The Ultimate Guide to Exterior Home Painting

Paint the exterior of your house to increase curb appeal, protect from the elements and increase the value of your property. Although it may appear to be a simple task, exterior paint requires planning, preparation and execution in order to achieve professional results. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the best paint to mastering painting techniques.

1. Plan Your Exterior Paint Job

Planning is the first step to any painting project. The weather, your home’s size, and the surface you are painting will all affect the Exterior Painter in Burlington.

a. Weather and Timing

It is important to plan your project, because paint requires adequate drying conditions. The ideal weather conditions for exterior painting are mild temperatures of between 50degF to 85degF (10degC to 30degC), and low humidity. Painting should be avoided on rainy days or when it is extremely hot.

b. Budget and Supplies

Before you begin, determine your budget. If you add up paint, tools and labor (if hiring professionals), exterior painting can get expensive. Estimate the amount of paint and primer that you’ll need by calculating the square footage. One gallon of paint will cover approximately 350 square feet.

You should have:

• Paint (exterior and weather-resistant).
• Primer
• Paint rollers, brushes and other tools
• Drop Cloths
• Painter’s Tape
• Scrapers
• Caulking guns and caulk
• Ladders or scaffolding

2. How to Choose the Right Paint

Consider these factors when selecting paint: When selecting paint, consider these factors:

a. Type of Paint

You can choose from two types of exterior surfaces:

• (Water-Based Latex): Is durable, flexible, eco-friendly, and easy to clean. It is a great choice for exterior surfaces because it dries fast and doesn’t crack or fade over time.
• Oil Based Paint: This paint provides a durable and smooth finish, but it takes longer to dry. It also requires cleaning with chemical solvents. This paint is best suited to high-traffic areas, metal surfaces and wood.

b. Finish

Your choice of finish will affect the appearance and maintenance of painted surfaces. There are three main options:

• Matte/Flat: This finish is non-reflective and can be used to hide imperfections, but it’s harder to clean.
• Eggshell/Satin: This paint has a soft, lustrous sheen. It is also more durable than flat paint and easier to maintain. Exteriors love it for its durability and ease of cleaning.
• Semi Gloss/Gloss: Highly reflective, durable and great for surfaces that are subjected to heavy usage.

c. Color Selection

Consider the architectural style of your house, the neighborhood and the surrounding environment when choosing colors. Neutral colors like beige, white, gray, or ivory are timeless choices. Bolder hues add personality, but may not appeal to all buyers if resale is a concern. Before committing, test paint samples in different lighting conditions.

3. Surface Preparation

A smooth and durable finish is only possible with a proper surface preparation. It is the longest part of the project, but if you skip it, the result could be peeling, cracked, or other problems.

a. Cleaning the Surface

Begin by cleaning the exterior of your home thoroughly. Pressure washers can be used to remove loose paint, mold and mildew. Scrub stubborn areas with a wire bristle or detergent solution. Let the surface completely dry before painting.

b. Repairing and scraping

Check your home for any damage, such as cracks or rot. Replace or repair problematic areas. Paint scraper or wire brushes can be used to remove any loose or peeling painted. Sand the edges to create a smooth transition from old paint to new.

c. Primer

Priming is important, especially when you are painting over unpainted wood, metal or other surfaces. Primer helps the paint stick and prevents peeling. Before painting, apply a high-quality primer. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to allow it to fully dry.

4. Painting Techniques

After the preparation work, it’s time to paint. These are some key tips to apply exterior paint efficiently.

a. Paint from Top To Bottom

Start at the top and work down. It will prevent drips from damaging freshly painted surfaces. To safely reach high places, use a ladder or scaffolding.

b. Apply Paint Evenly

For the best results, use both brushes and rolling wheels. Brushes are great for small spaces, trim and edges. Rollers work well for large flat surfaces. Paint in thin, even layers to avoid runs and uneven coverage. Each coat should be allowed to completely dry before the next.

c. Attention to Detail

Use a small paintbrush to achieve precision when painting trims, doors and windows. Painter’s tape can be used to cover areas that you do not want painted, like window frames and hardware. Do not rush. Paying attention to the details will ensure a professional finish.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

After you finish painting, thoroughly clean all your tools. You can clean brushes and rollers using water for latex paint; if you are painting with oil-based paints you will need to use a solvent such as mineral spirits. According to local regulations, dispose of any leftover materials or paint.

a. Check for touch-ups

Check your work after the paint has dried to make sure you haven’t missed any imperfections or spots. To ensure a smooth, even finish, touch up the areas.

b. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your exterior paint in good condition. Your home’s exterior should be cleaned annually and any paint that has faded or chipped can be touched up. It will protect the surfaces of your home and extend the life span of your paint.

6. When Should You Call a Professional

Although painting the exterior of your home can be done by yourself, hiring a professional is sometimes a better choice. It may be worth hiring a professional painter if your home has more than one floor, extensive damage or you don’t have the time or the right tools to complete the project. Professionals are equipped with the necessary equipment and experience to produce a quality finish in less time.

Conclusion

It may seem like a daunting task, but if you pay attention to the details and prepare properly, you’ll be able to complete it with confidence. You can protect your home for many years by selecting the correct paint, prepping your surfaces and painting with care. You can do the job yourself or hire an expert, but the end result will be beautiful and add value to your house.