I'm planning to repaint the exterior of my house and I'm unsure if I need to sand off all the old paint first or just focus on specific areas. One thing I'm concerned about is if my home has lead paint, especially since it was built in the 1950s. Any tips on how to proceed?
3 Answers
How old is your home? If it's from the 50s with wood siding, check for areas of peeling. Since you mentioned the paint is mostly intact, focus on those spots rather than sanding off everything.
For spots where the paint has peeled off, use a high-quality patching compound. Look for one that's appropriate for exterior use, and make sure to prep the area well before applying it for the best results.
You only need to sand the areas where the paint is peeling or failing. If your house is older, make sure to test for lead paint, especially if it was built before 1978. For lead testing, you can buy a lead test kit at hardware stores. If lead is present, it's best to consult a professional for safe removal.