Wait Times After Pressure Washing (Before Painting)

Cody
Published by: | Updated: February 1, 2023
JCS Refresh How Long After Pressure Washing Can You Paint

So you’ve decided to paint your house, and you’re smart enough to understand the importance of pressure washing before it. 

Getting your home painted is an expensive endeavor, and timing is the most crucial factor if you’re thinking of mixing it with pressure washing. 

We’ll give you a quick, simple, and comprehensive answer to understand how long after pressure washing you can paint.

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About The Author

Meet the expert behind this article. 

cody-jcs-refresh-pressure-washing-3

Cody

Co-owner & Service Director

Hey there, I’m Cody. 

A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you. 

Reading from Washington State?

Contact our team for a quote and you might meet me in person.

Quick Answer

There should be a gap of 24 hours to three days between pressure washing and painting a house. 

However, it depends upon the climatic conditions and the suitability of different parts of the house to recover after pressure washing and prep for paint.

JCS Refresh How Long After Pressure Washing Can You Paint

Should I pressure wash my house before painting?

Yes, you should pressure wash your house before painting. 

It is not only essential but necessary. 

However, if you are aware of the benefits, this helps make jobs easier and long-lasting. 

Pressure washing loosens the dirt and grime deposited on the exterior of your house. Each area of your home is prone to wear and tear, from shingles to bricks and vinyl siding, to wood fences

Washing not only rids these spots of the debris accumulated over time, but it also highlights any spots with chipping or cracks.

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So pressure washing a house before painting solves three problems at once:

  • First, it cleans the exterior and returns it to a pristine condition. Items such as shingles and vinyl sidings that do not need paint get cleaned anyways. 
  • Pressure washing helps you identify the need for repairs in the building.
  • It prepares the surfaces for painting by removing any old, chipping paint.

How long after pressure washing can I paint my deck?

The ideal time to wait before painting a deck after a pressure wash is 48 hours. This is because waiting 48 hours gives adequate time for the deck to dry. 

Additionally, professionals use moisture meters to measure the wood’s moisture levels. It is an effective and accurate method to time the paint job after pressure washing.

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How long does it take wood to dry after pressure washing?

After pressure washing, you should wait 24-48 hours to paint the wood.

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How long does it take a house to dry after pressure washing?

The time it takes for a house to dry after pressure washing depends upon several factors. 

However, the usual time is between 24-72 hours. 

Since pressure washing is mainly done on sunny days during late fall or spring, the air has less humidity, and it doesn’t take long for a house to get rid of the moisture. However, an expected rain shower can extend this duration by a day.

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Conclusion

Pressure washing a house before painting is essential and also effective. 

It helps clean the surfaces, so the new paint sticks well and highlights areas that need repairs. 

Different materials need different times to dry; however, 48 hours between pressure washing and painting is the best.

Thanks for reading!