Painting the exterior of your house may not seem like a hassle, probably because it doesn't involve much preparation. Nevertheless, to carry out your exterior painting with perfection, you'll need the right tips designed for such a purpose. Lucky for you, we have highlighted some of those tips below.
1. Kick start the preparation process.
As you have imagined, the preparation process comes first. It is key to kick-starting the entire process. Since you aren't painting the interior, which could have been quite tricky given the crowded nature of interiors, preparation shouldn't be a hassle.
So how do you prepare for this one? Simple! Move around the house and inspect every inch taking good note of the interior panels, fascia boards, window frames, etc. This comprehensive inspection aims to ensure that all is ready for the painting process.
2. Repair damaged surfaces.
Paint doesn't adhere well to damaged surfaces, such as chipped and peeling paint, holes and cracks, and rotting boards. Scrape off all loose paint and replace damaged wood materials before applying your fresh coat of paint.
3. Wash and dry
Once you've ensured everything is in good condition, move on to the next step. The next step is to wash the exterior. Yeah! You need to give it a good wash. You don't want excess dirt or debris standing in your way during the painting process, as they could end up ruining your work.
For wood and stucco, you can use a pressure washer for a thorough wash, but this is often too much for brick as the pressurized stream of water can loose up concrete.
Afterward, leave it for a day or two to dry.
4. Prime
Priming isn’t really hard, but it is often a step that is hurried or ignored entirely by many DIYers. Always remember that priming is essential. Without it, the paint won't stick, no matter how hard you try or the technique you adopt. It is always advised that you invest quality time priming your surfaces as in the actual painting process itself. By doing so, you'll find it easy to apply the necessary coat of paint.
5. The painting process
Beginning at the top and working your way below is the best way to start. However, it is also recommended that you paint your exterior in stages. Painting your exterior in stages is the best option, especially if you have a large property. Quell the thought of painting the entire exterior at once. Instead, it is better to concentrate on smaller areas on a step-by-step basis, only moving when you are happy with your work. Of course, it may take longer to do the job. However, quality is guaranteed at the end.
6. Trims and details
The final step! You can either decide to go ahead and tackle the trims and details around your home first or at the end. There is no definite approach superior to the other, provided you reserve adequate time to get the job done appropriately. Any feature that can be detached, like shutters, etc., should be removed, prepped, primed, painted, and attached back to its rightful position.
If you wouldn't want to go through the stress of painting the exterior of your home yourself, you can hire a painting contractor. At Pro Painters, we have what it takes to paint your exterior to your satisfaction. Contact our office now.