5 Exterior Painting Rules You Should Follow
Exterior painting projects present challenges that cause many inexperienced homeowners to produce unsatisfactory results. However, non-professionals can take on exterior painting tasks if they know the critical rules of such tasks. This article discusses some of these guidelines.
Pick the Right Paint
You should start by considering the different types of paint available on the market. Latex paint is better for exterior use due to its UV treatment. Alkyd paint can deteriorate quickly due to damage by the elements. Next, choose colours that fit into the overall colour theme of the properties in your area. For instance, a cream paint will not look out of place in a neighbourhood whose houses are painted white.
Know the Weather
The outcome of your painting efforts will largely depend on how well you selected the days on which to undertake the project. Humid, rainy or windy days aren't good for exterior painting because they affect how well paint adheres to the surface. For example, windy days increase the likelihood of dust being trapped in the paint before it dries, while rain will cause the paint to have streaks. The perfect day is a sunny day.
Spare No Effort During Surface Preparation
Surface preparation can make or break the entire painting project. Do not rush this process so that the outcome will look professional. Scrape off all peeling paint. Wash off any dust or dirt. Allow the surface to dry completely. Fix any surface imperfections, such as cracks. Use the recommended primer for the paint that you have selected. In short, don't start painting until you are satisfied with the appearance of the walls that you have prepped.
Get the Right Tools
Assemble the right tools for the project before you start so that nothing compromises the outcome. For example, get the right ladders so that you avoid overreaching as you paint a distant corner of the wall. Overreaching can cause streaks or uneven paint layers. Use a roller instead of paintbrushes. Rollers can apply even layers of paint over a larger surface area than brushes can.
Don't Underestimate the Time Required
Many DIY projects look shoddy due to being done in a hurry. Don't make the same mistake when you are planning the exterior painting project. Allocate enough time to each phase of the project. For example, you can devote an entire day or two to preparing the surface. Allocate another day to the actual painting after priming the surface. Only take on the project if you can create the time to complete it properly.
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