Exterior Painting 102
Now that you’ve prepared your house & landscape for painting it’s time to prime. A popular rule of thumb has always been to apply a coat of primer, sand, then apply your color coats. This is a good rule to follow however some newer paints have combined primer and paint into one product, to potentially cut down on the number of coats you will have to apply. Although this newer paint is more expensive,it may be worth purchasing as buying separate primer and paint can add up.
Once you have sanded & primed the exterior of your home, the painting can begin. Don’t paint immediately after rain or if rain is predicted, during foggy weather or when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can impact the paint job. Mixing multiple cans of the same color of paint into a larger container, such as a five-gallon bucket, will help ensure a uniform color is applied to your home’s exterior. This step is important if, for example, you initially bought a gallon or two of paint less than you needed and then picked up the extra gallons at a later time.
Start at the top and work your way down while painting to control and potentially avoid streaks. You are essentially working with gravity & painting this way helps to increase the likelihood of a good finish. Your paint will drip but this method also allows you to feather out mishaps in the direction you are working. Painted porches and other painted floors can become a bit too slick with a coat of paint alone, so add a little bit of fine silica sand to the paint to add traction. You can use play sand or additives that manufacturers have begun producing to provide this extra texture.
When you come to a good stopping point, properly seal any & all of your paint containers with their lids after you finish for the day to keep the paint from drying out. Use a rubber mallet to lightly hammer the lid shut. You can also add a plastic wrap film over the opening to ensure a tight seal. If you have left over paint, save it for a future touch-up or recycle.
Feel free to call our professionals today to set up your exterior painting consultation.
