A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into any home. In addition to giving it a facelift, exterior house painting protects the materials from weathering and extends their lifespan.
Exterior paints provide a layer of protection for wood, vinyl siding, brick and stucco surfaces. The type of paint used makes all the difference in durability, and that largely depends on its chemistry.
Choose the Right Color
The first step in the painting process is selecting the right color. While it may be tempting to go with the latest paint fad, choosing exterior colors that will stand the test of time should be your main concern. A good House Painting Exterior Coating professional will be able to help you choose a color that fits your style, complements your home’s architectural features and coordinates with the existing landscaping and hardscaping.
Colors change on different surfaces and under different lighting conditions, so don’t rely on the paint chips to show you exactly how the shade will look on your home. If you can, grab a handful of samples and take them outside to evaluate them in direct sunlight.
Also, be sure to consider the colors of the surrounding homes in your neighborhood. A bright red house might look stunning on a Queen Anne Victorian, but it might clash with the traditional browns and tans of other homes in your area.
Prep the Surface
A fresh coat of paint can transform the appearance of a home in less time and for less cash than any other remodeling project. But before that brush even hits the wall, there is a lot of prep work to be done.
Depending on the condition of your house, your prep may require scraping, sanding or pressure washing. Obviously, the more prep you need to do, the higher the cost of your project will be.
If you use a power washer be careful. If not done properly, a power washer can damage the surface, break windows or drive water into walls. Use a scrub brush and detergent instead or a hose and soap solution.
After sanding, wipe everything down to remove dust and dirt. This is a good opportunity to caulk any cracks or gaps. Be sure to use an exterior caulk that’s appropriate for your weather conditions (check the label).
Apply the First Coat
Paint protects exterior surfaces from rain, sleet, snow, UV light, birds, insects, and dirt. It also covers wood, masonry and other materials and gives them a fresh, appealing look.
To determine how much house paint you need, measure the total square footage of each side of your home. Don’t forget to include the areas behind windows, doors, and corners. One gallon of paint typically covers 250-400 square feet.
Before applying the first coat, sand any rough spots and apply a primer. Primer helps fill small cracks and gaps, and it prevents ridges from forming on the finish once you’ve applied a second coat.
It’s important to use a high-quality, self-priming exterior paint like Duration or Sherwin Williams SuperPaint. This makes the repainting process smooth and simple, especially for those with minimal painting experience. A quality paint will last longer than a cheaper one, and it will help protect your home from the elements for many years to come.
Apply the Second Coat
The second coat of paint is vital to ensuring that your exterior finish will hold up over time. Without it, you may be left with unsightly ridges and lumpiness in the finish.
The final step is to allow the paint to dry fully. This can take a few hours but is important for a good paint job. Trying to apply a second coat before the first has fully dried can result in poor paint adhesion and an uneven finish.
A lot of painting contractors advertise two coats of paint in their pricing but this does not always mean what it should. It is important to understand what it actually means and ensure that your contractor is clear about this before hiring them. This can save you money in the long run. If you have a reputable painting contractor they will be able to explain what it actually means and help you understand the process of getting a good quality paint job for your home.