Painting the outside of a house may be a lot of work. Nonetheless, you may save a lot of time and effort by taking the time to prepare for the assignment effectively.
Find out first what proportion of the exterior would be painted. Possibly the only things that need painting are indeed the shutters as well as the trim around the house.
The next thing to do is choose not only the colours, but also the paints, that you will be using. These days, it’s common practise for companies to give suggestions for complementary colour schemes in their sample books. At Hitch Property Constructions, we provide services for painting homes in the Melbourne area.
If you can’t decide between two colours, one strategy is to buy a quart of each and use it to create larger samples to compare. Keep in mind that colour scheme you pick for your property should complement the other properties in the area. Latex paint is likely to be prefered because it is easier to clean it lasts at least has long as oil paints, if not longer. Whether you choose a latex or oil-based paint, you should always invest in the highest quality paint you can afford. It’s likely that you’ll spend a great deal of time adding extra coatings if you don’t.
Be sure the surface you’ll be painting is free of dirt and dust and that it is dull and dry before you start. Use water to wash away the chalk, grime, and mildew. Wrapping the landscape plants in plastic will keep them safe from the elements. After you’re done tidying up the house, you should scrape off any peeling or broken paint, sand it down, and then prime it. Priming the trim first is a good idea, but you shouldn’t paint it until after you’ve finished the rest of the room. Applying a semi-gloss paint finish to the trim makes it appear wonderful.
Selecting the appropriate brush is nearly as crucial as selecting the appropriate paint. When painting in latex paint, it’s best to use a brush made of a blend of nylon and polyester. To achieve the best results while using oil-based paint, a brush made of natural bristle should be employed. Balance the brush on your hand at the join between the handle and bristles. You’ll have the most say in the situation if you do this. The brush should be directed with the wrist, while the fingers rest on the metal ferrule. Using the brush will result in less brush strokes and a more even coat of paint.
Mind the temperature fluctuations. For the greatest results, paint should be done on days with humidity levels below 50% and temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat blisters can grow on freshly painted surfaces if they aren’t kept in the shade. By keeping to the shade, you can escape this predicament.
How to Get Your Home Ready for an Exterior Paint Job
For both hygiene and security, it’s crucial to have a home’s exterior ready. It may improve the appearance and durability of the freshly painted area. Following these exterior painting preparation measures will guarantee your most valuable customers receive the best possible finish.
Get Rid Of The Pollutants
Although lead-based paint has been banned since 1978, it is still widely used in older homes. You shouldn’t try to get rid of lead by scraping, polishing, and washing it if you find any. Paint removal must be done by a professional who is trained in lead abatement before any other work can begin. Before moving further with exterior painting preparations, it is imperative to conduct a test with the paint.
Spores from mould and mildew can flourish in damp places and are hence typical pollutants. Keep an eye out for fuzzy-looking, dark spots of black, green, or brown. If you cannot determine whether a stain is dirt, mould, or mildew, ordinary bleach can be used to the area. This will aid in identifying the source of the stain. If the mould and mildew is eradicated after bleaching, then the item is safe to use.
Bleach or another EPA-approved microbiocide or fungicide can be used to get care of mould and mildew. However, while bleach used with water in a 3:1 ratio can be helpful, there are products on the market that are far more potent and highly concentrated. Try to find cleaning products and cleaning solvents that can get rid of filth, grease, and oil in addition to mould and mildew. Both money and effort will be spared.
When painting a home in a humid climate, it’s a good idea to include a mildewcide in the paint to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. Your paint job will be protected from future contamination issues thanks to this measure. The issues with mould and mildew were likely to persist for some time. Are you looking for the best company to maintain your home’s paint in good condition? There’s no need to look any further! When you hire Hitch Property Constructions, you have nothing to worry about.
Clean Up the House
As a pre-requisite to painting the exterior of a house, thorough cleaning of all surfaces is required. This will improve the adhesion of the fresh paint. You can skip this step entirely if the house has previously been painted by giving it a thorough power cleaning. Pressure washing can also be used to remove stains from walls, though alternative, softer cleaning methods may be preferable depending on the condition of the wood.
Avoid using a pressure washer on the exterior of the home if it is constructed from softwood. The best approach to clean softwoods, especially older wood that has been exposed to the elements, is to scrub it by hand using detergent and water. Redwood and cedar are two such examples.
It’s easy to just spray down the outside of a house and convince yourself that it’s clean, but it could be a mistake if the surface is too old and the paint won’t stick. Time spent cleaning the house completely before painting pays off in the form of a better final product and a satisfied client.
Fix anything broken and scrape off any flaking paint.
