Does your home need a face lift? A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to your home. Painting the outside surfaces of your home will not only improve the curb appeal of your home but also protect the building from the elements. You can quickly transform your home and give it a fresh look or a completely different look. The average house painting project can be completed in a week or two and cost anything from $1000 to more than $6000. This depends on the size of your home, the condition of the surfaces as well as the contractor’s rate. While cost is something many homeowners have at the forefront of their minds, there are other factors to consider as well. Below we discuss 10 exterior house painting rules that you should never break.

1. Buy quality materials

As mentioned before, cost is often foremost on the homeowner’s mind when carrying out a house painting project. Many think that they can save money by skimping on materials. However, poor quality paint, caulking compound primer will only last a short while. You will find that you have to spend more money on these materials to have your house painted once again.

Go for the best exterior paint brands. These not only last for longer but flow and cover better than lower quality paints. They will give you better results that you can enjoy for longer. When it comes to selecting materials for painting, you get what you pay for. Many of the better brands are more costly as they use the best ingredients.

2. Prepare surfaces before painting

Preparation ensures that the paint will adhere well to the surfaces. It involves getting rid of dirt and grime as well as dry or flaking materials. The level or preparation will depend on the condition of the surfaces. In most cases, a good wash with water and detergent is adequate. You can save time by investing in pressure washing. Cleaning should be followed by removing lose or flaking paint using a scraper and then sanding down surfaces to create a smooth surface. If there are any cracks or holes, they should be filled using caulk.

3. Cover everything

Cover up patios, decks, shrubs and everything that isn’t to be painted. This will protect these surfaces from spills and splatters. It will save you a lot of problems when it comes to cleanup.

4. Avoid lead paint

Many of the leading exterior paint brands do not contain lead. However, paint that was applied on homes prior to 1978 most likely contains lead. It is therefore important to take precaution while working on surfaces in old homes. If your house is an old house, you should take extra precaution while preparing surfaces. Ensure that you keep children and pets away while the job is being done. You should also ensure that personal protective equipment is used for the job.

The best way to ensure safety is to hire painting contractors that are lead-certified and have experience working on old properties.

5. Invest in the right tools

It is important to have the right tools. This will not only make it easier to get the job done but also ensure the best results. This means investing in high quality brushes, rollers and even an air less sprayer. However, as a homeowner, purchasing all these tools may not make economic sense. This is especially since exterior painting is something that isn’t done often. You can save money by hiring a contractor. Simply check to ensure that your contractor has the right tools before you hire them.

6. Apply more than one coat

This is one of those exterior house painting rules many people love to break. They think they can save money by applying a single coat of paint. If you want to achieve the desired tint and surface protection, you will need to apply more than one coat of paint. Some experienced contractors use a primer with a tint that contrasts with that of the final coat to ensure that the final coat completely covers the whole surface.

7. Use proven techniques

Work from the top of the wall to the bottom. Start by painting all the overhangs to avoid having paint drip on the newly painted surfaces. Apply a second coat when the primer has become tacky and touch up any areas that haven’t been covered fully when done with larger surfaces.

8. Hire a contractor

Painting the exterior of your house is not an easy job. It is time and energy consuming. It also requires various tools which can make it expensive. For the sake of safety, saving time and achieving better results, invest in professional house painting outside services.

9. Compare quotes

If you choose to hire a professional contractor, be sure to compare at least three contractors prior to making your final decision. Get bids and check references and reviews prior to making your decision.

10. Avoid painting in extreme weather

Painting is best done on a day with some cloud cover and temperatures of between 50 and 90 degrees. You should avoid painting on hot, windy or rainy days. Direct sun will dry the paint too quickly while rain will cause dampness or bubbling on the surface.

Contact 365 Painting Solutions for a free quotation on exterior house painting.