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8 Tips For Home Exterior Painting

Jul 28, 2015 4:30:00 AM

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If your home needs a fresh new look this year, re-painting your exterior can liven up your finish and give your home a whole new look. A new paint job can make a dramatic difference in the appearance and curb appeal of your home, provided it is done correctly. 

 

exterior-medics-paint-tallIn the wrong hands, a paintbrush can wreak havoc and leave behind a trail of uneven paint, blisters and even peeling trim. Painting your home is not difficult, but it does require special care if you want the new look to last. These tips are designed to take the pain out of painting your home’s exterior and make sure your new look lasts for years to come.

1. Check the weather

Paint, even water based latex, doesn’t dry instantly, so start early and take advantage of a warm and sunny day to paint your home. Check the weather forecast to be sure that an unexpected downpour won’t ruin your freshly applied finish.

2. Wear a mask

If you are sanding and scraping away old paint or debris, wear a mask to protect your lungs – some older homes may have lead-based paint on the outside.

3. Clean your home thoroughly first

Prior to painting, you’ll need to remove any dirt, mold or debris from your home’s exterior. Making sure that any surface you want to paint is perfectly clean and dry will help your paint adhere and prevent peeling and cracking later. Clean your siding by hand or with a pressure washer, if you have one.

4. Use a primer

Even if you are painting a dark color over a light one, a primer is still a must. Correctly priming your home is the best way to ensure that your final coat will be even and that your hard work will last.

5. Do any needed repair work

Before painting over the surface of your home, check the wood, metal and other surfaces for damage and do any siding repair work that needs to be done. Taking care of minor repairs now will save you time, money and energy in the future. This is also a great time to caulk windows or doors, and around trim or masonry, too.

6. Remove your screens (or delay putting them up) until your paint has dried

Wet or dry, paint is extremely difficult to get off of metal screens. Removing the screens to a safe location now eliminates a tough cleanup job later.

7. Start at the top

The painting experts at Benjamin Moore recommend working from the top down. By starting at the roofing,  you’ll avoid smudging your work and also be able to touch up any spills or drips as you work, too.

8. Save some leftover paint

Even the best painting job can be marred over time – and extra paint always comes in handy. Save leftover paint for touch-ups or to create matching accessories for the outside of your home. Decant leftover paint into a fresh, clean lidded container and store in a safe location until you need it.

Painting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your home a fresh new look – without breaking the bank. Protect your investment – and make it easier on yourself too – by studying these pro tips before you pick up your paintbrush.

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