washers require higher GPM for the best results.

Mobility

Pressure washers come in portable and stationary models. Portable electric and gas-powered units offer more versatility and maneuverability for cleaning houses. Choose a pressure washer with large, sturdy wheels for ease of transport around the exterior.

Accessories

Look for pressure washers that allow you to quickly switch out nozzles and wands for more customized cleaning options. Rotating nozzles provide more coverage. Angled and oscillating wands help reach tricky areas. Soap dispensers allow you to apply cleaners and solutions.

Durability

Since you’ll be moving it around the house, opt for a pressure washer with a sturdy frame and quality components that can handle bumps and bangs without breaking down. Units with metal wands tend to hold up better.

With the right pressure washer for the job, you’ll get your home sparkling clean fast in preparation for a fresh new paint job.

Pressure Washing Safety Tips

While extremely useful for house painting prep, pressure washers can cause injury and damage if not operated safely. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Always read the instruction manual and warning labels before using.
Wear protective gear like closed-toe shoes, long pants, gloves and eye protection.
Make sure the unit is on a stable surface before starting.
Never point the wand at people or animals.
Use caution on ladders or uneven surfaces.
Keep electrical cords away from water to avoid shock.
Relieve pressure in the hose before changing nozzles.
Check for and repair leaks before operating.
Turn off and depressurize the unit before leaving it unattended.
Make sure all gun locks and triggers are off when not in use.

Following basic safety practices keeps both you and your home protected while pressure washing.

Getting Your House Ready for Pressure Washing

Proper preparation of your home exterior will make pressure washing faster and more effective. Follow these tips to get set up:

Pick a Dry Day – Pressure wash when no rain is expected for 24-48 hours so surfaces have time to fully dry before painting.
Protect Landscaping – Cover shrubs and other plantings susceptible to water damage with tarps or plastic sheeting.
** Divert Electrical Items** – Move any fixtures containing electrical components, like exterior lights or outlets, away from areas you’ll be pressure washing.
Cover & Seal Openings – Use plastic and painter’s tape to cover windows, doors, vents, and other openings that water could penetrate.
Clean Out Debris – Use a leaf blower or broom to remove loose debris that could clog the pressure washer.
Gather Supplies – Have clean rags, a bucket, scrub brushes, primer, caulk, and any specialized cleaners on hand.

Prepping your house before pressure washing makes the process faster so your surfaces are ready for paint in no time.

How to Pressure Wash a House

Once you have the right pressure washer and have prepared the house, follow these steps to ensure superior cleaning results:

1. Start at the Top

Always pressure wash from top to bottom, completing one section at a time. This avoids dirt and debris from upper areas falling onto lower cleaned sections.

2. Use Broad Sweeping Motions

As you pressure wash, use slow, broad sweeping motions across the surface. Avoid focusing the stream in one spot too long, which can damage materials.

3. Maintain Consistent Distance

Hold the pressure wand 6-12 inches from the cleaning surface for the best results. Move at an even pace to allow the water enough time to penetrate and lift dirt.

4. Overlap Strokes

Each stroke of the pressure wand should overlap the previous stroke by a few inches to ensure you completely clean all areas. Release the trigger when pulling the wand back to prevent lifting cleaned paint.

5. Hit Tricky Areas from Multiple Angles

Use specialty nozzles and wands to clean difficult spots like eaves, overhangs, windows and trim from different directions. Adjust the angle and distance of the wand as needed.

6. Apply Cleaners as Needed

For extremely dirty or stained areas, apply a cleaning solution and let it soak for 5-10 minutes before pressure washing. Check product instructions carefully before using on any surface.

Thoroughly pressure washing all exterior house surfaces from top to bottom ensures every inch gets cleaned for the best possible paint adhesion.

How to Pressure Wash Different Surfaces

Adjusting your technique based on the surface material helps avoid damage while pressure washing. Follow these tips:

Vinyl Siding

Use medium pressure around 1200-1500 PSI. Too much pressure can distort the siding.
Keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away to avoid ripping the vinyl.
Clean from top to bottom, holding the nozzle at a downward 45° angle to avoid pushing water behind the siding.

Wood Siding

Use the widest spray nozzle at a low pressure around 800-1200 PSI to avoid digging into the wood grain.
Remove peeling paint with detail nozzles before washing.
Apply wood cleaning solution and rinse thoroughly after 10 minutes.

