When it comes to painting your home’s exterior, there are a few things you need to take into account. You must choose a color scheme that takes into consideration the colors of fixed elements like brick, stone and roofing shingles.
Your neighborhood should also provide clues about what types of colors are considered appropriate in your area. Find out what shade restrictions are in place with your homeowners’ association before you start.
Preparation
When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, proper prep is essential for a high-quality finish. A professional painting contractor will take a number of steps to ensure the paint job lasts and looks great.
The first step is to make sure all the materials needed for the project are purchased. This includes primer, paint and caulk. It’s also important to select the right type of paint for your exterior. Your local Benjamin Moore retailer can assist with this. There are a variety of exterior paints available, including oil-based for bare wood surfaces, latex for previously painted surfaces and shellac for difficult stains or odours.
Next, the surface to be painted should be cleaned. This can be done by a power washer or simply by cleaning it with a hose or sponge and soapy water. If necessary, a scraper can be used to remove loose or flaking paint. Any cracks or holes should be re-caulked to ensure a strong seal against weather elements.
Primer
A fresh coat of exterior paint can give your home the facelift it needs to reclaim curb appeal. Though it requires a significant time commitment and specialized tools, the results are well worth the effort.
Choose a primer that’s specifically formulated for the type of surface you’re painting. A good quality primer can also be tinted, making it easier to match the color of your wall’s finish.
Examine the surfaces you’ll be painting and make sure to properly cover and mask any areas that shouldn’t be painted, such as electrical or gas boxes, doors, windows, and trellises. If your home has mixed materials, use caulk to patch any gaps.
Once the surfaces are clean and dry, sand any areas that need to be sanded or are rough or chipped. This helps the paint adhere to the surface and makes it more even. You can also speed up the sanding process by using a pad sander, especially if your siding has a lot of wear and tear.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look of a home. It can enhance its curb appeal, potentially increase its value and make it easier to sell.
It can be a messy job and can require a lot of supplies, like ladders, brushes, sprayers, scaffolding and drop cloths. It also requires a thorough inspection of the exterior to determine what repairs are needed to ensure a long-lasting paint job. Professional painters have the experience, top-notch equipment and skills to get the job done right.
Apply a basecoat of flat or eggshell exterior paint color, followed by two coats of your chosen hue. During this process, it’s important to remember that the first coat is meant to “lay on” the color, not be smoothed out (photo 1). If the surface has bare spots or shows signs of “chalking,” you’ll need to spot-prime those areas before applying a second coat. A paint sprayer makes this step much faster and more efficient.
Finish
A fresh coat of paint is an excellent way to give your home’s exterior a facelift. However, this is a project that requires a significant time commitment, the use of specialized equipment and basic home improvement knowledge.
Begin by washing the clapboards and other surfaces that will be painted with a mixture of water and a phosphate-free cleaner to remove mildew, dirt and grime. Once the clapboards are dry, a light sanding with a medium-grit sanding block is necessary to provide a smooth surface for painting.
Choose a high-quality exterior paint that will last longer and hold up to the elements. This may cost more upfront, but a quality paint will reduce the number of times that you will have to repaint your home over time.
Summary:
When choosing a paint contractor, ask to see examples of their work and contact references. Online networks like Angi, HomeAdvisor and Fixr make it easy to find reputable contractors in your area.
Denise Moreno is a business consultant. She teaches people how to start a business. She tries to understand her client her own thought, tricks and show the possible way to start a business. She worked with hundreds of clients and made them successful. She earned his degree in the University of South Florida. Lynn is her husband’s name. They got married in 2009. They have two girls. Both of them have a passion for travel.