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Exterior House Painting Tips

 

Many people prefer saving money by painting their home exterior themselves, instead of hiring a professional. While time consuming, the task does not require a high level of expertise. Keep in mind that taking shortcuts by using low quality materials or neglecting surface preparation affects the final appearance. By following a few basic steps, implementing common sense safety techniques and paying attention to detail, homeowners easily achieve professional results.

 

 

Before starting a job, always ask for professional advice. Go online, search the web and visit at least two or three reputable design or building companies (more about this) to make sure you have all the information.

1

Choose the appropriate ladder that capably reaches every area of the house. Most house painting jobs require tall, extension ladders, which if not owned, may be borrowed or rented from a hardware store. Pay attention to the safety instructions printed on the side of the ladder. When placing the ladder against the house, use the proper angle between the base of the ladder and the house. Position the ladder so both ends remain stable without wobbling. When on the ladder, prevent accidents by keeping your body within the confines of the rails and avoid overreaching.

 

2

Use quality tools and paint when tackling a job. Avoid purchasing cheap paint brushes as some of the bristles typically weaken and stray out of alignment. The handles on cheap scrapers break easily and the edges dull with extensive use. If planning on using rollers, consider the particular house surface texture when determining roller nap length. Save time while painting by purchasing brushes and rollers having the appropriate width for the job. While inexpensive paint may seem economical, the drudgery of repainting surfaces within a few years does not save money or time in the long run. After deciding on which paint is the most appropriate, think about your house style in general. Not all painting techniques can be used for all house styles. Think of the interior too, it should go well with the exterior - think in advance (click here for more ideas) and you will make no mistake.

 

 

3

Take time for proper surface preparation. Paint does not adhere to chalky, dirty or greasy surfaces. If rubbing the surface removes dirt or old paint, scrub or power wash surfaces before painting. Remove all loose paint, especially around doors, windows and other trim areas. The sharp edges of paint scrapers capably perform the task in most instances. Wire brushes work well for preparing brick, masonry or metal and vinyl surfaces, but have a tendency to gouge wood. Rusty surfaces on steel or metal must undergo brushing or sanding. Prime these areas with a rust converter before painting.

 

4

Check the caulking around doors and windows. Caulk improves the energy efficiency of a home by sealing cracks and unsightly gaps. While consumers find caulk in a variety of colors, choose a brand that accepts painting. Painting the caulk ensures a neater, more uniform appearance. Fill nail holes and wood gouges with spackling compound or wood filler.

 

5

Prime as needed. Stucco and vinyl generally do not require primer if adequately painted with two coats of paint. However, if planning to cover oil based paint with latex, use appropriate primers. Improper sealing may result in peeling as latex contracts and expands, which loosens the oil paint below. New or weathered wood, iron and steel surfaces also require priming, followed by at least two coats of paint. Hardware or home improvement store employees readily offer assistance for determining appropriate primer/sealer and paint.

 

 

6

Read the instructions on the paint container. Labels provide temperature perimeters for application that ensure optimal results. Beginning a project in spring or early summer eliminates having to work around foliage and plants. While outdoor painting may occur from spring into fall, choose days and times with moderate temperatures and little humidity. High temperatures accelerate drying time and humidity and lower temperatures hamper curing. Painting during temperatures that exceed the acceptable limits also poses the risk of uneven coats.

 

7

Consider using a paint sprayer for the main portion of the house. Sprayers cover large areas in a fraction of the time compared to hand painting, which means completing the task in mere days instead of weeks. Spraying also ensures a thicker, more uniform paint application. However, as spraying provides a thicker coat, this method typically requires up to 20 percent more paint. With a little caution and after acquiring a little experience, spraying the trim also saves a great deal of time. Some homeowners might also consider doing the surface preparation and painting the trim by hand while hiring a professional painter to spray the main part of the house. Professional painters quickly spray paint an entire house in a one or two days.  

 

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Comments

Guest - Sandra Patterson (website) on Monday, 29 July 2019 18:05

Thank you for the tips about painting the exterior of your home. My sister has been thinking about getting a new paint job. I am sure that she could find a great service to do that for her.

Thank you for the tips about painting the exterior of your home. My sister has been thinking about getting a new paint job. I am sure that she could find a great service to do that for her.
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