Your home’s exterior provides an important first impression for buyers. Simplify Painting protects the siding and trim from harsh weather conditions.

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a paint color for your home. Do you want a bold, vibrant hue or something more neutral? 

Your climate should play a role in your exterior paint choice as well. If you live in a hot and sunny area, lighter colors are a better choice because they will reflect sunlight and keep your house cooler. Darker colors, on the other hand, will fade quickly in that type of environment and will need to be repainted more often.

You should also take into account your landscaping and the surrounding neighborhood when choosing an exterior paint color. A home in the Dilworth area, for example, may be surrounded by lush greenery, making it a good idea to choose a color that will blend with the natural landscape rather than stand out like a sore thumb.

If you’re having trouble narrowing down your options, try looking at photos of homes in your area to see what colors are popular in the neighborhood. Then, apply a small test square of paint to your home’s exterior in an inconspicuous location. Be sure to test the color in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunshine to dim evening shade.

Once you’ve narrowed down your color choices, pick a base coat and then a trim or accent shade to complement it. This will help your overall paint job last longer and look more professional. Also, consider your desired sheen—low lustre or satin will resist dirt more than glossier finishes.

Be sure to consult with a professional who has experience painting homes in your region. They’ll be able to provide advice on what color options will work best in your specific climate, and they’ll be familiar with how different shades and finishes hold up over time. They can also recommend moisture-resistant additives that will safeguard your house’s exterior surfaces from mildew and fungus.

Preparation

A fresh coat of paint can transform the look of a home and boost its value. But the results depend on meticulous preparation. A paint job that’s done right will stand up to the weather and last for years. This is why professional painters invest time and effort in the wall preparation process.

Cleaning the walls to remove dirt, debris and loose paint is essential. A pressure washer can do this effectively and without damaging the surface. Then the painters can begin work. This involves scraping, patching and sanding. This makes the surfaces smooth and aids in the new paint’s adhesion. Inspecting the walls and repairing any cracks or holes is also important. Then any gaps can be caulked to prevent moisture ingress and protect the walls from pests.

In some cases, exterior painting can be done over existing interior paint. However, in general this is not a good idea. It can cause a number of problems, including the possibility that the new paint will not stick or hold up to the elements. If it is necessary to do so, the old paint should be scraped and sanded. A rust-inhibiting primer should then be used. This will help prevent corrosion of metal surfaces and keep the paint color looking good.

Another key step in the preparation process is masking and covering fixtures that will not be painted. This can include window trim, doors and other fixtures. This protects them from splatters and drips, which helps ensure that the paint is applied properly and in a way that will not damage them.

It’s also important to use the correct type of paint for the walls. There are several different types of exterior paint available, including oil-based and water-based acrylic. Oil-based paint is more durable but requires more maintenance than latex paint. A professional will know which type of paint is best for the property’s walls.

It’s also a good idea to cover plants and shrubs near the walls that are being painted with a lightweight tarp or plastic sheeting. These should be removed at the end of each painting day so that they are not harmed.

Painting Technique

Whether you’re painting with brushes or rollers, proper technique is critical to getting a smooth finish free of lap marks and brushstrokes. It’s also important to work in small sections to maintain control and prevent overlapping or mismatched areas. Finally, it’s important to use the right paint for the job. Exterior paints are designed for outdoor conditions, offering superior abrasion resistance, expansion and contraction flexibility, mildew resistance, dirt pick-up resistance and UV protection.

Choosing the right technique will also impact how long your paint job lasts. For example, applying a thin coat will help to prevent peeling. The right primer can also increase surface adhesion and prevent moisture build-up. Finally, a thorough cleaning with a power washer or garden hose before painting will remove any dirt, mold or mildew that can cause problems down the line.

The most popular exterior painting method is with a brush or roller. Using this technique requires more skill than spraying, but it can offer better coverage and more precise detail work. Using a good quality brush or roller can also ensure that the paint is applied evenly, which can minimize fading and flaking over time.

Another option for exterior painting is to use a sprayer. This technique is faster than brushing, but it can be more difficult to control and can lead to uneven coverage or even drips and splatters. For this reason, it’s a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of wood or an inconspicuous area before attempting to use a sprayer on your main project.

If you decide to hire a professional exterior painter, they can take care of the prep work and painting for you. They will know what preparation is necessary to get the best results, and they can advise you on the right painting process for your home’s unique exterior surfaces. They will also be able to recommend the best type of paint for your home’s climate and conditions. Exterior paints are designed for the uncontrolled environment of the outdoors, so they are formulated to cope with harsher weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. They are also designed to resist the sun’s harmful rays, which can fade other paints over time.

Final Inspection

Once the paint is on, it’s important to perform regular touch-ups. This will reduce the need for costly repainting jobs and ensure that your home is protected against the elements. A few key steps are to thoroughly clean surfaces, inspect for damage and rot, and use the right materials and tools for each surface.

A fresh coat of exterior paint can be one of the most effective ways to boost curb appeal and increase property value. However, it’s essential to hire a professional house painter to ensure that the job is done properly. The last thing you want is a subpar paint job that will only cost you more money in the long run. There are a number of things to look for in a quality paint job, including air holes, cracks, chipping, flaking and peeling.

It’s also a good idea to hire a house painter that offers a satisfaction guarantee or warranty in case problems arise after the work is completed. It’s also generally in your best interests to pay a percentage of the total project fee upfront, and make the final payment once the job is complete and you are satisfied with the results. This creates a clear incentive for the painting contractor to do a good job, and protects you from scams or poor workmanship.

Before painting, it’s important to thoroughly clean all surfaces, paying special attention to any wood siding, stucco, or brick. A power wash is a common method, but it’s important not to apply too much pressure that could damage surfaces. After cleaning, it’s essential to sand all surfaces to ensure that the new paint will adhere properly. Finally, it’s a good idea to choose a high-quality primer that is specially formulated for outdoor use.

Once the surface is properly cleaned, sanded, and primed, it’s time to begin painting. When painting, it’s vital to use the right brush, roller, or sprayer for each surface type. It’s also important to use the right amount of paint and to allow each coat to dry completely before applying another. It’s also a good idea to use caulking materials to seal cracks and gaps to prevent moisture from seeping into the walls, which can lead to rot or mold.