Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s curb appeal or just want to make it look better overall, painting your home is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do so.
But just like any other project, there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to exterior paint. Learn the do’s and don’ts of painting your home exterior and you’ll have a beautiful new look in no time!
Don’t Skip Preparation
Preparing for painting is an important step that can make or break your project. It’s also an essential task for making sure your house looks great for years to come.
The first step in preparing for painting is to take a thorough look at your home’s exterior. Check for rotted wood, loose paint, or any other signs of damage that might require repair.
If there are any areas that need repairing, do it right away. This will save you time and money down the road.
You’ll also want to clean the surface and remove any dust or dirt. A clean, dry surface is the best way to ensure that your new paint adheres properly.
This may seem like a hassle, but it can help you create a long-lasting finish. Plus, it will protect your investment.
Another important aspect of preparation is to choose the proper paint and primer for your project. The wrong paint will not stick to the surface correctly and can cause your painting job to take longer than necessary.
In addition, it can result in uneven shades of paint. You can prevent this by sanding and priming the surface before applying your new paint.
You can sand surfaces using a coarse paper or sandpaper and then use a brush, sponge, or even a roller to apply the primer. The primer will fill any gaps in the surface and provide a solid foundation for your paint to stick to.
Once the surface is primed, you can apply your favorite exterior paint color. You should always choose a high-quality paint that is formulated for outdoor applications.
If you aren’t sure what to choose, a professional can guide you in the right direction. They can also recommend a paint that’s suitable for your home and climate. For starters, visit website of the Old Charleston Painting Company to see your possible options.
While many people skip this step, it is one of the most important steps in ensuring that your painting project turns out well. Without it, you risk your new paint job looking dull and sloppy.
Don’t Forget the Ladder
The ladder is an essential piece of equipment that a homeowner should never forget when painting their home exterior. Not only is it useful for accessing hard to reach areas of the house, but it also provides a sturdy support for your hands and tools.
It is important to choose the right type of ladder for your job, as well as ensure that it is in good working condition before use. A self-supporting step ladder, straight ladder, or extension ladder should be used if the job requires it.
Before you climb the ladder, make sure to check its weight rating to ensure that it will not fall over or break if your weight exceeds its maximum capacity. If it is not properly rated, you should choose a different ladder.
A professional painter’s ladder is usually made of aluminum or fiberglass for its light weight and strength. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including folding, telescoping, and extending models.
When choosing the perfect ladder for your home painting project, consider what the task at hand will require and the height of the area that you want to paint. A step ladder can only go so high, while an extension ladder is usually the best choice if you need to work up to a higher ceiling.
The height of the ladder should be about 3 feet more than the highest point you need to reach, so for example, if your paint job involves painting a stairwell, you might need a 15 foot ladder.
It is also a good idea to attach a paint can hook to your ladder so that you don’t have to worry about carrying paint or materials up the ladder. This is especially helpful if you have to work up from an extremely low position, such as a basement or crawl space.
A good painters ladder will have stand-offs at the bottom of each rung that make it more stable while climbing, so that it doesn’t twist as it is extended. Additionally, most ladders are constructed with a safety mechanism that prevents the ladder from falling over when the user is climbing.
Don’t Forget the Weather
Painting your home exterior can be a daunting task. There are a lot of decisions to make, including what paint to use and when to do it. But the weather is one of the most important considerations you can make, and it has a big impact on your entire home improvement project.
The weather can determine how well the paint adheres to your house and how long it lasts. This is especially true in the winter, when the weather can vary drastically.
You’ll want to pick a day that is both dry and warm. The temperature will allow the paint to properly cure, which is essential for a beautiful finish.
But it’s not just about the temperature; the humidity and dew can also have an effect on how well the paint dries. If you’re painting in the middle of a thunderstorm, the moisture may be able to seep into your paint and ruin it.
Another thing to remember when choosing the right weather for your paint job is that different types of paint require different temperatures to perform their best. Oil-based paints should be applied in warmer temperatures, while latex and acrylics require a little cooler air.
This means that you should check the forecast to find a stretch of days when the weather will be its most optimal and choose your painting time accordingly. This will ensure that your paint is applied in the correct conditions and won’t end up wasting time or money.
Besides, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re unable to paint during the ideal time, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.
The sun is a great way to warm up your house, but it can also be dangerous. Direct sunlight can heat up the paint, which can make it more difficult to apply evenly. In addition, it can cause your skin to overheat and burn. So, it’s best to work in the shade or on the shady side of your house.
Don’t Forget the Finish
Nothing breathes life into an old, worn wall like a fresh coat of paint. It’s one of the most common home improvement projects, and for good reason: it’s cheap and easy to do yourself, and can make a dramatic impact on the appearance of your home.
The finish you choose is another crucial consideration in your home painting project. It will determine whether or not your paint job will last, and it can even affect the way your house looks and feels afterward.
For example, if your home gets a lot of dirt and debris from snow, rain, or other extreme weather conditions, you may want to go with a paint finish that can easily be scrubbed away. In this case, a satin or semi-gloss paint would be ideal.
Similarly, if you have pets or kids who run around outside frequently, you’ll want to choose a paint that can stand up to these types of wear and tear. You can also consider choosing a paint that is resistant to UV radiation, which will help keep your home looking beautiful for longer.
Before you begin the painting process, it’s important to do a thorough cleaning of your home exterior. This will remove dirt, mildew, and other contaminants that could inhibit a clean finish. It will also make sure that you’re working on a clean surface, avoiding any potential for paint failure and extending the life of your new paint job.
To achieve this, it’s essential to sand the surface of your home thoroughly. This step will ensure a strong mechanical bond between the previous coat and your new one, preventing paint flaking and peeling.
In addition, it will also help your paint stick better to the surface and create a more consistent finish. You can also use a high-quality primer to improve paint adhesion and coverage.
Once you’ve completed these tasks, it’s time to begin the painting process. Using the right tools will make the entire painting process go more smoothly. This includes a good pair of paintbrushes, roller and roller pads, paint tape, and a paint tray.