10 House Painting Rules You Must Always Abide By

Nothing beats the feeling and smell of newly painted walls. In particular, exterior painting revives and protects your house, giving it that touch of beauty that lasts for a long time. Before commencing on the job, always plan ahead and buy an exterior paint that will allow you to transform your home fast, effectively and at an affordable price. One important thing to consider is whether you are going to do it yourself or hire a professional. An expert painter will obviously cost more, but if you choose to do it yourself, you may save some money. In this case, here are 10 house painting rules you must always abide by.

Familiarize yourself with your paints

Painting is usually an expensive undertaking, and it is important to know the different varieties in terms of textures, composition, color and finishes. In particular, acquire information on and learn how to tell apart oil paints from water paints and latex paints. This will help you achieve the look and finish you desire on your wall. By buying good quality paint, the finishing will be flawless and will last longer. Take into account reviews and ratings from websites to help you purchase top quality paint.

Arm yourself with all the necessary materials

Go for high end paint, caulking compound, and primer. High quality paint is long lasting and more efficient than cheap paint. Choose paint that comes with a lifetime warranty against flaws in the finish. Of course, the best paint will almost always be expensive. Generally, always buy 100% acrylic paint. Flat finishes, which are great for siding, are very efficient at hiding flaws and irregularities. On the other hand, semi- gloss enamels and satin, preferred for trim, are easier to wash and more durable. Before starting the job, make sure the walls are dusted and cleaned thoroughly to allow the paint to adhere well to the surface. Use a scraper, brush or hose to remove any peeling paints. Don’t forget to fill the cracks and holes. Primer gives the paint a very strong and long lasting base on the walls. Two coats of quality primer will be sufficient to give your paint the protection it requires.

Avoid lead paints

Although modern paints do not include lead, traditional ones still include the metal. This may lead to major risks when repairing, painting or renovating. The lead dust that result from sanding and other chips are extremely harmful to adults and children alike. It is advisable to consult lead safe certified renovators.

Never skimp on coats of paints

Whenever you are painting over an untouched surface, whether it’s metal or wood, always start with a renowned oil-alkyd primer. To avoid two finishing coats, you may want to tint the primer when you are almost through. Some people use contrasting colors to tint the primer, although this tends to highlight tiny spots in unevenly coated areas.

Be realistic

As a general rule of thumb, always ascertain you have the correct working tools, time, knowledge and energy to carry out the work beforehand. In any case, in order to save on the total cost, you must be prepared to work. If you don’t feel particularly up to the task, consider hiring someone to do it for you. Keep in mind that the size and height of the house are essential in the house painting project.

Use the correct tools

Rollers and brushes are the commonly used tools for painting. Airless sprays are also effective and can be rented out in tools outlets near you. Rollers work best on exterior surfaces while brushes are suitable for edges or other smaller areas. Textured surfaces can be sprayed and then back rolled with a roller to guarantee adhesion. Incorporate tapes to cover areas that you don’t want to paint over. They also come in handy when you want to attain straight, precise lines. Be sure to read the user manual carefully before using the airless sprayer, or ask the rental outlet attendant to demonstrate how it works.

Wait for favorable weather

The most conducive temperatures for painting are between 50 and 90 degrees C. It is advisable to work under the shade as direct sunlight (or hot weather) causes the paint to dry quickly. On the other hand, damp conditions may lead to bubble surfaces, while low temperatures (50 degrees and below) tend to slow down the adhering process.

Cover to avoid damages

To avoid extra work when cleaning up, use plastic covers or drop clothes on floors, walkways and plants. Remember to cover any surrounding items completely when using airless paint sprayers. Use personal protective gear as well when using an airless paint sprayer.

Use well known techniques

If you are going the DIY style, get enough information to improve your chances of achieving the desired results. There are downloadable videos online that demonstrate the best house painting techniques available today. For instance, you can decide to apply the top down technique on overhangs first to avoid dripping fresh paint on newly painted areas, and then proceed to the sides before winding up on the trims. To avoid leaving residues, remove masking tapes immediately after painting. Touch-ups in areas that were not fully painted can be done later after the paint has completely dried up.

Get referrals

If you choose to hire a painting contractor, always ask for a comprehensive price approximation. Get quotations from 3 different professional companies and compare the rates. Ask for references for the work they have previously done for the last 3 months. A reputable professional painting company will be more than willing to share with you some of their contented clients they have worked with before. All professional painters should have an insurance certificate and a work contract. It is your legal right to ask for these documents to make sure that they’ll be accountable for any accidents on their part. A trustworthy contractor should also have the necessary house painting credentials. Is their equipment up to date, functional and well kept? Do they have all the required safety gear?