Common Exterior Painting Mistakes
Posted on March 7, 2022
Your home’s exterior paint provides more than looks and curb appeal. In Massachusetts, the often moist climate can lead to mildew, wood rot, and paint chalking, so applying a new exterior coat routinely is important for the look and health of your home’s exterior. It’s essential for protecting the underlying structure from the elements, and if your current exterior paint is showing signs of age and damage, it’s likely time to invest in fresh coats!
Because exterior home painting is an investment, you’ll want to make sure it’s done right. Hiring professionals to do the work is a great place to start, but there are a few common mistakes that can make the results less-than-satisfactory, even with a great paint crew doing the work.
Some of these mistakes are more serious than others, but all of the factors we’ll look at play a part in the final product – the shared goals of a great paint job, a protected home, and a happy homeowner.
As you move forward with repainting the exterior of your home, watch out for these pitfalls:
1. Choosing the Wrong Paint
Not all paints are created equal. Depending on the type of siding, when it was last painted, the previous type of paint used, and other considerations, different paint products are going to be better suited for different situations. For example, latex paint doesn’t adhere well to oil-based paint, lead paint on holder houses requires some unique prep steps, and stains are yet another story.
With all that in mind (and the numerous options available for exterior paint), choosing the right product is an absolute must. CertaPro of MetroWest can assist with selection, and will guide you toward high quality products that are well worth the investment.
2. Choosing the Wrong Color
While our team can help with paint type, the color is ultimately up to you!
Choosing the right shade for your home comes down to personal aesthetic and preference, but there are some important things to consider to narrow down your options and make a choice you’ll be happy with in the long run.
First, make sure you look at actual paint samples, not just printed swatch cards. The colors will be similar, but seeing the actual paint will give you a much better idea of what the final results will look like.
Next, check if there are any guidelines or rules related to your HOA, neighborhood association, or similar organization. Even if there aren’t specific rules about what color your house should be, it’s still a good idea to think about the look of the neighborhood as a whole when making your color selections.
3. Not Hiring Reputable Painters
A professional painting company makes a world of difference in achieving a finished product that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Not only can a reputable company help you choose the right paint products, they also have the tools and expertise to get the job done right the first time.
Too often, homeowners try to save money on exterior painting by doing it themselves, hiring friends, or going with the cheapest company they can find. While this might save some money up front, mistakes and inexperience can lead to costly fixes down the road.
A reputable painting company (like CertaPro of MetroWest) will be licensed and insured, which means you’ll be protected in the event of any accidents, and they’ll know the right steps to take from prep to masking off windows, identifying what might need repairs before painting can commence, and so much more.
4. Expecting an Unrealistic Timeline
Last but not least, this “mistake” is mostly about avoiding frustration. Prep and painting takes time, and sometimes unforeseen circumstances can lead to longer timelines. Minor repairs, weather, supply needs, and even particularly challenging prep work can all make the process take a bit more time.
As you begin the process of hiring a professional paint crew, discuss the steps that will be taken – from arrival and initial evaluation to applying the final coat – to make sure everyone’s on the same page. A professional crew will be fast and agile, but delays can still happen – and communication is key!
While this isn’t a terribly common “mistake,” it’s still worth noting in case you’re preparing your house for sale or have an event coming up. Be sure to discuss timelines from the very beginning of the project, and everyone involved will have properly aligned expectations.
If you have any questions about painting the exterior of your home, CertaPro of MetroWest is here to help! Contact us today to get started.