Brick & Stone

Use higher pressure up to 3000 PSI to clean out mortar joints and lift stains.
Take extra care pointing the nozzle away from open mortar joints which are susceptible to damage at high pressure.
Apply masonry cleaning solution and scrub with stiff brush for heavy stains.

Stucco

Use lower pressure around 1500-2000 PSI and keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away to avoid damage.
Clean from bottom to top and allow ample drying time, since stucco is porous.
Use mild detergent and stiff scrub brush for extremely dirty stucco.

Concrete & Driveways

Higher pressures up to 4000 PSI can tackle oil stains and deep dirt on concrete.
Use special concrete cleaning solutions to brighten and restore dingy concrete.
Avoid the open nozzle pattern which can etch concrete. Opt for a 25° or 40° spray nozzle instead.

Adjusting pressure, angle, distance and cleaning solutions based on the material allows you to safely and effectively pressure wash all different exterior surfaces.

How to Pressure Wash Special Areas

In addition to siding and walls, use these techniques to pressure wash other areas of the house:

Windows

Use warm soapy water in the soap dispenser attachment to clean glass and screens. Rinse thoroughly.
Opt for a 25° spray nozzle at close range to remove stuck-on debris from window frames and sills.

Eaves & Overhangs

Set up a ladder and carefully pressure wash from top to bottom, holding the nozzle at a 45° angle.
Use an angled wand adapter for the best access to confined eaves.

Gutters & Downspouts

Clean gutters by working small sections at a time, flushing debris toward the downspouts with water.
Insert the pressure wand into downspouts to force out collected debris from the top and bottom.

Decks

Use the widest spray nozzle at 1500 PSI to remove dirt, mold and mildew from decking.
Allow the wood to fully dry for several days before applying any stain or sealant.

Patios & Walkways

Use a surface cleaner attachment which quickly scrubs patio stones clean with rotating spray jets.
For broader concrete, use the wand in sweeping motions to clean without etching the surface.

Focusing on specific areas ensures no part of the exterior goes untouched, leaving every surface pristine before painting.

How to Pressure Wash Landscaping Around the House

In addition to cleaning the house itself, also use the pressure washer to tidy up the outdoor environment:

Lawns

Attach a bio-degradable soap dispenser to kill and wash away weeds in lawn cracks.
Adjust the nozzle to a 15° or 25° spray when cleaning delicate grass areas.

Fences

Switch to a narrow spray nozzle to concentrate pressure between fence boards and remove debris.
Rinse fencing thoroughly after applying cleaners to avoid damaging plants on the other side.

Driveways

Use a surface cleaner attachment which scrubs the concrete clean as you push it along the driveway.
For oil stains, apply degreasing solution and concentrate the pressure stream until the stain lifts.

Patios & Sidewalks

Use a wide spray nozzle and fast sweeping motions across large paved areas once debris is cleared away.
Switch to a more narrow spray to concentrate on stuck on gunk and stains.

Pressure washing beyond just the home’s exterior removes dirt across the entire property to give a unified clean look.

How to Rinse the House After Pressure Washing

Once the washing is complete, you’ll want to thoroughly rinse all exterior surfaces and the surrounding areas with just water through the pressure washer. Here’s how to rinse:

Start again at the top and work methodically from one side or section to the other.
Adjust to a wide spray nozzle at low pressure around 1000 PSI for gentle rinsing.
Remove any remaining debris stuck in corners, moldings, windows or doors.
Spot treat any areas with lingering dirt or streaks as needed.
Visually inspect for any remaining chalking or mildew residue and rinse again if necessary.
Hose down sidewalks, driveways, vehicles or anything else dirtied by washing runoff.

Rinsing away all traces of cleaning solutions and loosened debris leaves surfaces pristine and ready for primer and paint.

How to Dry the House After Pressure Washing

Allowing adequate drying time after power washing is crucial to proper paint adhesion. Follow these tips for drying:

Use a leaf blower on low setting to remove pools of water from crevices and carvings.
Wipe down windows and frames thoroughly with a cloth.
Allow surfaces to air dry for at least 24 hours depending on humidity. 48-72 hours is preferable.
Inspect surfaces and feel for dampness with your hands. Look for any remaining dark, shiny areas indicating excess moisture.
Use fans and dehumidifiers indoors if needed to completely dry out window sills and other interior areas that got wet.
Consider using a moisture meter on wood surfaces to assess when the appropriate moisture level is reached for painting.
Lightly sand any surfaces that raised a bit of wood grain after drying.

