The exterior of your home can be painted in a short time and at a low cost. This is arguably the best way to transform its look. You may be surprised at the modern tools and coatings available if it has been a while since you painted your home’s exterior. Some things, like taking the time necessary to complete the job correctly, have not changed.
These tips will help you plan and achieve the best possible results for your exterior painting project.
Choosing Exterior Paint Colors
When choosing the exterior paint color for your house, think about the colors that complement the architectural details of your home. It’s simple to find paint schemes and styles that suit your home on home decor websites. Paint manufacturers offer online tools where you can upload a picture of your house and test paint colors virtually. For professional results, consider hiring exterior house painting services in Auckland. When you have narrowed your choices down, buy the smallest amount possible to test on your exterior walls.
How much paint do I need to buy?
Take approximate measurements around your home, taking note of the sizes of surfaces such as trims and doors. This information can be taken to the paint store where staff will help you determine the amount of paint that you need.
Take a tip from the pros. If you know you will run out of paint and need to return to the store to buy more, you can save enough money to mix new cans into the old. You may find that the color of the cans you bought separately is slightly different. Combine them to get a uniform color.
How to choose exterior paint finishes
Paint with a light sheen, such as satin or eggshell, is easier to clean and more resistant to fading than flat or matte paint. Paints that have a light sheen, like satin or eggshell are easier to maintain and less likely to fade than paints with a flat or matte finish.
Exterior paints are primarily made of oil-based alkyd and water-based latex. Acrylic latex is the most popular choice. Oil paint is best for porch floors and wooden steps, and steel and wood railings.
Choose the right painting tools
Paint brushes and rollers are the fastest and most efficient way to paint exterior walls. Professional painters use sprayers because of their speed and ability for an even coating. The standard 9-inch roller is best for large flat surfaces. Brushes work best for surfaces with narrow edges and trim. You can also use a smaller roller or a shorter, smaller diameter one to reach small areas.
Clean the exterior surface
Painting will not adhere to rough surfaces or those with problems, so make sure you clean, dry and sand the surface, removing any peeling paint. Rotten wood will continue to deteriorate under new paint. If the area is small you can use a wood hardener and wood filler, before preparing the area.
When preparing your home to paint, you can take care of small issues and prevent them from becoming bigger ones. Remove any branches or shrubs that are in contact with your home to remove the “bridge” pests use to enter your home. Also, keep your eyes open for the first signs of termite infestation. Check the seals on your doors and windows and fix any issues that could be impacting your energy bills.
Coats and primers
When painting the exterior, it is important to apply two coats. Apply primer first, and then topcoat. Usually, two coats of acrylic paint are applied over primer.
Primer provides a smooth, sealed surface that can be painted on. Acrylic primers are suitable for most surfaces. For cedar and redwood, oil-based primers work best.
