Painting your house has the potential to transform its appearance faster and for less money than any other remodeling step. Along with improving your home’s appearance, a coat of paint helps to protect the structure from the elements for at least 15 years if you use quality materials and apply them correctly. Correct application is the tricky part so with that in mind, here are a few tips on how to get a long-lasting, high-quality finish on your home’s exterior:
1. Wash the Exterior
Fresh paint will not adhere well to a dirty exterior wall or to old paint residue, so it will be necessary to wash your wall before painting it. The best way to do this is with a pressure washer and detergent. Note that you should exercise caution when choosing a nozzle for this job as a stream that is too concentrated can damage the wood. Use a detergent formulated to kill mildew or a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water.
2. Scrape and Sand
Bubbled, peeling or blistering paint must be removed. If your home was built before 1978 (when lead was banned for use in residences), there is a strong possibility that you have lead in the old paint which means that it has to be removed very carefully. To be careful, you will want to wear a mask and put down tarps to contain the debris. Note that if the paint has been tested and not found to contain lead, it is not necessary to remove all of it. However, it will be necessary to remove the loose paint that is likely to cause peeling and chipping. Hand scrapers and putty knives are the traditional tools for this job, but a carbide tipped angle grinder can be used for faster results. It is also a good idea to invest in a heat gun to soften the paint before scraping. Smooth out any remaining rough spots with sandpaper. 50-80 grit sandpaper is ideal for this job.
3. Seal and Repair
We talked with Klappenberger & Son about this topic who added, “Chips or pits in old stucco and any cracks will need to be sealed as will the joints where different types of exterior building materials meet, such as at window and door frames. You can use patching putty or compound for this task. Replace any trim or siding that is beyond repair.”
4. Prime and Choose Your Paint
A quality primer with high resin content will provide an even base to which the paint can adhere. It also provides an even surface against which you can assess the paint job. You do not have to prime the surface if it is clean and in good shape.
Paint that is 100 percent acrylic will offer superior performance and does not harden over time the way oil paints do. Additionally, acrylic latex paints are easier to apply and to clean up while drying faster than oil paints. They are also more resistant to mildew and emit fewer volatile organic compounds. Bear in mind that the higher the sheen, the better the paint is at protecting your house from sunlight, which could potentially cause damage. Note that you will have to use an oil-based paint if that is what is on your house.
Picking a color can be an incredibly difficult decision as there is a vast range of options. One way to make the selection process easier is to drive around your neighborhood and see what colors appeal to you.
5. Apply the Paint
Using a paint sprayer can be a fast option; however, they can also be problematic for someone with little experience. A paint sprayer can result in thin coats as well as overspray on shrubbery, windows and walkways. It is often best to stick to a single coat as multiple layers are more likely to flake off over time. The less paint you use, the better it will bond to what is underneath.
An exterior paint job can cost you thousands of dollars if performed incorrectly. With the above tips, you will be able to ensure that your home’s exterior is painted competently and for much less money.
