[APC]

hey guys I've got an exterior with new prepainted siding and trim. The homeowner wants another coat applied now that its all up. Just curious if it's necessary to powerwash this before painting. I'm assuming it collects some type of dirt and grime from wherever it came from but just thought I'd check in.

 

[bikerboy]

I would consider it. Did you wipe your hand or better yet a clean rag over it? if you did and got dirt, clean it in some form.

 

[APC]

No I didnt wipe anything to check for dirt. Its all the high work on a home where I would've needed an extension ladder to get to it and in this case you have to walk down a path about 150 yards to get to the home which is on the beach. I suppose I should have still done some sort of check though.

 

[HomeGuardPaints]

Even if its new, it sat in a warehouse before installed, then someone had to touch it to install it. so it needs to be cleaned, Also it probably sat on the jobsite for a time. I would clean

 

[Kelly Painting]

I'd wash anything for money..no questions asked.
Even if I just got done washing it.
As long as they pay.

 

[APC]

what do you guys usually use, as far as products, to clean before painting? Assuming theres no mold, mildew or anything like that, just dirt.

 

[bikerboy]

It depends on the setup you have. We used to use jomax and bleach mixture, spray it on with a pump sprayer and scrub with a long handled deck brush. Then rinse it all off.

Am getting ready to purchase a downstreaming setup and will start to use different chemicals. (thanks Ken!)

If you use chemicals, talk to your distributor and see if it leaves a film behind. Or just use a TSP and bleach mixture and rinse well. That should be enough to both clean and kill any thing you don't see. (Disolve the TSP in warm water)

 

[tsunamicontract]

I might also recommend trying the new tsp rinse free and still rinsing thoroughly just to be sure you are not leaving a residue.