Easy Exterior House Painting Tips
Sam Lutz • October 21, 2019
Is your house looking drab? Weather abuse, color fade and paint chipping can impact the appearance of any home, sometimes making it look older than it is. Breathe new life into the outside of your home by following a few exterior house painting tips.
Pay Attention to Weather Conditions
Temperature, moisture and wind all affect house painting projects. Once you’ve decided to dive into such a large-scale project, it is essential to be mindful of outdoor conditions. As a general rule, avoid extreme conditions, such as:
- Moisture and Humidity - Paint won’t adhere to damp or wet surfaces, so avoid painting on humid days or days when rain is on the horizon. Instead, aim for a dry, mild day for the paint project.
- Extreme Sunlight - The rate at which paint dries can dramatically impact the end result. Painting in extreme or direct sunlight is a nono, because the warmth causes paint to dry too rapidly, resulting in lap marks (dark spots caused by painting over dried layers).
- Severe Wind - Leaves, dust, dirt. A few things you really don’t want mixing with a fresh coat of paint. Never paint in windy conditions, as debris will blow into the wet paint, ruining the project.
- Low Temperatures - Paint compounds behave differently depending on temperature. Latex paint, the most common exterior house paint, shouldn’t be applied below 50 degrees unless the label says otherwise. This means that even a brisk fall day could even be out of the question.
Quality is # 1
The old adage of, “You get what you pay for” holds true. This is your home, and it should stand out in all the right ways. Take the time to invest in high-quality paints and painting tools to get the job done right.
Quality Paint
Latex paint is the go-to for exterior painting because it’s simple to apply, dries fast and spills are easily cleaned with soap and water. Aim for 100% latex/acrylic paint. This paint has three main components: pigment (provides color), binders (adheres paint) and solvents (makes paint spreadable). The better binders in acrylic make it last longer.
Premium Tools
Using the right tools is a must for the project. Remember: quality over cost. While prices run a little higher, look for paint brushes that have synthetic bristles to spread paint more cleanly. Additionally, for those larger siding areas, you’ll need a few durable rollers. Invest in a heavy duty roller cage (the part with the handle), a few ½-inch nap roller covers and roller screen.
Surface Prep
Prime conditions and premium materials won’t mean a thing for your exterior paint job if you neglect to adequately prepare the surface. For a lasting paint finish on your brick or siding, clean the surface and clear away loose debris.
Out with the Old
Before applying new paint, do your best to get rid of the old. This is especially true if it’s chipped, as new paint will not adhere properly. Take a scraper and carefully chip away at the old coating to create a smoother surface. Have mildew buildup, too? Use a 50/50 water/bleach solution to clean the area.
Wash and Sand
For stubborn chips and dirt, bring out the big guns. Use a pressure washer to remove dirt and lingering peeling paint, letting the siding dry completely after. For a pristine work area, sand the surface of your home’s siding to ensure that all remaining debris is removed and the surface is ready for paint.
Trust Ace Paints and Unfinished Furniture for Your Paint Needs
Spruce up your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint. While a lot goes into large-scale projects, these exterior house painting tips should get you started in the right direction. As always, trust Ace for top-of-the-line paint products and tools
to get the job done right.
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