Proper Cleaning And Maintenance Of Outdoor Painted Surfaces. Singapore is a country known for its lovely vibe. Part of the beauty is the infrastructure proudly built in the area. The colors of walls and other painted surfaces give the buildings more character. It effectively captures the attention of the locals and tourists.
The sad truth is structures go against the elements every day. Extreme temperatures and exposure to rain and dust can ruin their appearance. Proper cleaning and maintenance of outdoor painted surfaces are crucial in preserving the charm of homes and establishments. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to perform this task.
Avoid accidentally ruining a building façade due to ignorance. Before starting a cleaning project, equip yourself with basic know-how. Share it also with the team who will be helping you out.
There are different types of contaminants on the surfaces of buildings. Proper identification leads to the right action. Mildew, microbes, and algae will require mild chemical treatment.
Soap and water could suffice for dirt, dust, and grime. Observe the surface. If there are parts that the pain is flaky or has cracks. These spots would require a gentler approach. Check also the surface texture. Is it rough or smooth? It will determine the difficulty level of cleaning.
Time is precious. The faster things get done, the better. It is a thought most Singaporeans have in mind when accomplishing tasks. However, when it comes to cleaning outdoor painted surfaces, using pressurized water cleaning is not advised. This method can damage the paint on the walls. If there are wood accents on the façade, these could get receive damage too. So it is better to do things gently and thoroughly.
Not all walls and surfaces use the same paint. Before cleaning, it is best to identify the paint type used. Glossy and semi-glossy paint finishes are technically easy to clean and tough. Apply a multipurpose cleaner on a rag or sponge, and use it to wipe the surface you want clean.
Weak points like matte, eggshell, or flat finishes need a milder approach. Gentle detergents mixed with water will do. Oil-based paints are the toughest to clean. It requires small amounts of borax or ammonia mixed with the cleaning solution to clear imperfections.
Cleaning outdoors on sunny days helps the cleaning process by drying up the surfaces immediately. It requires a second round for a better finish. The first application should be fully dry before conducting another round. On sunny days this is achievable in a short period. Surfaces will get dirty again if rain suddenly pours. Please be careful about that, or your efforts and resources will go to waste.
Identifying the age of the building, the texture of the surface, and the paint type are necessary considerations. Taking this into account, prepare the cleaning solution. However, wait to wipe it on the wide spot. Test the cleanser on a small area first. Observe if there are any discolorations. If there is no unfavorable reaction, continue to apply fully.
1. The surface has a stubborn stain. How can it be removed?
Apply a mixture of baking soda and water on the stain. After waiting a few minutes, wipe it off.
2. What personal protective equipment is needed to clean a painted surface?
A surgical mask, eye goggles, and gloves will suffice.
3. Why is Pressurized Water Washing not recommendable?
Pressurized water washing does not remove dirt. The strong force can push the contaminants deeper, especially if the surface is porous. It also damages the paint coating and can cause premature peeling.
As a precaution, understand the material at hand. Carefully observe the surface texture and paint type for cleaning solution matching. Cleaning and maintenance of outdoor painted surfaces preserve the beauty of buildings. It makes them look vibrant and saves money too. Well-kept infrastructures will require fewer repainting jobs.