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In this article, we will explain how to paint a retaining wall.
First Things First, What are Retaining Walls?
Well, retaining walls are rigid walls that are used to support soil laterally so that it can be retained comfortably at different levels on both sides.
Retaining walls are simply structures that are designed to confine soil to a slope that it would not keep to naturally.
Of course, retaining walls have a serious job to do, but that doesn’t mean they have to look drab and boring. So, here comes the paint to make it look good.
How do You Paint a Retaining Wall?
Painting a retaining wall can be a bit challenging, but if you know what to do, then you will find it easier and have a successful painting project done on your retaining wall.
Painting your retaining wall also has its benefits. It will keep your wall from being a free canvas for taggers. It will also protect it from stains, dirt, and grime.
So, this is how to go about painting your retaining wall.
Here we go.
There are 4 important stages to painting a retaining wall. Here they are:
Here they are:
- Getting Supplies
- Preparing to Paint
- Painting the wall
- After the Painting
1. Getting Supplies
You need to get some painting supplies to pull off the job. Some painting supplies you will find handy include: handles and rollers, 2 to 3 inches wide paintbrush, paint trays, and half-gallon paint buckets, wipe cloths and drop cloths, putty knife, wire brush, mixing sticks, and paint can opener.
Make sure you have at least one gallon of water filled with clear water in case you need to rinse off a roller or a paintbrush as you go.
2. Preparing to Paint
Now it’s time to get ready. One of the first things that are necessary for you to do before painting your retaining wall is to wash it.
Yes, even if it is a fairly new wall, you still need to wash it before it is painted.
If it is fairly new, you can make use of a garden hose to wash the wall, but if it has been up for a while, you may need to do a little extra, – you can power wash it.
Power washing your retaining wall will take off the grease and grime plus the rust and all the loose particles or concrete remains left on the wall.
If you have to use detergent in the washing, ensure that the product you use is bio-degradable. It is more preferable to use the services of a power washing specialist to do it yourself.
After the wall is washed, make sure you let it dry for several days.
Concrete is usually porous, so if you find cracks in the wall surface, make sure to fill in the cracks and holes with either masonry patching materials or cement.
Smooth over the patches with a trowel to avoid lumps in the wall.
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3. Painting the Wall
After the wall is totally dried, it is time to paint it. Choose a day that will allow you to give the paint to dry as well.
Go for a quality latex exterior paint. This is because Latex will withstand harsh weather better than other types of paint.
Make sure you use drop cloths when painting and have a wipe cloth handy to wipe the spills or drips that happen.
Using a roller is the best way to paint a retaining wall.
Use an extension handle to reach the top heights. Also, employ the use of a safety step ladder to help you have smooth painting and cover the details at the corner of the walls.
4. After the Painting
After the painting has been completed, it is time to leave it to dry. Usually, this will take about a day or two. And it may be necessary to fill in areas that now show scanty coating.
Ensure that when you are done, you clean your brushes, rollers, and handles, as well as the paint trays and buckets. Do this in soapy warm water. This helps to remove all the excess paint before you put them away. This will make your tools last longer for you.
If you have any paint remaining or leftover after the project is completed, then make sure you secure the lids of the buckets carefully to prevent the paint from drying out and becoming hard. It will be no use if this happens.
Do remember however that if it’s painting your roof then to contact specialists that deal with roofing work which includes companies such as Sydney Roofing & Gutters.
That is how to go about painting your retaining wall.
It is not so hard if you have the right knowledge and use the right tools.
