How to Prepare Walls for Painting in Fish Hoek
By Fish Hoek Painters - Expert advice from the professionals
Preparation is the foundation of any lasting paint job - and in Fish Hoek's coastal environment, thorough preparation is what separates paint that lasts seven years from paint that lasts three. Every step skipped creates a weakness that the ocean humidity, UV and winter rain will exploit.
Step 1: Biological Treatment and Wash
Fish Hoek's coastal humidity and mountain shade create conditions where biological growth - algae, mould, lichen - is active on exterior walls. Apply fungicidal solution before washing, allow the recommended dwell time, then pressure wash from top to bottom. Never paint over live biological growth - it grows back through new paint within months.
Step 2: Assess and Repair
After the biological treatment and wash, assess existing paint adhesion by tape test. Remove all poorly bonded paint. Fill all cracks with flexible acrylic filler - flexibility is important in a coastal environment where thermal and moisture cycling stresses the structure. Fill any gaps around windows and doors where salt-laden moisture could penetrate.
Step 3: Prime Every Time
Priming is non-negotiable. Apply appropriate primer to all repaired and bare surfaces. On older Fish Hoek properties, a penetrating primer that seals porous substrate provides important additional protection against moisture ingress. See our full Fish Hoek painting guide for timing and seasonal advice.
Fish Hoek Painters never skips preparation. Every surface cleaned, treated, repaired and primed before topcoat.