Upgrade Your Home's Exterior with These Helpful Painting Tips

Improve your curb appeal and enjoy the view. At Security First Financial we help you to get the most out of your home. Use these exterior painting tips to give your house a fresh new look.

Scrape and Scrub

Get a clean start by prepping the surface you plan to paint.

Use a metal scraper or wire brush to remove old, flakey paint. Thoroughly wash all areas you intend to paint. For big projects, consider renting or buying a power washer. Allow time for the washed surfaces to dry before you begin painting.

The new paint will go on smoother and do more to restore the look of your home when you apply it to a smooth, clean, and dry surface.

Fix and Fill

Fix or replace damaged siding or trim you plan to paint. Fill cracks with weatherproof caulk to give the exterior a flat service to paint.

Prime Time

Take the time to apply a coat of primer to the surfaces you plan to paint. Primer will help your new paint adhere to your home and spread evenly. It will also reduce streaks when the paint dries.

While applying the primer coat will take a little more time upfront, it can reduce the overall number of coats of paint needed to achieve an even finish. That can save you time and money on the backend.

Pick Your Paint

Measure the area you plan to paint. When you buy your paint, check the label on the can to see how much area it covers. Buy about 10 percent more than you measured so you have enough for touch-ups.

Not all paint is the same. Aluminum, wood, and stucco each take a different kind of paint. Read the label of the paint you choose carefully to ensure you get the right kind. Stick with light colors if you can. Once you paint a house a dark color, it will require many more coats of paint to go back to a light color. Use dark colors for accents, like on the doors or the trim. Choose colors that contrast, but still complement each other.

Stick with light colors if you can. Once you paint a house a dark color, it will require many more coats of paint to go back to a light color. Use dark colors for accents, like on the doors or the trim. Choose colors that contrast, but still complement each other.

Use a paint chip or a color sample to ensure you get the right color. Have the worker at the hardware or home improvement store mix the paint for you.

More Materials

Before you start, gather all the tools and materials for the job.

You’ll need a paint scraper or wire brush to remove old paint. Get wash rags, a bucket, and a little grease-cutting soap to clean your surfaces.

Grab some masking tape and drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect all the surfaces you don’t want paint splashed or spilled upon.

Get brushes for smaller areas like the trim and the door. A set of 1- 4 inch brushes for exterior paint should do the trick.

If you plan to use two different colors, get two sets of brushes. Using different brushes for different colors can reduce cleaning time and minimize the risk of colors getting crossed.

For large areas, get a roller or a paint sprayer. The paint sprayer will help on surfaces with lots of texture. Don’t forget the pan and drip cage for your rollers.

Tips and Techniques

• Be patient. Avoid drips by not overloading your rollers and brushes with too much paint. Try to always paint into a wet edge to reduce streaking. Finishing a full area before moving on to another area will also help reduce streaks.

• Dark-colored paint will cover lighter-colored paint in fewer coats. When painting two colors next to each other, paint the light color first, then cut in the darker color.

• Paint the doors and trim a complementary color to the main exterior.

• When you paint the door, paint the panels first and then finish it off with the framing.

• Exterior painting projects can get labor intensive quickly. If you’re doing it yourself, keep it to a small area. We suggest hiring a professional for most exterior painting jobs.

If you’re ready to make upgrades or repairs to your home, but need to find the funds, we can help. Reach out to one of our local Loan Originators today!

Original blog post by Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.: https://www.primeres.com/about/blog/article/2021/06/14/upgrade-your-home-s-exterior-with-these-helpful-painting-tips