Important Considerations For Exterior Home Painting

Every homeowner knows the essence of a good exterior paint job. Before contacting professionals, however, there are some important things every homeowner should know.

When saving leftover paint, plastic wrap must be placed over the top of the can. Then, cooking oil should be sprayed over the plastic, and the lid should be secured tightly over it. This will help the paint last as long as possible.

When painting floors, it’s occasionally recommended to add a small bit of sand to the paint. This provides excellent grip and traction to the floor when the painting is finished.

When painting walls, it’s very important to paint from top to bottom to prevent any streaks. This is equally important for interior painting as it is for exterior painting. Paint jobs should always begin at the top and work downward.
If there is more than one can of paint of the same color, they should be combined; this is also known as “boxing the paint.” Mixing the separate cans in one large bucket helps to ensure a uniform color.

Aluminum siding wedges are highly effective in preventing siding from rotting. These wedges should be placed underneath the siding to prevent moisture problems by allowing sufficient air circulation to areas which may be prone to such problems.

In most cases, low-quality paint is not worth the lower price. It simply cannot withstand regular weathering. The lack of moisture can eventually lead to mildew, which can then result in the paint being cracked. Higher-quality paints offer sufficient protection against direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which also helps preserve the paint’s moisture and original color.

For maximum paint adhesion, primer is highly recommended. Oil primers are considered ideal when topped off with acrylic or latex for a quality seal.

When planning an exterior paint job, it’s always important to keep the weather and overall climate in mind. Paint-curing requires time, and rain is a deadly obstacle. On the other hand, high humidity can also wreak havoc on new paint by causing it to bubble. Autumn is generally considered the best time for exterior painting.

Finally, for purposes of adhesion, all homeowners should be familiar with sanding as a preparatory step. The surface should also be washed before sanding; it must be clean of all dirt and mildew in order for the house paint to properly adhere.