A Homeowner’s Guide To Exterior Painting
Painting your home's exterior is a project that can be both rewarding and frustrating. For one thing, it can be time-consuming because it takes a lot longer than interior painting.
Exterior painting requires unique materials and techniques because of its exposure to sunlight and weather. From coming up with colour ideas to choosing the best paint, exterior painting can be a lot of work.
However, if you're planning on doing some work outside of your home this season or for next year, keep these tips in mind:
Protect Your Plants
It is critical to keep your plants safe during an exterior painting project to avoid damaging them. When you do this, make sure the material you use as a cover is lightweight so that delicate plants are not harmed. Remember that a plastic drop cloth will absorb heat, which can quickly kill your plants, especially if the painting project is scheduled for the summer.
If a contractor is handling the painting project, use self-watering containers for your plants so you won’t have to keep lifting the covers when you need to water them. Just make sure the plants receive enough water because their needs vary.
Choose The Right Paint and Contractor
How long your house will maintain its beautiful appearance depends greatly on the quality of the exterior paint you select and the expertise with which it is applied. Suitable exterior paints have good coverage, hold up well in harsh weather conditions, and resist fading or chipping so they won't need touch-ups every year.
Moreover, hiring a professional contractor like Groovy Hues who uses high-quality paints and advanced techniques can help you achieve your desired result.
Choose A Colour You Will Like For A Long Time
When choosing a colour, consider how your home will look in different types of lighting at different times of the day. Ensure that the colour is one that you like not only during the day but also when streetlamps light it at night or when illuminated by the sun.
In addition to considering how a colour looks under different types of lighting, consider how it'd look under various weather conditions. For example, if you live in an area with frequent rain storms and high winds, choose a darker colour so that any chips or scratches will be less visible.
Try To Pick A Colour That Complements Your Home's Trim
Try to pick a colour for your home's trim that complements its body colour, but don't feel tied down to it. Remember, you don't have to paint your entire house at once.
If you can't afford it, or if you're concerned about how much time and effort it'll take, try painting only the front door and some shutters on each side of the house. You'll have a great-looking addition that makes your home look less drab while giving people who drive by something else to notice besides the existing decoration you might have in front of your house, and maybe even gain some positive recognition from neighbours as well.
Use Paint Samples First
Paint samples are your best friend when it comes to picking a colour. You can get them from the hardware store, paint store, or directly from the manufacturer. Some manufacturers even have their own sample program where you can download samples directly from their website.
People often say they want to see how something looks in person before they purchase it. The problem with this is that you're not always able to see an actual sample of whatever product you're interested in buying. Some products aren't available locally and may have a limited selection of colours as samples at physical or online stores.
Consider Temperature Conditions
When painting your home’s exterior, it's essential to consider the temperature conditions. The temperature affects how long it'll take for the paint to dry, how well it covers, and its durability.
Paint costs can be affected by temperature in several ways. For example, if you live in a warmer climate, there may be times when you need to apply more coats of paint than usual to achieve full coverage because the paint hasn't dried sufficiently between applications.
Additionally, if temperatures are warmer than expected during the spring or early fall seasons when most people choose to paint their homes' exteriors, homeowners may want to consider using lower-quality products that are less expensive, so they won't run out before winter rolls around again and when painting projects can be done more efficiently.
Caulk All Cracks Carefully
Caulk all cracks because neglected cracks get worse over time and expand until they're noticeable enough that you can't ignore them anymore.
Caulking is the best way to fill cracks because it dries virtually indestructible. If you use caulking, be sure to do it carefully.
Conclusion
If the old paint looks good, you should be able to get away with just cleaning it off and repainting. If it's peeling or cracking, you might need to prime it before painting. The best way to find out what your house needs is to talk with a professional painter who knows the ins and outs of exterior painting.
