Celebrating over 30 years
How to Paint a House Right!
Few home renovation projects are as important as painting the exterior of your house. Not only is paint the first line of defense against the elements, but it can also affect your home’s curb appeal.
As great as a good paint job can be, a bad one can be just as devastating. Here are a few fundamentals that we’ve mastered over the years to ensure your house gets painted in the best way possible.
- Know Your Paint Options
There are two types of exterior paint: latex paint and alkyd paint.
One of the best things about latex paint is that it remains flexible for longer than the alkyd option, meaning that the layers are less likely to crack. This type of paint also dries quickly and can be cleaned with just soap and water.
For alkyd paint, on the other hand, you will need paint thinner to be able to clean it. It also has a strong smell that can make you get a little dizzy. In spite of these minor disadvantages, this type of paint is long-lasting, stain-resistant, and flows evenly on the surface.
It’s hard to say which one you should choose – it depends on your needs and your budget. Keep in mind that pricier paints contain more pigments than bargain ones and usually last longer. So even though you’re paying more now, you are saving in the long run.
- Prep the Surface
We won’t preach too much about the importance of cleaning the siding before painting. Contrary to what you may have heard, the world won’t end if you don’t prep the surface. The paint will apply just fine, and the result will look good. But here’s the problem: it won’t last.
By painting your home without prepping the surface, you are halving the paint’s lifespan. So, instead of painting your home every seven or ten years, you’ll have to do it every three or five years.
Use a pressure washer and make sure to remove all the dirt, mildew, and grime before applying the first layer of paint. If you don’t have a power washer, just use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the siding.
- Paintbrush or Roller? Why Not Both!
If you want to paint your house the right way, you need to know your tools. So, when trying to decide between a paintbrush or a roller, the answer is simple: choose them both. The roller will help you paint large and long surfaces quickly and effectively while the paintbrush will make it easy to tackle the small areas, edges, and narrow surfaces.
- Do the Hard Parts First
Here’s one of the most common mistakes people make when painting their homes: they start with the fun stuff first and leave the tedious part to the end. When you begin with the easy part, you fail to understand the complexity of the project, and you start to think that you’re almost finished. The hard parts, such as the edges and the areas under the eaves, require a lot of attention and scrupulousness. Do yourself a favor and tackle the hard parts first.
- Don’t Paint in Direct Sunlight
Painting in direct sunlight will cause the paint to dry too fast. As a result, it won’t adhere well to the surface, and it will crack prematurely.
These are just some of the most basic tips that our team follows with every job. Whether you go the DIY route or want to hire the pros
, make sure you follow these simple rules.
FITZPATRICK PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION
IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS!
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