Refreshing Your Home’s Exterior: 4 Tips to Help

If the exterior of your home is dingy, old and needing a refresher? Bringing it back to life with a new exterior painting project is extremely satisfying and can be very affordable.

Here are 4 tips to help you begin this project:

Do not skimp on low quality products and paint.

You may want to save money by using some low-end paint, but please reconsider. Using higher end paint that offers a guarantee will save you money & a lot of frustration in the long run. This is another one of those “You Get What You Pay For” situations for sure.

Also, flat finish is best for covering imperfections on siding. While satin and semi-gloss work well for making trim pop and are definitely easier to clean.

Preparation is Key

This cannot be overstated. It is important to spend plenty of time in preparation. Take the time to thoroughly clean the surfaces by pressure washing, sanding, and scraping. This process is definitely tedious, but it is absolutely necessary for the best end result possible. You will want to remove old paint that is peeling and flaking. And then go over the surface with a power sander. It is important to smooth over the surface, so it is nice and even for applying the paint primer.

Two Coats at Minimum

After the primer has dried, apply at least two coats of paint. You can apply additional coats for the desired color saturation. Primer helps to cover imperfections and creates a powerful adhesive that allows the paint to really pop. Primers can even be tinted to match the finish depending on the desired effect.

Use the Proper Tools

A solid brush and roller will go a long way on their own. Airless sprayers are efficient but can be tricky with limited experience. Remember to use a bucket and strainer. Don’t forget to wear a mask and make sure that you have covered up areas you don’t want getting paint on them. If you need to use a ladder, make sure it is firmly planted with both legs on the ground and pressed firmly against the wall.

Timing is Everything

The weather forecast is extremely important to consider when planning a painting project. Weather around 70 degrees with 50% humidity is best for a great result. If you don’t have a 70 degree day anywhere in the near future, then staying within 60 to 80 degrees is a good idea.

If you have too much heat, humidity, and direct sunlight, it will ruin your paint job and cause the paint to dry too fast. You also want to avoid rain and moisture from humidity because they will interfere with the adherence of your fresh paint.

These are just some suggestions to help with your exterior painting project. Start planning your new project today! Call Certapro Painters for an estimate!