Painting the exterior of your house can tremendously increase its value and look. A fresh coat of paint (or two) can transform a shabby and unattractive house into an attention stopper. Here are some dos and don'ts to consider when planning your house painting project:
DO
Unless you're an avid and experienced do-it-yourself kind of person, consider hiring a professional contractor, exterior house painting is a complicated and physically demanding job. There is a lot of ladder climbing and hard work involved and it requires a certain degree of experience and knowledge. Sites such as HandyAmerican.com offer free articles and advice on all your home renovation projects as well as a comprehensive list of highly rated, reputable contractors.
Choose the right paint for the job. Latex is a good choice because it is UV resistant and won't fade as much as alkyd paints. It is also less likely to peel and crack. Water based latex paints dry faster than their oil based alkyd counterparts and are easier to clean up, only requiring soap and water, whereas alkyds require solvents.
Check your local weather reports. Avoid at all costs painting on rainy, humid or windy days. Painting on bad weather days will be detrimental to your painting project.
Make sure you have the right tools for your project. If you're using latex you'll need a high quality synthetic brush for use on shutters, trims and other areas. Buy the correct width roller for your walls and check with your paint shop which rollers are the most suited for your house's exterior surface. Never use a paint sprayer unless you're experienced in using them. They are very hard to use and can be very messy if you don't know what you're doing. Always use eye protection and a hat when painting for safety reasons and make sure you have many absorbent rags for clean up and spills. A secure ladder is essential for exterior painting.
Be creative with small sections, for example a glossy red front door is trendy and fashionable. Feel free to let your creative juices flow when painting trims and window sills.
Don'ts
Never cut corners on preparation work. Using a professional contractor will ensure all prep work is done diligently. Bushes, decks, flowerbeds and paved areas should be covered with drop cloths. Old cracking or blistered paint should be scraped off and sanded to allow for the fresh paint to adhere to the surface properly. Dust should be washed from surfaces to avoid ruining the paint job. Don't skimp on primer, primer should be used to ensure proper and even paint coverage.
Always choose high quality paints and never cheaper economy paints. Premium paints last much longer than the cheaper variety and ensure a smoother and more professional outcome. Never scrimp on the quality of paint you buy.
Don't stray too far from the color schemes of your neighboring houses. Your neighbors won't appreciate wild and exotic colors. Try to choose colors that blend harmoniously with your neighborhood for the most elegant look, while remaining true to your sense of personality and taste.
Don't get lazy and try to over reach to paint a larger area instead of moving the ladder. Not only is it dangerous to do so, but it will also result in a poor and patchy paint job with a streaky finish. Don't start on your paint job unless you have set aside the proper time to complete it. Nothing looks worse than a half painted house.
For specialized work, you will need an expert. You will also find much free advice on what to look for when choosing to hire a professional for your home renovation projects as well as a comprehensive list of highly rated contractors at our website.
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