Exterior House Painter makes your house look great and increases its resale value. A painting project can be a major undertaking that requires careful planning to avoid mistakes.
You’ll want to determine a color scheme, get adequate ladders or scaffolding, brush up on safety knowledge, and adequately prepare the surface for painting.
Home exterior painting is a big project, and the color choices you make will have a major impact on the finished product. It’s not a job to be taken lightly, but fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks for choosing paint colors that will turn out beautifully.
The starting point for any good paint scheme is to look at the unchanging elements of your home, such as the roof and any stone or brick. The undertones of these colors should inform your palette. For instance, if your home’s stone or brick is warm, consider hues like browns, oranges and yellows. If it’s cooler, consider grays and blues. If you don’t have any specific shade in mind, many paint manufacturers offer collections of historically accurate colors that can be used as a springboard. An architectural historian or paint consultant can also be helpful in finding the right shades for your home’s unique style.
Next, consider the neighborhood. What kind of homes are nearby, and what kind of styles do they tend to have? Taking into account the surrounding landscape and neighborhood can help you narrow down your options. If you live in a historic district, for example, you may be limited to certain historical colors, while a newer suburb may have more contemporary choices.
Once you have some ideas in mind, start buying swatches of possible paint colors and testing them on your home’s surface. Be sure to test them in natural lighting and at different times of day, so that you can get a feel for how they’ll look throughout the year.
It’s also important to note that bright or saturated colors can be difficult to pull off on a home’s exterior. Unless you’re living in one of historic Victorian “painted ladies”, it’s generally a good idea to go with a more muted color for the walls, and then use contrasting or complementary colors for trim, doors, shutters and porch ceilings. A good home exterior painting company will be able to provide you with swatches of potential paint colors and combinations, and can help you pick the best shade for your property.
Getting a home exterior painting job that looks like it came out of a magazine takes more than just choosing the right paint colors. You also need to be sure the surface is prepared properly before you start. The surface preparation is actually more important than the actual painting, and a poorly prepared surface will result in a poor finish that won’t last.
Before beginning the surface prep for your home exterior, make sure you remove all hardware and items that can’t be moved. This includes shutters, light fixtures, the house number and mailbox, and any other items that are attached to the side of your house. This will give you a clear area to work and help make the job go faster.
Next, the surface should be cleaned with a hose or power washer to remove dirt and grime. This will help the new paint adhere to the surface, and it will make your final product look better. After the surface is clean, you should sand or scrape it down if needed. This is an especially important step if you’re doing a repaint. Skipping this step will cause your new coat of paint to flakes and peel later on.
Finally, you should prepare the area for the painters by covering any plants and shrubs in the vicinity with a lightweight canvas tarp. This will prevent them from being accidentally killed by paint and will make cleaning up the debris much easier. It’s also a good idea to trim back any plants that are touching the sides of your house so that they can be easily covered.
Once all of this is done, you’re ready to begin the painting. Make sure you schedule your project during the best weather possible, as rain can cause uncured paint to blister and other damage. And be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing times and temperatures, as they will differ between products. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, be sure to contact an experienced professional for assistance. They’ll be able to walk you through all the steps to ensure your home gets the perfect, flawless finish it deserves.
Home exterior painting is often done using ladders, so it’s important to properly prepare your ladder before starting work. This will ensure that the paint adheres to the ladder and prevent dripping or flaking. It will also help protect the surrounding areas from stains and other damage.
Start by sanding or scuffing the surface of the ladder. This will create a rough texture that helps the paint to adhere. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as this could damage the ladder’s structural integrity. Next, inspect the ladder for any cracks or dents. If necessary, use a filler or patching compound to repair these items. Finally, clean the ladder and apply a coat of primer. Be sure to choose a primer that is compatible with your paint color and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Once the primer has dried, it’s time to begin working on the actual painting. Begin at the top of the ladder and work your way down, taking care not to drip paint on areas that have already been painted. When applying the paint, be sure to use long, even strokes to avoid streaks or clumps. Finally, remember to wipe down the ladder periodically to remove dust and other debris.
If possible, try to paint the ladder during dry weather. This will reduce the likelihood of smudging and make it easier to reach hard-to-reach spots. If the weather is unfavorable, make sure the ladder is secure and fully extended before you begin working. It’s also a good idea to use a ladder stabilizer or standoff bracket for added safety.
Painting the exterior of your home can be a fun and cost-effective way to give it a facelift. However, if you want to get the look of a house that belongs on the cover of a design magazine, there are practical steps that must be taken to prepare and execute a smooth paint job.
The biggest cost of an exterior painting project comes from surface prep, which typically involves scraping, sanding, caulking, repairing cracks and holes, and power washing. On average, this work costs $25 to $50 per hour for a painter and can easily add up, especially if a homeowner is making a significant color change.
Once you have all the prep done, it’s time to apply your chosen paint color. It’s important to choose the right kind of paint for your home, as a wrong choice could result in peeling, chipping and flaking. For example, if your home is made of brick or stucco, you’ll need to use a masonry paint that can stand up to the elements.
Another tip for choosing the right type of paint for your home is to select one with a sheen that suits its surface material. For instance, a satin finish works well on shingles and clapboards, while a gloss paint is ideal for trim, doors, window casings, and porches. Lastly, it’s important to choose the right type of brushes and rollers to use with your chosen paint. A roller is a great choice for most surfaces, but if you need to reach high spots on your home’s exterior, then a paint sprayer can be a life-saver.
Lastly, make sure to protect the surrounding areas of your home from paint drips and spills with tarps, plastic sheeting, or drop cloths. This will prevent any damage to landscaping and furniture, as well as help keep your work area clean and organized.
Painting the exterior of your home is a major task that can be challenging for homeowners who aren’t used to doing it on their own. To avoid the stress and expense of doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional contractor to tackle the job. Their experience and equipment will ensure that you get a beautiful new look for your home that lasts for years to come.