If you need to paint the exterior of your house, you are probably dreading the task. Hiring professional painters can be expensive, which is why many people are deciding to take on this task themselves. The good news is that if you plan carefully, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or time getting the job done correctly.
The trick is in doing it right the first time so you don’t have to come back and touch-up or fix mistakes. We have some practical and useful tips below that will help you get through your painting project in no time at all while still having something you can admire when you’re done. Keep reading to learn more about exterior painting.
Here are some general tips and advice to help your painting project go smoother.
- Quality Brush and Tools - This is going to cost a little money, but having quality brushes and tools can make all the difference in the world. From brushes to the correct type of ladder, you want to make sure you work with the best tools so you can get the job done safely and have it come out looking great.
- Ask for Help at Store - From what color to use to how much paint to buy, the salespeople at the paint store should be able to help you figure out what you really want as well as the quantity of paint you’re going to realistically need.
- Check the Weather Report - There’s nothing worse than getting ready to start painting and have a thunderstorm roll in. You should look at the weather report as your big painting project draws near so you can know whether you need to cancel and reschedule or not. Painting in the rain is no fun and will leave you with an ugly mess.
- Have a Strategy in Place - Before you begin this or any other home improvement project, you should have a solid strategy and plan in place. This is an important step that many people skip. You can tell who they are by looking at the results they achieve. Sitting down and planning out what you need as well as the steps you have to take will make the whole process smoother.
- Ask for Some Help - You don’t want your young children or nieces and nephews helping, of course, but if you know anyone with experience painting outdoors, you may want to enlist their help to get the job done sooner. A six-pack of beer or even a few bucks will go a long way in helping persuade them! Of course, you want to make sure you don’t start drinking until AFTER the job is completed!
- Door Panels First - Should you paint door panels or the rest first? This is a question many novice painters have. The answer is easy - you want to start with the panels and then paint the second color when it’s completely dry. This can make the difference between something that looks okay and one that looks great. This holds true for other highlights that you’ll be using on the front of your home.
- Take Care of Supplies - This is especially true if you take our advice and invest in high quality brushes and other tools. Once you’re done for the day or the project is completed, make sure you take the time to clean and care for your brushes and other supplies. You may be tired and not want to, but it’s worth the effort.
The tips above are just some of the things you want to consider if you’re planning on painting the exterior of your home or business. The more you know, the easier time you’ll have when you’re actually taking on the project. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience, if you follow the basics and take your time, you’re going to come up with a beautiful exterior for your home that really gives you some curb appeal.
You don’t need to have a big budget in order to get the job done correctly and have it look good when you’re finished. By following the tips above, you will be well on your way to getting the work completed in a way that leaves you - and your neighbors - happy when you’re finished. While you can hire professionals to get the job done, painting the exterior of your home is not difficult if you plan ahead.
Written by Carrie Summers. She is a home painter and contractor. On her spare time, she loves doing DIY projects and home improvement tasks.