Thoroughly check for peeling paint and other signs of damage. Caulking, patching, and scraping off flaking paint may be required. You must be very careful while scraping away paint that hasn’t applied properly. You may also use a power sander with a varnish attachment or a stiff fine metal brush to scrape it off. Both of these are extra possibilities. Always scrape with the the wood’s grain rather than against it. When working with wood shakes, be in mind that steel wire splinters could become buried in the softwood.
Potential harm could be done by these fragments. Disassemble each of these by hand. Not doing so could result in paint chipping and wood discolouration down the road. Wear protective eyewear and gloves when dealing with peeling paint, and cover your nose and mouth with a dust mask or respirator if necessary.
Exterior Walls Need Sanding
Achieving a good mechanical bond between both the layers of paint on the outer walls requires sanding. It may look really good when you move away from that too, but in a few years the paint will begin to reveal all kinds of flaws if the surfaces weren’t roughed up enough before painting. Even more so if you’re using oil-based paint, you might be inclined to just start slapping colours on a canvas without any preparation. Because oil paint thoroughly wets the previous layer, it adheres nicely straight away, looks beautiful, and doesn’t require any priming. Polishing, on the contrary hand, is a crucial process in developing a paint scheme that will last and bring in repeat customers.
Restore the wood’s natural sheen by buffing the surfaces with medium-grit paper. To prepare for a coat of glossy or semigloss paint, sand the trim all around doors and windows one last time using fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding is a crucial step in the painting process, so be sure to remove all traces of the old paint and create a hard texture that is ready to receive the new coat.
Set the Stage for the Walls
The adhesion of new paint to previously painted surfaces is also improved by priming. If you want the paint work to look excellent everywhere, even the areas in which the old paint has been removed, you should prepare your entire house. Applying paint over an existing layer of oil-based paint necessitates a primer, as the oil will prevent the latex paint from adhering to the surface. Primers that are designed for the outdoors should be used, such as external latex primers or oil-based primers. Consider the paint you plan to use when selecting a primer.
To avoid having to repaint, use a primer that is either very pale or complements the paint you plan to use. Priming is a necessary step regardless of whether you want to make a major colour change to the exterior of your home. If you prime a surface, you must paint over every bit of the primer.
As soon as the primer has dried, you can begin painting the surface. Get everything you need for painting ready and waiting until you know the weather will cooperate. To ensure that your paint job turns out beautifully and lasts for years to come, remember that the time invested on preparation is time well spent.
Here Are Ten Easy Steps to a Beautiful New Coat
A fresh coat of paint is often needed to preserve old wood siding, that is on the way out of use in modern building.
In the range of $4,000 and $6,000, you can hire a professional painter to cover the two stories and 2,000 square feet of your home. However, you can do it yourself in a couple weekends for the price of paint and supplies.
A well-executed paint job can last for up to ten years. You need to make absolutely sure you are well-prepared for whatever may come your way. Here are seven things you can do to make sure the outside paint job on your home looks great, adds value, and lasts for many years to come.
Take the Lead
Do-it-yourself painters are not subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) lead-safe painting rules. While lead paint was banned for residential use in 1978, if your home was built before then, you and you neighbours may be at risk from inhaling lead dust.
Obtain a lead paint inspection kit as a first step. These kits retail for around $35, but may be purchased for as little as $10 online or at most hardware and paint stores. If the results of the tests indicate the presence of lead, the following precautions should be followed to lessen the amount or paint dust created.
- Put down plastic drop cloths and save the scraps for later.
- To completely remove all dust and allergens from the air, use a HEPA vacuum.
- Use Tyvek jackets and face masks.
- Obtain a permit from a facility that is authorised to dispose of hazardous trash, and then dispose of everything there.
Preparing the Outside for a Wash
New paint has a hard time sticking to outer walls that are unclean, muddy, or already harbour mould spores. Consequently, you should clean the outside of your house before painting it.
Jomax House Cleaner (which costs $15 per gallon) and Mildew Killer Concentrate are two examples of phosphate-free cleaners that can be used with water to create an effective cleaning solution.
Applying the solution via hand with a sponge is possible, but it will take a very long time and involve many trips down and up the ladder. As an alternative, you might have the siding professionally pressure washed. The siding could be damaged if water is forced beneath the boards, making this task unsuitable for inexperienced workers. To have a professional pressure clean the exterior of a 2,100 square foot home might cost anything between $150 to $750, depending on where you live.
Pick Off Loose Paint
Remove any flaking or loose paint after clapboards have dried.
A hand-held scraper is ideal for this task, although a hot-air cannon or infrared paint stripper can also do the trick. Avoid using a torch with just an open flame, as they are extremely dangerous and require a permit in most states due to their ease of use in starting fires.
To work safely with lead, wear a mask and a Tyvek suit, sprinkle water on the paint while you scrape it, and then collect the debris.
