Painting a home's exterior may seem as easy as buying paint, brushes and rollers and getting down to work. However, if you want to achieve a perfect paint job, you need to put in a little more work. An excellent paint job will not only improve the curb appeal of your home's exterior, but also improve the paint's performance in inclement weather. Therefore, if you want your exterior to look good without spending money on multiple paint jobs, here are a few factors to guide you.
Prepare the exterior surfaces
You cannot spruce up a surface that is not clean. Thus, the first step should be to prepare your exterior walls for the paint job. Below are some steps you should take during this process.
- Pressure-wash the exterior surfaces to get rid of old paint and layers of dust and dirt caked on the walls.
- Scrape off any paint remnants to create a smooth and even surface.
- Use caulk or other sealing products to seal gaps caused by weather-related expansion and contraction on the surface.
- Sand and prime the surfaces to prepare them for the paint job.
A clean and smooth surface allows the paint to adhere easily and lowers the risk of flaking due to poor adhesion. It also prevents dirt and dust from balling up into the paint and leaving unsightly streaks on the finished product.
Pick the right type of paint
Never use leftover paint from interior painting projects on your exterior surfaces. Interior paint doesn't have the properties to withstand UV rays and harsh weather. Therefore, when used outside, it flakes and peels easily. Thus, pick exterior paint products for your job. Use water-based acrylic paint instead of oil-based paint for the following reasons:
- They have excellent UV resistance properties
- They cope well when expanding and contracting
- They maintain their colour and sheen for long periods under UV exposure
Acrylic is added to water-based paints as a binding agent to boost longevity and performance. It also makes the paint more rigid, which allows the exterior surfaces to be cleaned or scrubbed without chipping the paint. You can use water-based acrylic paint on walls and wood or aluminium siding as well.
Choose a durable and low-maintenance finish
Exterior paint comes in various finishes, such as matte, satin and gloss. The type of finish determines the appearance of the paint job and the maintenance needs of the exterior surfaces. For example, you may wish to choose a satin finish as it performs better outdoors. It has a low sheen that hides dirt, small cracks, gaps and other surface flaws. It is also visually appealing and easy to clean and maintain.
Consider these tips for the perfect exterior paint job. Consult a residential painting contractor for professional house painting services.
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