When you paint the exterior of your home it can give you great results. A faded home will look fresh again and an older home can turn into an eye catching one. If an exterior paint job is done the right way, it can last for three to six years, making it a good home improvement project.
How to Make Your House Look Bigger from the Street & Other Do’s of Exterior Painting
Hire a Professional Painter. Painting the exterior of your home is hard. There’s prep work, ladders, paint splatter and weather conditions to deal with to name a few. If you really want to put this kind of work into your home without cutting any corners, the best thing you can do is pick up the phone and call the professionals.
Use the Right Paint. A good choice for exterior paint is latex paint because it resists UV-fading better than other paint and it’s also less likely to crack and peel. Water-based latex also dries faster than oil-based paint and it will be a lot easier to clean afterwards. All you need is soap and water.
Watch Weather Reports when Painting. The best days to paint outside will be days when the temps are in between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit and out of direct sunlight. Avoid painting on days when there’s rain, wind and/or humidity as these conditions can have a negative effect.
Use the Right Painting Tools. Use good-quality brushes and rollers. Ask at the store if you need advice and unless you have experience, don’t use a sprayer because they can be hard to handle. You’ll also need drop cloths and rags, a hat, eye protection and the right ladder(s).
Choose Complimentary Paint Colors. To make your house look bigger (something everyone wants), choose a light base color with complimentary neutral trim and accent colors. This will not only make your house look bigger but appeals to the majority and creates lasting home value.
Maintain Painted Finish. Take care of the finished job. Make sure you wash the exterior of your home on a regular basis to keep it looking its best.
When is it Too Hot to Paint Outside & Other Don’ts with Exterior Painting
Don’t Cut Corners in Paint Prep Work. If you want it to look good, you will need to make sure the prep work is done right. Protect bushes, flowerbeds, patios, decks and paved areas with drop cloths. All peeling and blistered paint will need to be scraped off and sanded so the primer will stick better. Primer is important to get even coverage. Make sure to remove all dust off any surfaces too.
Don’t Go Cheap on Paint. Go for the “premium” paints, not the ones labeled “value” or “economy”. Semi-gloss paints are good choices for exterior jobs but if you’re painting siding, go for an eggshell finish for its lower-luster. High-gloss is good for trim, doors and shutters.
Don’t Paint when it’s Too Hot. A general rule of thumb is that latex based paint can be applied when the temperatures are between 50°- 85° F and oil-based paint between 40°- 90° F. Make sure you stay in this range.
Don’t Get Lazy when Painting. Work in small areas, but make sure you use long, even strokes. Doing this will eliminate a patchy paint job and instead of reaching, move the ladder frequently to avoid a streaky finish. Doing this will keep you safe too.
Don’t Throw Paint in the Garbage. Make sure you get rid of it according to the municipal waste disposal guidelines in your area.
Don’t Get Crazy with Paint Colors on a Quiet Street. If the colors on your street are all shades in the same color palette, stick with it. You don’t want to upset any of your neighbors with a crazy color and if you live in a community with HOAs, you’ll have to get the color approved.
Professional Exterior Painting in Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Greer, Springville, Eagar, McNary, Alpine, Heber/Overgaard, Payson, Snowflake/Taylor & White Mountains Area of Arizona
Call All Painting & Restoration to have your home painted. We will have it done quickly with great results. Contact us today!