Best interior painters near Keiser, AR

Yes, you can paint over old exterior paint, but success depends on the condition of the existing paint and proper surface preparation. If the previous coating is in good shape (not cracked, peeling, or flaky), you can paint over it with less prep work. However, for the most durable and professional-looking results, follow these key preparation steps:

• Clean the Surface: Thoroughly clean the exterior to remove all dirt, grime, and mildew. A pressure washer can be very effective for this.

• Scrape and Sand: If the old paint is peeling, cracked, or flaky, you must scrape off all loose paint. After scraping, sand the surface to create a smooth, even base for the new paint. Sanding is especially important for wood siding.

• Apply Primer: Using a quality exterior primer is highly recommended. It ensures the new paint adheres properly, improves durability, and provides a uniform finish. If you are painting a lighter color over a dark one, a tinted primer will help cover the old color more effectively.

Some brands offer paint-and-primer-in-one products for convenience. Taking the time to prepare the surface properly will not only increase your home's curb appeal but also help protect your siding and extend its life.

While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you’ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.

First off, take a breath. The good news is that interior paint, especially when used outside, won’t harm your health. The bad news is that you’re going to have to reapply the proper exterior paint at some point in the not-so-distant future. Otherwise the current coat will chip, crack, and fade, or worse, develop mold or an insect infestation without remediation.

Using a wire brush, forcefully scrub the surface to remove paint from metal. You’ll want to remove any lingering rust, too. For larger areas with caked-on rust, you may need to use a wire brush drill attachment. If the paint still won’t budge, apply a chemical paint stripper to the area and scrape off the paint, after following the paint stripper’s instructions.