Whether you have a new home or are planning to paint an older home, there are several things you should know before you begin. You can also follow many tips for preparing your exterior for painting.
Taking the time to prepare your home for exterior painting will pay off in the long run. Proper prep will ensure that you get the best paint job possible.
The most important part of exterior painting is surface preparation. This is important for two reasons. First, painting over dirty surfaces will result in poor paint adhesion. Second, a clean job site produces professional results.
One of the most effective ways to prepare your home for painting is to brush off any loose dust and dirt. This will ensure that the new paint coatings stick. A pressure washer is also a great way to clean your exterior surfaces.
The right primer is a must. This will not only make your paint job look better, but it will also protect microscopic vulnerabilities.
Choosing the right paint color is an important part of exterior painting. While choosing a color may seem like a simple task, it is a good idea to do your homework. Picking the wrong color could lead to poor paint job durability. You may also want to consider choosing a color that will accent your home. This is also a good idea if you live near busy roads.
The most important part of exterior painting preparation is protecting the surrounding area. This can mean moving potted plants and water features out of the way. It also means covering your roof line and window sills. This is important because dust and dirt can easily get into the house.
Masking is also an important part of exterior painting preparation. Masking tape is a great way to cover windows and driveways. You may also want to use brown paper to mask concrete.
Choosing the right paint for your home can be tricky. You have to consider the area you want to paint and how long it will take. You also need to consider the color and how it will change over time.
You’ll need to decide if you want to use oil-based paint or latex paint. Oil-based paint is more durable, but it has a stronger odor. Latex paint is cheaper and easier to work with. But it can fade or get stained easily. You should also consider the environment. Oil-based paint is toxic and has environmental effects. You should avoid using it in areas that cool or freeze.
In addition to being easier to clean, latex paints are less toxic. They don’t contain latex rubber, so they are less likely to cause health issues. You can use latex paints on interior and exterior surfaces. Unlike oil-based paints, you don’t have to wait long before you can clean them. They are also more forgiving.
When you’re choosing between oil-based paints and latex paints, you should consider the surface you want to paint. Oil-based paints are good for smooth surfaces, but latex paints are better for wood and metal surfaces. You’ll also want to consider the amount of traffic in the area. You may want to use oil-based paint on stairs, decks, porches, and other outdoor surfaces.
Oil-based paints are more durable than latex paints, so you’ll want to choose a high-quality product. You’ll also want to use a primer. This will make the paint stick better and will increase its longevity.
You’ll also want to consider the amount and type of traffic in the area you’re painting. If you have a lot of traffic on the stairs or other areas, you’ll need oil-based paint.
Using flat paint is a good idea for older houses. This paint will help hide imperfections on the surface of your walls and ceilings. However, it can be difficult to clean the paint after it has been applied. In addition, you may experience mildew problems with this finish.
Flat paint provides a non-reflective finish, which helps hide imperfections. The velvety look also creates a more uniform appearance for your walls.
The finish of flat paint can be worn off, however. This is due to its porous nature, which can encourage mildew growth. If your house has a lot of mildew problems, consider a different type of finish for your walls.
Eggshell paint is a great alternative to flat paint. Eggshell has a slightly higher sheen than flat ones, and it is easier to clean. It also lasts longer. It is also recommended for homes with neutral paint colors.