5 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Your Home’s Exterior

How important is it for you that you avoid mistakes when painting your home’s exterior? Such a job is no child’s play. You should be aware of the process involved. Having a clear idea of colors and finishes best suited to exteriors is essential. You have to know how best to prepare surfaces, prime them and apply the right paint correctly for a flawless finish. You should know the 5 mistakes you ought to avoid when painting your home’s exterior. The job should be easy and efficient.

Neglecting the preparation phase 

A common mistake is the skipping of the vital preparation phase. When you do not clean, sand, and prime surfaces properly you can have poor paint adhesion, bumpy coverage, and a paint job that’s temporary at best.

Going for the wrong paint

Choosing the wrong exterior paint type is an important mistake, with consequences like peeling, fading, and an appearance that’s decidedly compromised. You have to take into account climate, surface material, and desired finish.

The Weather

When you are experiencing extreme weather conditions, it is best not to undertake exterior painting just then. With heavy rains or harsh heat, your results will be below the best. When you have the right weather at the time of painting, you will have bid adieu to blistering, cracking, and delayed drying times.

Ignoring needy surface repairs 

Neglecting surface repairs to exterior surfaces can lead to short-lived paint jobs. Well before you start the painting, take cognizance of mildew, rot and cracks. You do want a smooth and stable surface for your home.

Insufficient color testing 

Opting for a paint color without doing comprehensive testing in diverse lighting conditions is bidding welcome to disappointments. You can simply sample different colors on the home’s exterior, factoring in variations in lighting and the environment around the house.

How important is it to avoid mistakes when painting your home’s exterior? 

Your home’s exterior is the first thing noticeable about your home. You have that one chance to make an impactful introduction. A fresh coat of paint can turn your home into a new avatar. On the practical side, painting exteriors is a part of home maintenance. Proper exterior painting can stave off wear and tear, and add to the value of the house. The right painting of the exteriors combined with complementary strategies indoors, can really give a cohesive look to your house.

It’s a mistake to ignore your home’s exteriors when they are yelling for paint! 

There are tell-tale signs on the exteriors which clearly signify that you should start with that paint job soon. You might have faded or peeling paint, stains and cracks.

You must at this stage be aware of the previous paint job’s age. Depending upon the weather, climate, and surroundings, one comprehensive paint job can last a decade. With proper finishing you will have a paint job that will last another decade.

It’s a mistake not to opt for the right color for your home’s exterior! 

Even before technical aspects, you have to satisfy the stylistic aspects for doing that great paint job on the exteriors. You have to factor in the architectural style, and the material nature of the neighbourhood, and you do have to test colors before committing to using them.

A traditional home looks best with white, beige, or grey. Newer architecture goes well with greens, blues, or even blacks.

A wooded area goes well with earthy-toned greens and browns. Urban homes can be yellow or even red.

Use samples of colors and test them on the exteriors. Testing is the right thing to do before you have to splurge on all that paint.

Incorrectly preparing exterior surfaces for painting is a mistake best avoided! 

Correct preparation is crucial to accomplishing a faultless job and maximizing the paint job’s longevity. Prior to starting the painting, you will have to correctly prepare your exterior wall surfaces. You may start by cleaning the surfaces with a pressure washer or soap and a good scrub brush. You would thus be removing dirt, grime, and loose paint. Permit the surfaces to dry fully prior to continuing on to the following step.

Now, you will be scraping off any peeling or loose paint. With a wire brush or scraper, remove any flaking or chipped paint. Sand rough spots or edges to get a smooth surface.

When the surfaces are clean and smooth, you will be priming them. Primer aids the paint in sticking to the surface and creates an even, smooth finish. Go for a primer that’s compatible with the paint type you are using. Do the application per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Not using the right exterior painting techniques and tools is a mistake! 

Your surfaces are prepped and primed. You are good to go!

There are two options: brush and roller or spray painting. You will need tools if you are going to brush and roll. A quality paint brush and roller will make the job easier, creating a smooth finish. You will need a paint tray, stirring stick, and drop sheets.

A high-quality spray painter is faster and more efficient but demands more skill and experience. You will need to mask off any areas you do not wish to paint and cover surrounding surfaces with a drop cloth. Regardless of which method you use, you will have to use a high-quality paint that’s made for exterior surfaces. Such paint will be weather-resistant, fade-resistant, and durable. It will make your exteriors look great while shielding them from damage.

Also Read:- How Would you Best Choose Unique Colour Schemes for Your Home?

Conclusion  

You really wish to avoid the 5 mistakes when painting your home’s exterior. Ideal painting conditions are windless, dry, and mild. Work in sections. Do not rush the job. You don’t want an uneven finish. Start at the top and work down. Permit each section to dry entirely. Only then do you move on to the next? Finally, look after your tools and surfaces. Clean rollers and brushes well after each usage, and store them away correctly. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals and protect your exteriors from damage.