Have you been taking a look at the exterior of your house and decided that it is probably time for a new coat of paint? Expertly painted homes make a statement in the neighbourhood, not just in colour but in the quality of the workmanship. If you’re up for the task, here are a few things to consider.
If you are thinking of tackling the project on your own to save money, you may want to think again. In addition to the cost of the paint, there are a number of tools and equipment necessary to do the job properly. If you don’t already have them, you will either need to buy or rent them. All of this adds to the cost of the job. Also, remember you are investing your time, which has significant value. If you don’t do the job correctly the first time, you will need to schedule another house painting in only a few years.
How to Start Painting Your Home’s Exterior
A good paint job starts with planning. A great exterior paint job takes planning, preparation and execution.
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Pressure Washing – This is a step that many amateurs overlook. Use a good pressure washer to remove all exterior dust, mould, or other elements. Working from the top to the bottom, it will take smooth strokes and overlapping about 6 to 8 inches to be sure the surface is thoroughly clean. Before the next steps, the surface needs to dry completely. This will take 2 to 6 days depending on the amount of humidity.
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Damage Repair – Take each side of the house separately. Repair any holes or cracks using epoxy filler or spackle. Different surface types (wood, masonry, metal, siding, stucco, etc.) will need different treatments. After the filler is dry, sand each spot lightly to create a smooth surface.
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Chip off any loose paint. It is recommended that you first place drop cloths to protect your grass, flowers, shrubbery, etc. Sand as necessary.
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Caulk any areas that have started to gap. If the house has different materials, also caulk between them to create a good seal.
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Stains – Using a primer paint, cover any appreciable stains and wood knots.
Ready for Paint
Now you are ready to paint. Well, almost. First you need to use plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to cover all the windows and doors and exterior lighting fixtures. You may also want to remove the guttering for separate painting and reinstallation.
Load paint into a sprayer and apply one or two coats working from top to bottom, overlapping by about 8 inches, and finish by rolling out any drips or uneven colour. If you are changing from light to dark or vice versa, start with a primer coat. Paint the trim and doors carefully.
Conclusion
After considering how much work is involved with painting your home’s exterior, you may want to opt for a reliable, professional painting company. Decor8 Painting services are experienced, licensed, and professionally insured painters. Our rates are competitive and affordable. Just check in with us at https://decor8.net.au/ for a free on-site quote within 24 hours. Hiring a company for exterior painting is a lot easier and safer than climbing up and down ladders and taking up so much of your valuable time.