Only painting once exterior surfaces are fully dry ensures proper adhesion and prevents bubbling, cracking and peeling of the new paint.

How to Repair & Patch Pressure Wash Damage

Though pressure washing is generally safe for most surfaces, it can occasionally cause some damage, especially on older, delicate materials. Here’s how to fix common issues:

Dents & Gouges

Fill any small dents, holes and gouges with exterior-grade spackling or wood filler and allow to dry completely.
On vinyl, use heat from a hair dryer to minimize dents and gouges by lightly reheating and smoothing the surface.

Loose Wood Grain

Once dry, sand raised wood grain lightly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to flatten the surface for painting.

Missing Caulk

Recaulk around windows, doors, joints, and other areas where old caulk was blasted away. Allow new caulk to cure overnight.

Mortar Damage

Repoint any cracked or damaged mortar joints around brickwork using fresh mortar. Allow a week to fully cure before painting nearby.
For minor damage, use mortar repair caulk and clean up excess with a putty knife once dry.

Promptly fixing any damage from pressure washing keeps problem areas from interfering with paint prep and application.

Prep Work After Pressure Washing

After thoroughly pressure washing and drying the exterior, complete these additional prep tasks:

Sand, scrape or wire brush to remove any last bits of loose, flaking or peeling paint not removed by washing.
Spot prime any bare wood or metal in areas where old paint was removed to prevent moisture damage.
Lightly sand glossy surfaces to degloss for optimal paint adhesion.
Caulk around all windows, trim, lights and fixtures to seal gaps.
Use painters tape and plastic sheeting to mask off areas you don’t want painted.
Fill larger cracks and holes with exterior patching compound and let dry completely.
Scuff sand vinyl or aluminum siding using extra fine sandpaper to aid paint adhesion.
Clean out and prime overspray areas on glass, metal fixtures and nearby surfaces you don’t intend to paint.

Doing this prep work provides an optimally clean surface for your primer and paint to stick to.

Choosing Primer and Paint

After diligent pressure washing and surface preparation, choose your exterior primer and paint carefully:

Select high-quality primer suited for each specific surface material – bare wood, metal, masonry, vinyl, etc.
For paint, choose exterior-grade acrylic or latex paints, which expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking.
Opt for mildew-resistant paint if your surfaces are prone to growing mold and mildew.
Use flat or satin finish paints, which hide imperfections and flaws in exterior surfaces better than glossier finishes.
Stick with the same brand for primer and paint for optimal compatibility and adhesion.
Buy all paint and primer together to ensure matching sheens and colors.

Top quality primer and paint suitable for your exterior surfaces works with your great pressure washing prep to create a beautifully flawless painted finish.

Painting Your Home After Pressure Washing

Once fully dry after pressure washing, your house is ready for a fresh new paint job. Follow these tips when painting:

Always paint small sections at a time, completing one full area before moving to the next.
Use angled cutting brushes to paint up to trim, windows and corners for the sharpest paint lines.
Maintain a wet edge as you paint by brushing back into still-wet painted areas to prevent lap marks.
With spray painting, do overlapping back-and-forth passes, moving the sprayer at a consistent speed.
Paint in the shade whenever possible and avoid applying paint in direct sunlight or if rain is expected within 24 hours.
Give paint ample time to dry between coats according to manufacturer instructions.
Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat for the most professional looking, durable finish.
Caulk and fill any cracks or holes that emerge after old paint is removed and prime them before painting.
Use a small artist’s brush to carefully paint trim details and corners too small for the main paint brush.

Proper painting techniques combined with thorough pressure washing prep leads to a painted exterior that really lasts for years of beauty.

FAQ About Pressure Washing Before Painting

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pressure washing house exteriors before painting:

How long after pressure washing should I wait to paint?

It’s crucial to allow exterior surfaces 2-3 full days of drying after power washing before painting. Use a moisture meter on wood to confirm appropriate moisture content.

Do I need to prime after pressure washing before painting?

In most cases priming is recommended