The task of painting the exterior of a house may just be the most important painting you engage in. Unless you have prior house painting experience, you may want to consider leaving it to the professionals.
Paints and preparations,
and techniques vary per surface type, and unless you know what you're doing, you can really make a mess of it. In this article, we will provide tips and tricks to help you get the job done right.
Step 1: Begin by replacing any and all damage surfaces, including wood, metal, stucco, or masonry surfaces. In this way, you will have a fresh canvas to work with.
Step 2: You will want to wash off all surfaces to be painted with a high pressure washer in order to reduce the amount of labor. Allow all surfaces to dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Use a scraper or heavy grain sandpaper to remove any blistered, loose, chipped, or cracked paint. Do so down to the base surface if necessary. You may want to use a small drop cloth to help catch loose bits of debris as it falls to the floor. In the case that the exterior requires the use of a sandblaster, be sure to hire a licensed professional.
Step 4: Once everything is sanded down, path all cracks, gouges, and screw holes to ensure the surface is even.
Step 5: Caulk all corners and seams in addition to areas above doors and window trim. Be sure to also tend to areas where the trim meets siding or spots where one type of material meets another, such as masonry to trim. This does not apply to areas where shingles or siding overlap or in between shingles. For best results, use a high-grade exterior caulk. Better substances such as those that are silicone based will work to bond to surfaces and ultimately resist breaking down.
Step 6: Use epoxy fillers to help repair issues in the woodwork.
Step 7: Purchase a stain blocking primer to cover dark stains. The same applies for mildewed area.
Step 8: Sand any and all glossy or rough surfaces. The coat requires a slightly rough surface to stick to. Be sure to remove any debris or dust.
Step 9: Cover or remove all light fixtures, electrical covers, plumbing outlets, and house numbers.
Step 10: Be sure to take down all screens. Once paint gets to them, it's quite difficult to remove.
Step 11: Use drop cloths in order to cover items you do not wish to paint, including walkways, plants, cars, or property.
Step 12: Apply a paint primer to raw surfaces.
Step 13: Allow your primer to dry completely, and finish by applying at least two coats of exterior paint. Allow time for each coat to dry before adding another. Be sure to use a roller or spray machine for anything other than woodwork.
