Choosing the right color is one of the most important decisions in an exterior paint job. But the process goes beyond that.
The contractors begin by priming the home. This evens the surface so that the top coat will go on evenly. They also caulk the home. This helps to keep moisture out of the wood and prevents rot. For a sufficient painting job, click here at https://bunburypaintingservice.com.au/.
Preparation
Whether you are repainting an existing color to maintain your home’s beauty or changing the paint to tell a different color story, a quality exterior painting job will make your house stand out on the block. The right color can highlight architectural details, add contrast, or even match your roof and windows for a uniform look that flows seamlessly. However, a quality paint job doesn’t just happen; it takes time and patience to prep the surface before putting a brush to work.
Surface preparation is more important than the actual painting process itself, and it can take up to as much as a third of the total painting time. Taking the proper steps to prepare a surface reduces the number of coats needed, allows for a smooth and beautiful finish, and increases the longevity of the new paint job.
The first step in the preparation process is cleaning the exterior to be painted, using a pressure washer to remove dirt and debris that can interfere with adhesion and result in an uneven finish. The use of cleaning additives such as sodium hypochlorite, copper sulfate, or trisodium phosphate (without phosphorus) helps to kill mildew and mold spores and ensures the clean surface is ready for a fresh coat of paint.
As you scrape and sand down your surface, you may notice areas that need to be repaired, such as rotten wood, water stains, or cracks. This is the perfect opportunity to fix these issues and save yourself more work and expense in the future.
Once the surface is prepped, you can apply a primer to help your paint last longer by creating an air and moisture barrier between the bare surface and the new coat of paint. An oil-based primer is typically best for exterior painting projects, and you can choose from a variety of sheen levels to suit your desired outcome.
It is also a good idea to trim nearby trees and shrubs and remove any shutters or doorknobs that will need to be reattached after the project is complete. You can do some or all of the trimming and repairing yourself, but it is a great idea to leave the ladders and other risky parts of the process to a professional.
Preparing The Surface
A new coat of paint can transform a house or commercial building into something fresh, attractive, and a great representation of its owners. It can also increase curb appeal, which is important for attracting buyers and increasing your home’s value. Compared to other home improvement projects, painting is relatively inexpensive and simple to do. But it’s important to have professional painters take care of your project. Otherwise, your results may not last and you could be disappointed with the result.
A good painting job starts with a well-prepared surface. That means removing old paint, sanding and scraping if necessary, and cleaning the area to ensure that you’re getting the best possible outcome. Whether you’re prepping drywall or an existing paint job, this is a crucial step. If you skip this step, your paint will not adhere properly and may start peeling or cracking in short order.
It’s also important to consider the weather when you’re planning your exterior painting project. If the temperature is too cold or it’s raining, it’s not an ideal time to paint. Similarly, humidity can cause problems as the paint dries. If the humidity is too high, it can cause the paint to bubble or peel.
Another important part of the preparation process is masking and covering up areas that don’t need to be painted. This will help to protect the areas that are being worked on and make sure that your furniture and belongings stay clean during the painting process.
Professional painters will also caulk any cracks or gaps around the perimeter of your house to prevent moisture from entering and damaging the exterior paint. This is especially important on older homes that may have leaded paint.
Painting
A fresh coat of paint can transform the look of a home. It can also add to its value. Studies have shown that homes with a good-quality exterior painting job are worth more on the market. The average homeowner will need to repaint their home every five to eight years. The best way to ensure the longevity of a paint job is to have it done by an experienced and skilled residential painting contractor.
The first step in the painting process is proper prep work. This includes room prep (clearing the area, laying down drop cloths, applying tape), cleaning, sanding, scraping/paint removal in some cases, caulking, and priming. This helps minimize messes, reduces the number of coats needed, and leads to a more durable and beautiful finish.
After the preparatory work is complete, the painting contractor will begin to coat your house with exterior paint. They will mask any areas that aren’t being painted such as trim, window frames, gutters, and hardware. They will also caulk the home to help keep it insulated and seal any cracks that could allow moisture into the house.
Depending on the type of siding and the color, the amount of coats needed can vary. On average, a gallon of paint will cover 250 to 400 square feet of surface area. Most painters will overestimate the amount of paint needed to avoid having to go back and apply more later.
Once the paint is applied, it will need time to cure. This is why it is important to choose a professional with experience and knowledge of how long different types of paint take to cure. The longer a paint job takes to cure, the more likely it will be to flake and chip.
When choosing a painting company, always request references and reviews from previous clients. These can be found on websites. You can also contact local community organizations for referrals. It is also a good idea to meet with the painting contractors before they start working on your project to ensure that both parties are on the same page. This will avoid any surprises when it comes to cost, timelines, or the actual painting process.
Finishing
Most homeowners can agree that a fresh coat of paint can brighten up any home’s appearance. A well-done exterior painting job will protect the surfaces of your home and can even increase its value in the real estate market. However, getting a beautiful and flawless paint job isn’t as simple as spraying and brushing on some paint colors and calling it a day. Unlike interior painting, which can be done by most DIY homeowners, the best way to get a high-quality exterior paint job is to hire a professional.
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when hiring a contractor for an exterior repainting project. The first is that you need to allow your surfaces to dry completely before painting. If you rush the process, your new paint could blister or peel after it dries. Additionally, you should avoid painting during inclement weather, such as rain or humidity.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of the paint you choose will have a big impact on your overall cost. It’s important to purchase the highest-quality paint that your budget can afford, as it will last longer and protect your home for years.
The next thing to consider is the number of coats your home will need. Typically, most homes only need two coats of paint to achieve complete coverage. If your home has a lot of wood trim, you may need more than two coats to hide the wood grain.
After allowing the first coat of paint to dry, it’s time to remove the protective tarps and clean up the equipment. Lastly, the project manager will walk you through all of your paint information and paperwork, including the warranty.
Painting your house’s exterior is a huge undertaking, but the results are worth it. With proper prepping, a professional exterior painting company will ensure that your paint job lasts 10 or more years before it needs to be refreshed. Additionally, a fresh coat of paint will give your home major curb appeal and can help it stand out from the crowd.
