Exterior painting is a time-consuming and complicated task. It requires special skills and materials to perform correctly. Professionals booked on Handy have the proper equipment to complete this job safely and efficiently.
Paint consists of solvents, binders, pigments, and additives. Solvents are quick-to-evaporate liquids that suspend binders and stains until the paint dries. Visit our Website to learn more.
Choosing the right exterior paint color is a big decision that can impact how long a home owner is happy with it. Homeowners can find inspiration online or by driving through neighborhoods in their area and noticing the colors that work well on houses of similar styles. Many paint manufacturers have visualizer tools on their websites that help homeowners test out colors, combinations and textures before they commit to them. The key is to remember that what looks great on a computer screen or in a store may not look the same once it’s applied to the house and viewed under different lighting conditions throughout the day.
It’s also important to consider any stone or brick elements on a house and what undertones they might have. Unless the homeowner is planning to replace their brick or stone, they need to design a color scheme that coordinates with the existing finishes rather than competes with them. For example, if the brick has red undertones, selecting a blue or green shade will clash with it and make the house look bad.
Lighter colors tend to make a home look larger and more inviting, while darker shades elicit a sense of stability and permanence. When deciding on a color, it’s best to choose something that complements the architectural style of the home, as well as any natural features it has like trees and shrubbery.
Before making a final choice, it’s wise for a homeowner to buy a quart of paint and apply it to an inconspicuous spot on the house or on a piece of scrap material like a piece of plywood or an old door. Then they can road test the color and see how it holds up in the sunlight over a few days.
Some colors will need to be lighter or darker than others due to the natural lighting on a house and surrounding landscape. When this is the case, it’s a good idea to consult a professional who can recommend a few options that will still look great once they’re painted on the house.
An exterior paint job is a big undertaking, and it’s important to ensure that the surface is properly prepared before it’s painted. Just as an artist prepares his canvas before applying his first stroke, careful prep work will result in a smoother application of the paint and less likelihood of blistering or peeling.
Most importantly, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes removing mildew, sanding and washing the surfaces to remove dirt, debris and excessive chalking. Mildew, a living organism that produces a powdery and blotchy appearance, should be sterilized by washing the surface with a mixture of one quart household bleach to each gallon water.
Surfaces should also be dry before painting. Using a hose or power washer is a good way to wash surfaces and get them clean, but care should be taken not to damage the surface. Also, any moisture left behind after cleaning can cause paint to crack and peel, so it’s important to ensure that all moisture is removed before beginning the painting process.
Depending on the material, different steps may be necessary to properly prepare the surface for painting. For example, metal surfaces typically require the use of mineral spirits to remove grease and rust inhibitors. For wood, sanding is often done to dull the surface and allow for a better bond.
The type of paint also impacts surface preparation. For instance, interior paints usually don’t need to be able to withstand huge temperature changes or humidity, and they are formulated with rigid binding resins to hold the pigments. Exterior paint, on the other hand, must withstand a wide range of conditions and needs to be flexible in order to resist fading, chipping and peeling.
For this reason, many exterior items are formulated with additives that block ultraviolet light and prevent mold and mildew from growing beneath the paint. Additionally, all surfaces should be treated with a water repellent or preservative. This will help protect the surface from rain, and it can also be helpful for preventing moss, algae and lichen growth. This will improve the durability of the paint job and allow it to last longer.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform the exterior of a home or commercial building. But a good painting job is more than just slapping on a color and calling it a day—the correct preparation is essential to a long-lasting finish. A professional knows the tricks of the trade to create a flawless surface that will hold up well under the elements.
Begin the project by putting on a coat of sealer, using a brush or sprayer (Photo 2). Then, apply the first coat of paint. You’ll want to cover enough area to be able to go back and smooth it before the paint starts drying. Heat, humidity and the type of paint you’re using will all influence how quickly it dries. You’ll have to experiment a bit at first to get a feel for how much you can cover before it needs to be smoothed out.
The final step is to apply a second coat of paint. Use a brush or roller, and try to cover as much of the surface as possible before it starts drying. This will help ensure that you don’t have to deal with runs or smears as the paint dries. Again, the amount of time it takes for the paint to dry will depend on the temperature and humidity. It’s best to leave the space unoccupied and well-ventilated for several weeks after painting to mitigate VOC emissions.
Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that interior paint is also suitable for their homes’ exteriors. However, it is important to choose a paint that’s designed for outdoor surfaces. This will not only resist moisture, but it will also stand up to UV radiation and mildew.
There are two primary types of exterior paint: latex and oil-based alkyd. Latex cleans up with soap and water, dries quickly, and is flexible so it’s less likely to crack or peel. Alkyd requires mineral spirits for cleanup and has a strong solvent smell, but it’s durable, stain-resistant, and flows easily with fewer brush marks.
Once the painters have finished painting your home, they will do a final inspection. If they find any spots that need attention, they will fix them right away. For example, they might re-caulk the gaps around windows and doors or kill mildew and mold on the exterior walls. They may also sand and patch areas that have become damaged, such as chipped or pitted stucco. This is one of the most important steps in repainting the house and can significantly shorten the overall job time.
In addition to adding curb appeal and increasing resale value, a quality paint job protects the house from weather damage. It keeps dirt, dust, and insects from penetrating the surface and can even prevent wood from rotting. Certain types of paint are designed to resist specific elements, and the painters will know which ones best suit your location.
Exterior house painting can be a large undertaking, so hiring professionals is often the best option. Search online for “residential painters near me” and carefully evaluate each company’s portfolio and customer reviews. Request detailed estimates from three or more companies and ask for names of satisfied customers that you can contact.
The painters will also clean up the area and haul off any debris. They will leave the yard tidy and vacuum up any excess paint from their brushes and equipment. They will then do a final walk-through with you, checking the work and addressing any questions or concerns. Once they are done, they will remove any painter’s tape or masking tape and make sure the work meets company and state standards. They will also take the time to touch up any windows or doors that were painted but not fully covered by the new paint. This will help make your home look sharp and ensure that the work was done correctly.