Smooth Out the Cracks
If there are any rough patches left, a pad sander and random-orbit sander with 80-grit sandpaper can smooth them out nicely. Take care not to push with such power that sanding marks are left in the wood.
A safest way to sand in areas where lead may be present is to use equipment equipped with high-efficiency particulate air filters.
Reinforce and Restore
It is crucial to take a step back and assess the damage to your wood siding after you have cleaned, scraped, or sanded it.
The siding can be repaired by filling the holes and dings with putty or patching compound, including such Zinsser’s Ready Patch, that costs $20 per gallon.
For extensive decay, it’s best to hire a carpenter to take out and replace the afflicted wood. Water pooling due to improper drainage is a major cause of decay and must be addressed immediately.
Prime the Well
Applying primer to the wood siding right after it has been prepared is recommended.
Primers in white, grey, or other tints give a level surface for surveying your work and a solid foundation for subsequent coatings. It is possible to add colour to primer as well. Joints and other spots where joist hangers and verticals meet will stand out in sharp relief, drawing attention to the regions where caulking is needed.
If you’re painting over raw wood or another coat of latex paint, you can skip the step of using a separate primer. It is advised that a new coat of petroleum primer be applied if you are paint over many layers of previously applied oil-based paint.
Caulk All Gaps
Aesthetically pleasant and smooth painted surfaces can be achieved with caulks composed of siliconeized and high-quality polyurethane acrylic. Yet the benefits are not only superficial. Furthermore, air and water leaks are prevented by the watertightness of the joints.
Polyurethane caulks with a 55-year warranty cost seven dollars a tube but are more weather-resistant than silicone caulks with a three-dollar price tag. On average, a household will go through seven caulk tubes every year.
Pick the Appropriate Color of Paint
Painting using water-based acrylic latex is significantly easier than working with oil-based paints. Using latex for your paint job:
- Ease of implementation
- Dries in a hurry
- Soap and water will do the trick.
- The use of oil-based painting, which is more durable than latex paint, is mandated if you have previously painted the outside of your property with oil-based paint.
Take your time when making your final selections. The higher the paint’s shine, the better it is at reflecting the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing a colour. The high sheen of gloss paint is preferable to the smooth satin sheen of primer whenever it comes to safeguarding heavy-use sections of a home. Satin works excellent for painting shingles and clapboards. The cost of one gallon of high-quality exterior latex paint ranges from $35 to $45.
Add a Final Coat (s)
With topcoats, less is more. More paint layers increase the likelihood that the paint will flake off over time; fewer paint layers result in better paint adhesion.
Single coat of paint can be plenty if you’re switching from white to a light colour like yellow or cream. When transitioning from a light to a dark house, it is recommended that you wear two layers of clothing.
Take Care of Your Vehicle
In order to extend the life of a freshly painted surface, you can perform the following:
- The caulk around your home should be checked once a year for damage and missing bits, and repaired or replaced as needed.
- Clearing a surface of mould or mildew.
- Washing away bird droppings and pollen stains.
- Treating peels and blisters to prevent their spread.
Are you planning any major renovations? Check out HP Constructions Melbourne’s extensive range of home renovations.
FAQs About Home Painting
Should You Pressure Wash House Before Painting?
The Use of Pressure Washing Is Essential
When you pressure wash prior to painting, you get the opportunity to remove all of the dirt, debris, and cobwebs from the surface. It is essential to clean your home in order to provide the new coat with the best possible opportunity to adhere to the undercoat.
Do I Need to Sand Before Painting Exterior?
Sanding must be done to completely remove any peeling that has occurred. Before painting, areas that are cracking need to have exterior grade filler applied to them and then sanded down. Use wire brushing or sanding to remove any rust from metal surfaces, and then prime those surfaces with All Metal Primer before applying a top coat.
How Many Coats of Paint Should You Put on Exterior House?
Two coats
When painting over a surface that has been thoroughly prepared and primed, you should only need to apply two coats of paint at the most. This is especially important to keep in mind if you plan on painting a darker colour over a lighter colour that is already present, as doing so will ensure that you have adequate coverage.
How Long After Rain Can You Paint House?
In most cases, you should wait at least four hours before beginning to paint after it has rained. 4 hours is with perfect weather and sunlight shining directly on you. It is dependent on factors such as whether or not your home is exposed to direct sunlight, how windy it is, and the relative humidity of the air. Before beginning the painting process, it is recommended to use a moisture metre.
What Is the Best Time to Paint House Exterior?
Early in the summer and early in the fall are typically the best times of year for weather, as there is less likelihood of precipitation and less variation in temperature from day to night. This will ensure that the paint goes on smoothly and has the opportunity to dry and cure in the correct manner.
