You can stand on a ladder if you’d like to get closer to the gutters to clean them. Ensure your gutters aren’t loose or severely rusted prior to power-washing them to avoid potential damage. Do a thorough rinse of the gutters using the power washer, making sure you spray off any caked on dirt, debris, or flaking paint in the corners and underneath the gutters.
You may find it easier to take off the gutters and place them on a flat surface to scrub them down. Make sure you lay them out in order as you take them off so it is easy for you to put them back together.
Follow the application instructions on the label. Do not apply more than recommended. Wear gloves and a face mask when applying the mildew retardant so you are protected.
It’s essential that the area is extremely clean before you apply your new layer of paint. [3] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
Do not use too much paint stripper, as the chemicals can be bad for you to inhale. Dab on small amounts so you do not apply too much. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the fumes.
To save time, use a palm sander instead of a sanding block. Try to make the surface of the gutters as smooth as possible. Take your time, sanding the sides and bottom of the gutters.
Thoroughly cover the soffit, fascia, and siding of your home so paint does not get on it. Use old boxes or scrap cardboard. Cut the cardboard to fit the top of the gutters, especially the corners. You do not need to use painter’s tape to mask the house as long as you place cardboard on the gutters to protect the house. You will be working closely with the primer and paint so the risk of getting a lot of it on your home is low.
The primer will help the top coat adhere better to the gutters. It will also help to prevent the top coat from flaking or peeling.
If you opt to use a sprayer, mask the roof, fascia, and siding to prevent overspray from getting on your home. Keep a damp cloth on hand to wipe up any paint that gets on unwanted areas. Use the low pressure setting on the sprayer to apply one light coat of primer. Spray the sides and bottom of the gutters to prime them. Wear a respirator mask when you use the sprayer to protect yourself from the paint fumes.
Do not apply too much primer, as this can make it difficult for the top coat to spread smoothly and evenly on the gutters.
Make sure the primer is completely dry before you apply the top coat.
Be sure to use an exterior paint, which has antimicrobials built into it. [12] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 19 August 2020. A semi-gloss high-quality exterior paint will help prevent the gutters from becoming stained much easier than the initial factory paint. [13] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
If your home is gray or brown, you may paint the gutters gray or brown as well so they blend in.
You can also apply a thin layer of top coat with a paint sprayer if you’d prefer. Only spray over the gutters once with the top coat so it does not become too thick.
