Painting your home can bring great results to your home exterior and add that extra “wow” factor you have been looking for. Additionally, when you spruce up with new paint, it helps protect your home from external weather factors.
It’s essential to approach a home project with a plan in place and know a couple of tips beforehand. To help you achieve the best results, we have written a list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when painting your exterior home.
Do’s
Choose the Right Paint
When it comes to painting your home’s exterior, not all painting materials will produce the same outcome. It’s important to choose a high-quality paint that’s designed for exterior use and can withstand rain, high winds and snow as well as hot, summer days. Look for paints that are labeled as “100% acrylic.” These paints are more durable and will last longer than other options.
Another great option is latex paint. Latex paints are ultraviolet rays resistant, which means these types of paints won’t peel, crack or fade over the year or being exposed to UV lights.
Invest in Quality Tools
While it may be tempting to grab the cheapest brushes and rollers you can find, we suggest buying quality tools instead, this can make the difference between an okay paint job and a great one. High-quality brushes and rollers can help you achieve a smooth, even finish and make the job easier and the paint stick better.
Choose the Right Time and Weather
The season and weather in which you choose to paint your home’s exterior has an effect on the outcome of your project. Typically, you want to paint when the weather is mildly warm and dry, with temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees. Make sure there is little to no chance of rain, as the paint needs a couple of hours to stick to your home and dry properly. Avoid painting during bad weather conditions, such as high winds, rain, or extremely hot days.
Humidity can also affect the paint finish. Do not paint directly under the sun as this can make you overheat. It’s best to plan and choose the right day accordingly.
Apply Multiple Coats
In order to ensure your paint job lasts, it’s important to apply multiple coats of paint. Using multiple coats of paint helps protect your home’s exterior from the external weather and ensures a smooth, even paint look. Ideally applying two coats of paint is best, but you may need more depending on the condition of the home’s surface.
Test the Paint Color
Before you decide on a paint color for your paint project, we suggest testing it out first. Paint a small section of your home’s exterior with the color you’re considering, and see how it looks in different light throughout the day. This will help you ensure you’re happy with the color choice before you move forward with the rest of the painting.
If you are working with a painting contractor, then you’re most likely in good hands! They are able to provide color consultations and guide you along, making the whole process easy.
Consider Hiring a Professional
Painting your home exterior is a big job, and it’s not for everyone. It can take time and some painting knowledge. If this is something you are not comfortable tackling yourself, or you do not have the time or proper equipment, then we strongly recommend contacting and working with a painting company. The best painting company will have the experience and necessary tools to ensure your home looks great and the project is successful.
Use a Primer
Using a primer before you paint can help ensure a smooth, even finish and increase the lifespan of your paint job. While a primer is not necessary, we do strongly recommend that everyone uses it, especially for an exterior paint project. A primer will help fill in any small cracks or imperfections in your home’s surface and create a more smooth surface for your paint to stick to.
You want to make sure that your paint project goes as smoothly as possible without having to do frequent touch-ups on the road, primer will help you with that. Additionally, the best painting companies always make sure to use a primer with any project.
Don’ts
Forget to Protect Your Landscaping
Painting your exterior can be messy, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your landscape or backyard. Cover any plants, flowers, and bushes with a plastic tarp or drop cloth, and make sure to move any outdoor furniture or decor out of the way before you start using paint.
Ignore Your Safety
Painting your home’s exterior can be dangerous, especially if your home is two stories tall or very steep. It’s important to take the proper safety steps, such as using a ladder and securing it properly before climbing up, wear protective clothing and glasses, and avoid painting during bad weather conditions, like rain or wind storms.
Skip the Prep Work
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when painting their home’s exterior is skipping the preparation before slapping on the paint. To ensure your paint job lasts a long time, it’s crucial to properly prepare the home’s surface. This includes cleaning the area, using a pressure washer, scraping old paint off, sanding down any rough or uneven areas, and repairing any damage you find. This ensures that the paint you are adding on is firm and evenly distributed without imperfections.
Rush the Job
Painting your home’s exterior is a big undertaking and it’s important to take your time to ensure you achieve the best results. Rushing the job can lead to small mistakes and a less-than-perfect finish. Make sure you have enough time to complete the project at a comfortable pace, and don’t try to do too much at once.
Neglect Maintenance
Once your paint job is done, it’s important to stay on top of maintaining the color. You want to maintain the color so that it lasts for many years, regardless of the weather. This includes regularly inspecting your home’s exterior once to twice a year for damage or wear, and touching up any areas if needed. Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your paint job and protect your home from the difficult climate.
Skimp on Clean-up
Once your paint job is done, it’s important to properly clean up and put away any equipment or materials used. This includes cleaning brushes and rollers, disposing of any hazardous materials properly and removing and throwing away any plastic sheeting or drop cloths used to protect your landscaping. Proper clean-up will help keep your home looking great.
In conclusion, painting your home’s exterior can be a fun and fulfilling project when done correctly. By following the tips above, you can make sure your paint job lasts and your home looks great for years to come. Remember to take your time, invest in good tools and materials, and pay attention to details. Happy painting!
