WHETHER you’re selling up and want to attract potential buyers, or simply want to improve the exterior of your home, painting the outside of your property could be the right way to go.
Before you start this important task, it’s essential to plan carefully and consider these important things:
The type of paint you want to use
One of the most important things to consider when painting your property is the type of paint you want to use. Thankfully, with companies offering a wide range of products suitable for exterior use you won’t be short of choice – it’s just a case of reading the details carefully to ensure it’s suitable for the material you want to paint on and choosing a colour which takes your fancy.
The condition of the surface you want to paint
Paint will not adhere very well to dirty or rough surfaces, so always prepare the exterior of your home in advance by washing and sanding down any rough areas. Old, peeling paint can be removed with a paint scraper helping to create a solid, smooth area that can be repainted with ease. Make sure all surfaces are dry before painting, however, as this will enable the paint to roll on nicely.
Similarly, you should always repair rotten surfaces as if you paint over damaged areas they will just continue to deteriorate, making your paint job almost useless.
The amount of paint you need
You really don’t want to run out of paint half way through a job as this can be extremely inconvenient, so make sure you buy enough in advance to complete your project. If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, fear not, as there are many tips and calculations online that will help you out – and this usually requires measuring the length and height of the walls you want to decorate.
How you will paint
Painting techniques might sound a little technical to the novice painter, but working out a plan will help the exterior of your home to look as good as possible. Starting from the top and working down, for instance, will eliminate drip marks. While drips are inevitable you can even them out as you work down the rest of the house.
Mother nature
Painting your house on a rainy, windy, snowy or icy day is a bad idea as hazardous weather conditions can make painting extremely difficult. So, to avoid being caught out by Mother Nature, always look at the weather forecast and plan when’s best to paint. Don’t forget your walls will need time to dry too, so wait until spring/summer or simply keep a close eye on temperatures and precipitation.
It’s amazing what a new coat of paint can do for the exterior of your home, but before you get to work be sure to think of the five points above to ensure things go smoothly.