When painting the exterior of a
house, learn these valuable tips that can save you time by preparing properly
for the project.
Painting the exterior of a house can
be a demanding job. But you can save yourself a lot of work by preparing
properly for the project.
First, decide how much of the
exterior will be painted. Only the shutters or trim may need to be painted
rather than the entire house. Next, determine the colors and the types of paint
you want to use. Many companies now provide recommended color combinations with
their sample books to show you what colors look good together.
If you're having a hard time making
up your mind, purchase a quart of each of the colors you like, and use the
paint to create larger samples for easier comparison. Keep in mind the color
you choose should fit in with the rest of the houses in your neighborhood.
Most likely a latex paint would be
better because latex is easier to clean and lasts at least as long as oil-based
paints. Whether you choose latex or oil-based paint, always purchase the best
paint you can afford. Otherwise you're likely to spend lots of time applying
additional coats.
Before beginning the painting
project, the surface of your house should be clean, dull and dry. Wash off any
chalk, dirt and mildew. Protect landscape plants by covering them with plastic.
After cleaning the house, scrape off
any peeling or cracked paint, then sand and prime the area. When you've
finished priming, begin painting the trim. Semigloss paint works well on trim.
The brush used is almost as
important as the paint itself. With latex paints, use a brush made of a
nylon/polyester blend. Use a natural-bristle brush with oil-based paints. For
maximum control, hold the brush so that it balances on your hand at the point
where the handle meets the brush. Place your fingertips on the metal ferrule,
and use your wrist to guide the brush. The paint will flow more smoothly from
the brush.
Pay attention to the temperature.
For best results, paint on days with low humidity, when the temperature is
between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the shade so that your fresh paint
isn't exposed to direct sunlight; otherwise, heat blisters may develop.
Be careful to keep a "wet
edge" by overlapping painting areas over the areas you finished most
recently. Don't paint into a drying paint film: the film could buckle.
The best way to paint shutters is to
remove them and spray them away from the house. If you must paint them on the
house, use an angled sash brush. When choosing a color for shutters, keep in
mind that dark colors absorb more heat and can cause vinyl shutters to warp.
Apply an oil-based primer coat to
metal doors before you begin painting. This step is especially important if the
door is exposed to weather. Allow the primer to dry for 24 to 48 hours, next
apply two coats of exterior paint.
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