The course of time and the elements always has its way with your house. There is nothing you can do to stop this sad fact. But, by employing a method of constant, vigilant upkeep you can keep your home looking great for the rest of your life, so long as you do not give into defeat. The most important thing you can do to keep your home looking fresh and well kept is to ensure that its exterior paint is in tip top shape. This will mean, from time to time, that you will have to have your home repainted entirely.
But, before you scramble to line up some house painters (expensive house painters) remember that with a few simple tools and adequate preparation, you can easily paint your home all by yourself. This will save you time and headaches in the process.
Here are the six basic steps to painting the exterior of your home.
Properly Prepare The Surface Of Your Home's Exterior
This will involve a lot of sanding and cleaning, to ensure that all of the exterior surfaces of the house are free of dirt, debris, and that they are smooth to both the touch and for the paint primer.
Apply Paint Primer To The House's Exterior
You will want to select a primer color that is close to the color you plan to paint the house, or a neutral color such as white, gray, or an off white primer. This will lay a tight base coat and ensure that the actual paint will look great and last. Apply the basic primer with a brush, or with a pressure sprayer, but be careful. There is no need to mask off window frames or trim, as they should also begin with the same primer color.
More Sanding And Surface Preparation
This step is all about making sure that any excess primer is removed before adding the paint, so that the paint itself will adhere to the exterior of the house. Your primary concern is making sure that all exterior surface areas are smooth.
Apply The First Coat Of New Paint
After you have masked off windows and trim, apply the first coat of paint to the house. Hand brushing or rolling is best, but if you are pressed for time a pressure sprayer is okay as well.
Even More Sanding And Surface Preparation
Now that the first coat is on the house, you need to sand everything down once again and ensure that it is smooth, and that all excess paint and powder is removed.
Apply Final Coat Of Paint
Now you can apply the final coat of base paint to the house, and apply it evenly with a brush or a roller. Go with the grain of the wood or with the direction of the siding. Then, paint the window frames and trim with the accent color of your choosing.
Posted by: valarie