Power Wash Before Repainting

Question: I am going to paint my house that is built of concrete. I have scraped off all of the loose paint and am ready to begin. Do I need to prime the entire house first or just where I scraped off the paint?

Answer: We suggest that you also use a power washer to remove any remaining loose paint, and to open the “pores” of the concrete to accept the fresh layer of paint. If you don’t own a power washer, you can rent one.

Because scraping and power-washing can result in an irregular surface, use a power sander to smooth the edges between the existing paint and the raw surface. You also can use an exterior-grade patching compound (compatible with concrete) that can be applied with a wide-blade putty knife to disguise the rough areas.

Once the patching work is complete and has had the opportunity to dry, “spot-prime” the patched and bare areas using a latex masonry block sealer or concrete paint. Finish the job by painting with a coat of premium quality 100% acrylic exterior house paint.