Exterior Painting 101
Whether you’re trying to sell your home or make it more appealing on the outside, exterior painting can come in handy. When deciding to paint the exterior of your home, plan ahead. Unlike interior painting, understanding mother nature & the proper time of year to paint is key. It’s best to select a dry time of year when there is little rain and especially a lower humidity level. Otherwise your paint won’t be able to dry nor adhere to surfaces to dry, and your paint job can be ruined.
Another thing to consider when preparing for exterior painting is making sure you purchase paint that is of high quality. We know better paints can equate larger costs however higher quality paint means you will paint fewer times over the years, and you’ll get better coverage when you do paint. If you decide to save money up front by purchasing a cheaper brand, you’re bound to have trouble and eventually pay more in the long run, as the paint job will not last long.
Once you’ve picked the day, & the best paint for your home, you have to prepare your home & landscape. As we’re sure you know, painting can be particularly messy & can ruin your personal or cherished items so be sure to cover the ground, bushes and any other vegetation below the area you are painting.
You’ll also want to move or cover up any outdoor furniture, hoses, grills, etc. Paint generally won’t adhere very well to dirty or rough surfaces, so it’s best to clean any and all siding and trim thoroughly. If you discover rotten wood or bad siding material, you have a couple of options. Replace the siding or wood trim with new components, or in the case of small areas, use a wood hardener and match it with an exterior filler product, such as a wood filler. Rotten wood is absolutely pointless to paint, as it will do nothing but to continue to deteriorate, so it’s best to handle this issue appropriately.
When you begin sanding, be sure to sand, or scrape carefully, any peeling paint to create a solid surface for the paint to adhere. Use a paint scraper, wire brush, sandpaper or power washer to remove all surface contamination, such as oil, grease, loose paint, dirt, foreign matter, rust, mold, mildew or mortar efflorescence. Make sure that cracks and imperfections are patched or caulked.
Feel free to call our painting company today, we will gladly set you up with an appointment for your free price estimation.