Conclusion
You should always use the best paint you can afford, whether it’s latex or oil-based. Your home’s paint job must go well with the surrounding homes, so choose colours carefully. Remove the chalk, dirt, and mildew with a good soaking in a bucket of water. It’s almost as important to pick the right brush as it is to pick the right colour. To get the best results when painting with latex paint, choose a brush that is a combination of nylon and polyester.
The trim should be primed before painting, but painting should wait until the room is otherwise complete. The outside of a house must be prepared for both cleanliness and safety. If you want to impress your most important clients, take the time to properly prepare the exterior of their home for painting. Before any further work can be done, lead abatement-trained professionals must remove the paint. It’s tempting to just use a pressure washer on the outside of the house to make it look clean, but that could be a mistake if the surface is too old and the paint won’t stick.
Spending the extra time to clean the house thoroughly before painting makes for a better paint job. Sanding is an essential part of the painting process because it roughs up the surface in preparation for the new coat and removes any remnants of the old paint. If you want to paint over an oil-based paint, you’ll need a primer to keep the new paint from sticking to the old one. A new coat of paint is often all that’s needed to extend the life of ageing wood siding, which is quickly becoming obsolete in today’s construction. The lead-safe painting regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do not apply to homeowners who choose to paint their own homes.
Content Summary
- Painting the outside of a house may be a lot of work.
- The next thing to do is choose not only the colours, but also the paints that you will be using.
- Keep in mind that the colour scheme you pick for your property should complement the other properties in the area.
- Whether you choose a latex or oil-based paint, you should always invest in the highest quality paint you can afford.
- Wrapping the landscape plants in plastic will keep them safe from the elements.
- After you’re done tidying up the house, you should scrape off any peeling or broken paint, sand it down, and then prime it.
- Priming the trim first is a good idea, but you shouldn’t paint it until after you’ve finished the rest of the room.
- Applying a semi-gloss paint finish to the trim makes it appear wonderful.
- Selecting the appropriate brush is nearly as crucial as selecting the appropriate paint.
- When painting in latex paint, it’s best to use a brush made of a blend of nylon and polyester.
- To achieve the best results while using oil-based paint, a brush made of natural bristle should be employed.
- Balance the brush on your hand at the join between the handle and bristles.
- Using the brush will result in less brush strokes and a more even coat of paint.
- Mind the temperature fluctuations.
- Heat blisters can grow on freshly painted surfaces if they aren’t kept in the shade.
- By keeping to the shade, you can escape this predicament.
- For both hygiene and security, it’s crucial to have a home’s exterior ready.
- Before moving further with exterior painting preparations, it is imperative to conduct a test with the paint.
- If you cannot determine whether a stain is dirt, mould, or mildew, ordinary bleach can be used in the area.
- Try to find cleaning products and cleaning solvents that can get rid of filth, grease, and oil in addition to mould and mildew.
- When painting a home in a humid climate, it’s a good idea to include a mildewcide in the paint to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
- As a pre-requisite to painting the exterior of a house, thorough cleaning of all surfaces is required.
- Avoid using a pressure washer on the exterior of the home if it is constructed from softwood.
- The best approach to clean softwoods, especially older wood that has been exposed to the elements, is to scrub it by hand using detergent and water.
- It’s easy to just spray down the outside of a house and convince yourself that it’s clean, but it could be a mistake if the surface is too old and the paint won’t stick.
- Fix anything broken and scrape off any flaking paint.
- Thoroughly check for peeling paint and other signs of damage.
- Always scrape with the wood’s grain rather than against it.
- Disassemble each of these by hand.
- Exterior Walls Need Sanding Achieving a good mechanical bond between both the layers of paint on the outer walls requires sanding.
- To prepare for a coat of glossy or semigloss paint, sand the trim all around doors and windows one last time using fine-grit sandpaper.
- The adhesion of new paint to previously painted surfaces is also improved by priming.
- If you want the paint work to look excellent everywhere, even the areas in which the old paint has been removed, you should prepare your entire house.
- Consider the paint you plan to use when selecting a primer.
- To avoid having to repaint, use a primer that is either very pale or complements the paint you plan to use.
- Priming is a necessary step regardless of whether you want to make a major colour change to the exterior of your home.
- If you prime a surface, you must paint over every bit of the primer.
- As soon as the primer has dried, you can begin painting the surface.
- Get everything you need for painting ready and waiting until you know the weather will cooperate.
- To ensure that your paint job turns out beautifully and lasts for years to come, remember that the time invested on preparation is time well spent.
- However, you can do it yourself in a couple weekends for the price of paint and supplies.
- A well-executed paint job can last for up to ten years.
- Here are seven things you can do to make sure the outside paint job on your home looks great, adds value, and lasts for many years to come.
- Obtain a lead paint inspection kit as a first step.
- Consequently, you should clean the outside of your house before painting it.
