Can pressure washing replace sanding and priming before repainting?
Pressure washing is an important first step before exterior painting, but it does not replace sanding and priming. A good wash will remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint, which creates a clean surface for new coatings. However, if there is peeling paint, bare wood, or chalking, pressure washing alone is not enough.
Why sanding is still needed:
Sanding smooths out rough edges where old paint has failed. This prevents the new paint from lifting and ensures a uniform finish.
Why priming matters:
Primer seals bare surfaces and creates a strong bond for the topcoat. Without primer, paint can soak in unevenly, peel faster, or fade.
Best practice:
Pressure wash to clean the surface.
Scrape and sand areas with peeling paint.
Apply primer where needed.
Finish with high-quality paint.
At Jose’s Painting we include all three steps in our prep work, because skipping sanding or priming usually leads to paint failure. The result is a longer-lasting, professional finish for homes in Marietta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding areas.
