With the sunny days of summer in full swing, many homeowners are taking advantage of the nice weather by treating their homes to some seasonal TLC. While some folks are just tidying up flowerbeds and pressure washing the deck, other more ambitious souls are preparing to give their homes a fresh coat of paint. Painting a home’s exterior is certainly no small project, but it can also be easily accomplished with the right tools and know-how. Today, we’ll share a few hard-earned pieces of painting wisdom with our readers to ensure the best possible results.
Don’t Forget to Prep
Before you start painting, you’ll need to prep the exterior surface of your home so that the paint can adhere properly. Clean the exterior thoroughly, either with a pressure washer or stiff-bristle brush, and scrape any existing paint that is peeling or blistering. If any bare wood is exposed, apply primer before you paint as well.
Start From the Top
Begin painting near the eaves of your home, and work your way down. This will prevent you from accidentally touching the wet paint as you work. If your home is a multi-story house, remember to observe basic ladder safety rules as you paint as well.
Stick to the Shade
Applying paint in direct sunlight can cause it to dry prematurely, especially on hot summer days. This will make it difficult to achieve a nice, even coat. Follow the shade around your house as you paint, and try to paint in the cool morning and evening hours if possible.
Choose the Right Tools
In the interest of painting your home in a timely fashion, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. Rollers are ideal for large uninterrupted surfaces, while brushes are better suited for detail work and edges on siding. If you have one available, a paint sprayer can make quick work of exteriors.
Maintain a Wet Edge
Whenever possible, always try to overlap your brush or roller with paint that’s still wet. This will help the paint to blend seamlessly, resulting in an even, professional-looking coat.
Have the know-how but not the equipment? At Laurence Tool Rental, we carry a number of items to help you paint your home, including ladders, paint sprayers, and pressure washers. Give us a call today to learn more.
[msh_feedburner]
Leave a Reply