The Dos and Don'ts of Exterior Residential Painting

 

Painting is one of the most essential home improvement projects you can undertake. It can dramatically change the look of your home and increase its value.

Choose a high-quality paint to get the best results. This will reduce the time you need to paint and give you better coverage.

Don't Skip the Preparation

Painting your house is one of the quickest, most affordable, and best-performing home improvement services. It will give your house a new look, enhancing curb appeal and increasing value.

During the painting process, painters must follow specific steps to prepare the surface for paint. A poorly trained surface can lead to a poor paint job and shorten the new paint's lifespan.

Before the first brushstroke is applied, a thorough cleaning must take place. The surface should be chemically treated to kill mildew and power washed to remove dirt and debris that may interfere with adhesion.

It is also important to cover or remove items that could be affected by the painting process, like trash bins, patio furniture, and plants. Lastly, wearing protective equipment, such as a dust mask and steel-toe boots, is essential to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals or injuring yourself during the painting process.

Don't Skip the Final Coat

A fresh coat of paint does more than enhance your home's curb appeal. It also acts as a protective barrier from weather damage. It also seals cracks and crevices that may cause future problems.

Hiring a professional like Colorado Painting is always recommended if you want a well-done exterior painting job. They have the experience and tools to handle any project. Plus, they can save you time and money by doing the work quickly and efficiently.

When choosing exterior paint, it's essential to consider color trends and what looks best with your home's architecture. It would help if you decided on high-quality paint that will last and resist fading in the sun. This will reduce how often you have to repaint your house.

Don't Skip the Cleaning

Paint doesn't stick as quickly to surfaces when dust and other contaminants are in the way. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly clean the surface before applying any paint.

Likewise, attempting to paint over dirt and grime will yield a rough and uneven finish. This is why it is so essential to sand, scrape, wash, and prime before painting.

Moving the ladder frequently is essential during the painting process to avoid overreaching, which is dangerous and can lead to a patchy and streaky finish. Properly dispose of all leftover paint according to local waste disposal instructions. Lastly, be sure to paint on days with moderate temperatures and humidity, as paint tends to dry best in these conditions.

Don't Skip the Primer

Often, a fresh coat of primer will be the difference between a paint job that lasts and one that doesn't. Especially when painting dark colors over light, a primer can help ensure smooth color transitions and hide any hints of the darker original paint. Primer also helps trap any stains (like crayon marks, water spots, or oil) from bleeding through the new paint, making it an essential part of the prep process.

While applying primer may seem tedious, it can make all the difference in a long-lasting paint job. Invest the time to use your primer correctly, and you'll see your results pay off in the quality of your final paint job!

Don't Skip the Stain

Painting the exterior of a home is a massive job, and it is also an expensive one. But a fresh coat of paint is a cosmetic improvement and protects the house from water damage, pest infestation, extreme temperatures, and wear and tear.

While you're getting your exterior painted, it is an excellent time to address any issues, like rotting wood, cracks in plaster, or missing siding. This way, the new paint can cover these problems and last longer.

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-painting-cardboard-house-3933229/