Are you thinking of repainting the exterior of your house? Is it a DIY project? Are you wondering where to start? When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, there are certain preparation related things you need to do before picking up the paint. Here are a few of the things that you must do before you paint your exterior.
1. Cleaning
Firstly, one of the most ignored aspects of a paint job involves cleaning. Painting on unclean surfaces is going to be a waste of time. So why is cleaning important when exterior painting? The exterior of your house can collect dust, grime, dirt and moss. It’s essential to rid the exterior of all of these materials prior to painting.
When it comes to cleaning the exterior, scrub the walls using a sponge and warm soapy water. This will usually remove all the dirt and grime that is present. Bleach all mould that is present on the wall. It is important to note that access to a high-pressure cleaner will yield the best results. Cleaning well before painting the exterior walls of your house will allow better looking and more durable results.
2. Surface preparation
When it comes to preparing the surface in which you are planning to paint, sanding and filling are essential. If you’re planning to repaint a surface which is in bad condition, it is essential to prepare it well. This involves sanding the surface that is being painted. Through balancing out the wall, the painting process will be smoother and guide along the wall better. Painting an uneven surface will yield inconsistent and bad looking results.
If your surface is in bad shape with cracks and holes, using a body filler is a good idea. This involves filling gaps and cracks in order to ensure that the surface you are about to paint is in the best shape it can be.
3. A primer coat
When it comes to any paint job, priming is always highly recommended. When it comes to exterior surfaces such as timber, they can provide the adhesion level required for the paint to spread evenly. If you forget to prime when painting your exterior walls, you risk ending up with unattractive and patchy looking paintwork. In addition to this, if you’re thinking of painting over a colour with a new colour, forgetting to prime may result in the previous colour being visible behind your fresh coat. Always prime your walls for better results!
It is important to note that you understand what type of surface you’re preparing to paint. This is due to concrete, timber, plaster and metal all requiring different primers. Using the wrong primer may yield a messy and unattractive finish. Make sure you research and use the right primer!
Always remember to plan your paint job from start to finish. Through enforcing these tips prior to painting, you will see a more attractive and durable finish.
