Many of us are preparing for some home maintenance. One possible way of doing this is to slap a fresh coat of paint onto your house. Painting your home yourself can save you lots of money if done right, but if approached in the wrong way, can cause a lifetime of trouble. As part of our home maintenance info, this article gives information on where to start and what to look out for when painting your own home.
Many of us are preparing for some home maintenance. One possible way of doing this is to slap a fresh coat of paint onto your house. If going about this the DIY way, here are some pointers:
A very important D.I.Y. tip is working with good quality products, from your equipment through to the last coat of paint. By using high quality exterior paint, it is possible to prolong your maintenance period by quite some time. By using a high quality washable interior paint, it will be easier to clean. You'll want to opt for a sheen finish which you can rub and scrub without resulting in a damaged surface.
Needless to say, having suitable equipment and accessories is also important, nobody wants to overspend, but paying a bit more for a proper brush can save hours of frustration! You'll find various brands of paint and equipment on the market, visit your nearest hardware store or paint supplier for advice and shop around.
(Tip: Your equipment - brushes or rollers - does not have to be cleaned each time you take a short break. They can be wrapped in plastic or sealed in a plastic bag to keep them moist and flexible.)
PREPARATIONPlanning and preparation is always the key to your successful project. Preparing any surface for painting will extend the life span of the paint and save money in the long run, The substrate and its condition, whether it is new timber, existing timber with flaking paint, steel, unpainted brick work or an already painted wall you want to paint will determine what preparation is needed.
Any supplier of good quality paint should be able to assist you in these steps. If they cannot, consider choosing another brand or supplier.
PRIMERBy using primer on an unpainted surface first, you can save time and cash and, if done correctly, also extend the life of your paint. Should you be painting an existing darker wall with lighter colours you also have to prime the walls first. It has a duel function, it helps to hide and neutralizes the existing darker color plus it functions as an adhesive for your new paint. Always allow paint to dry before applying the next coat.
TIMBER FASCIASShould your existing boards be flaking, it is not necessary to replace. Scrape of all flaking paint, lightly sand down remaining paint and clean the wood. After this apply one coat of appropriate undercoat or wood primer. Apply two coats of enamel paint, allowing it to dry between coats.
COLOURSThe colour you decide on has the power to change your mood or calm you down. It gives the building a presence and if chosen carefully, can make it feel more homely. Choosing your colour scheme is a task that cannot be taken up lightly. Get some inspiration from photographs and architectural magazines. Have some fun, be bold but choose colours that will compliment each other and paint test areas of 1mx1m before buying. You certainly cannot afford to make the wrong choice here, as you will have to face the end result for years to come.
Whether it be for maintenance, selling or merely because you need some change, changing the feel and colour of your home is an excellent way to revitalize it. Happy painting and remember to cover and tape up those areas you don't want paint spilled on!
These tips are what works best for me, but climate, unique circumstances and condition of your repainting project always has an impact, so consult a specialist in your area for any further information.
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