Painting Exterior

Painting your home’s exterior is a great way to keep in pace with the hottest remodeling trends without having to spend more than you ought to. Apart from definitely getting a modernized look almost in an instant, endowing your abode with a fresh coat or two is perhaps the cheapest alternative to jazz up your residence than investing on the latest gadgets and fixtures that can empty your bank account sooner or later.

Are you raring to grab a brush and start painting? There are a few pointers to remember though before you embark on an exterior painting project to make it as successful as possible. Besides helping you strategize the best method how you can take your abode’s aesthetics to a whole new higher level, these valuable tips and advice will surely teach you how to become a modern homeowner with a knack for saving cash in no time at all:

Prep before you paint

Make sure you take time to organize a systematic tidying and repair of your home’s exterior before even applying the first coat of primer. Remove any damaged shutters, downspouts and sidings, tightly caulk gaps that could allow unnecessary moisture to seep into, as well as scrape any loose or flaking paint to expose a fresher, workable surface. Besides saving you a lot of money in the long run, the paint will surely hold up over time without a hitch.

Clear as much as you can

Remember to remove all plumbing outlets, lighting fixtures, window and door screens, patio and garden furniture, as well as electrical plates and covers prior to painting. Apart from the probable aesthetic and physical damage that they might sustain in the process, these generally delicate accessories are almost impossible to clean up after getting smeared with paint. Use drop cloths or thick canvas to take care of plants and other fixed items.

Give the paint something to stick to

Whether you prefer glossy or non-glossy varieties, all kinds of paint require a somewhat roughened surface to properly stick to. While a good bit of sanding and elbow grease can do the job perfectly on nearly all surfaces, you can also use a convenient paint deglosser to cut corners when working with glossy layers. Make sure you clear all of the accumulated sanding debris before applying your primer to prevent the formation of air pockets, too.

Apply primer before finish

Make it a point to apply primer over all surfaces before spreading your finish. However, take note that various exteriors like brick, stucco and concrete require distinctive primers. After allowing the primer to dry, apply at least two coats of finish according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. While rollers and spray machines can take on almost any surface or material, make sure you use a brush on more responsive facades like woodwork and moldings.