Painting - Can I use an electric sander?

Our house is approximately 40-45 years old and hasn't been painted since 1988!! The paint is peeling off on about 75% of the house. Can I use an electric sander to save time? After I pressure wash it, how long should I wait to start priming it? Please help! I'm a new do-it-yourselfer. Thank you.

Skip the sander. Pressure wash but set it on low pressure. You just want to remove the loose stuff. Let it dry and then prime with a quality primer.

Bob F., Skip the sander??? What about tapering those sharp corners where the paint chipped off? Have you found a way to sand with a power washer?
Use the sander for the best results.

I haven't had the pleasure of getting sharp corners. Are you talking about paint or the wood itself? You may need to touch up with a putty knife, but an elctric sander is overkill.

The corners where the paint chips off is a sharp edge that needs to be tapered BEFORE priming and painting. I've seen a lot of "dog-painters" skip this important step. Do you suggest skipping this step?????????????

Hello all,

I don't paint dogs, wouldn't know where to start, but I think maybe I saw one last night!!!

I ALWAYS power wash. I USUALLY sand afterward, but it depends on the price of the job. I typically work for higher end clients who will pay for the quality work I prefer to dole out. Sometimes the client just won't pay for it. At that point I give them 3 different estimates detailing the differences between the 3. That way it's clear what they're getting because invariably they'll be getting multiple bids and I want them to compare apples to apples, so to speak.

So, chelyn, since it's your home and undoubtedly you want to do a job you'll be proud of, get yourself a nice 5" random orbit sander with a hook and loop pad. Do the job you'd pay me to do. Be sure to match the type of primer for the type of finish paint you'll be using, OK?

good luck

Sonnie (I don't even own a dog...)

I've never had that problem, JDX. If there's a sharp edge, its paint that can be removed, not tapered. That's been my experience.

BTW - do you enjoy painting dogs?

Bob, You seem to be missing the point. I now understand that you don't believe in using a sander. No problem. Maybe your customers prefer that rough look but mine don't.
"Dog-Painter" - describes a bum painting contractor who is too lazy to do the job right and do all the steps necessary in doing a quality job.
Bob F, your methods keep real paint contractors in business and at the same time waste home-owners money.

JDX, you miss the point.

I don't leave sharp edges. I don't have sharp edges that need tapering. Maybe you do, but I don't. Sounds like you're the one wasting money.

If your home is 40/45 years old there is a good chance you have lead based paint on the house and the worse scenario for doing that job is sanding. Power washing will never remove a lot of buildup paint unless you apply a lot of pressure and then you will damage the surface. My suggestion is to test PEEL AWAY I which will remove all of the paint in one application and do it safely.

Bob F, My business thrives when "painters" skip those important steps. I look at that as job security for all the REAL painters out there. Keep up the great work, Bob F. What does the F stand for?..."Forgot to use the sander" ?

Chelyn, The answer to your question is YES. Yes, use a sander. Anybody who gets off 100% of the paint and doesn't need to use a sander is not being truthful. In the case that 100% of the paint was removed, the siding/wall would be so shredded to heck that you've got bigger problems than just painting. You would need to visit a new siding BB. Look out for those lousy, pretend-painting contractors and those lousy power-washing contractors. Good luck!

Ladies, I know ya'll are having a difference of opinion but remember you are in the public eye, how you act here will effect how serious the posters are going to take your advise. :) There is nothing wrong in voicing your opinion but this is on the verge of name calling, lets not do that please. Ya'll are both respected on this board.

chelyn, As far as the lead based paint goes, this is very possible for homes dating pre-1978, for more info about lead paint and removal or covering, check out these sites:

http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/

http://www.aeclp.org/

http://www.homestoreproducts.com/ test kits

Chipfo, The ladies are under control. Thanks for stepping in ....I don't want to hurt anyone.
Once again, Chipfo, you take the high road. You are a good man.