Before I start to fill my side porch with outdoor furniture, I wanted to take the time to clean out the porch and get it ready for the summer. It is not enclosed so it gets pretty dirty sitting all by its lonesome during the winter. Even though we haven’t used this space well, I usually try to tackle this cleaning once a year. Kansas wind is no joke and somehow all the leaves and dirt from the neighborhood ends up trapped right here. I actually loving pulling out my power sprayer and my leaf blower for this project… so lets get to it.
Blow the Leaves and Dust
After I clear the porch, I make it easy on myself and use a leaf blower to clean the debris. I then use a broom to get in hard places and then blow the leaves and natural debris out of the space.
I even blow the dust off the railings. Lots of dirt and dust build up over time.
Spray Down the Railings
My railings get very dusty. They are also 100+ years old so power washing would strip the paint. My power sprayer has a power wash setting but it is not gentle enough. I find that the easiest way to clean the railings is with a pump garden sprayer.
Power Spray the Concrete.
This makes it feel nice and fresh every year. I really wanted to do this before I laid down any rugs in the space.
Dry the surface
I let the porch air dry but I have an old house with a little bit of settling on my porch. I use my leaf blower to blow out any excess water.
The porch is ready for paint. I actually wanted to have the painting done for the post but alas…. the spring rain. I know some of you are covered in snow so I will not complain. I actually don’t need to paint very much.
First up, I need to paint the railing ledges. Second, the storm doors.
If you have an old house with chippy paint let share with you a quick tip…. use self leveling primer. This primer is thicker and can seal and fill the paint chips. I usually do a couple coats of the self leveling primer.
If you really want more of a smooth surface then smooth Bondo over chips. Yes, I know its filler for auto body but it works! Use a putty trowel to apply it and scrape off the excess. After it dries you might have to lightly sand any excess Bondo, prime once more, then paint.
The result is amazing. I don’t think I am going to go this deep here but I did this process when we restored our indoor trim. I put a little before and after for you.
Right now I am waiting on the fun stuff to arrive. I have a few DIYs up my sleeve for next week and week 5. Until then… you can find me outside painting.
I am always amazed at the projects the featured designers pull off. Check them out here.
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