When we’re looking at repainting a house exterior, budget-minded people might consider tackling the job themselves to save on labour costs.
Bear in mind that taking on this task requires planning, commitment and careful timing.
Before you even buy your first gallon of paint, here are some things to keep in mind.
Don’t Scrimp on Painting Materials
The best quality exterior paint is normally priced from $40 to $60 per gallon, with some brands costing up to $80+ per gallon. 100% acrylic paint is recommended for exterior painting.
High-quality paint lasts longer and covers better than cheap paint. Go for paint with a lifetime guarantee against defects in the finish. With low-quality paint, you get what you pay for.
A good quality paint job, on the other hand, can help to increase a home’s retail value.
Be Prepared for Prep Work
If your home is older, you will want to give it a thorough check for problems like mildew and wood rot. These can cause paint to peel and bubble, and if they exist they’ll need to be attended to.
Other issues include loose caulking around trim, crumbling glaze, and cracked window panes. Know that these problems need a few extra days to solve.
An experienced painter or paint retailer could offer some solutions for these types of problems. You can also choose to hire a pro to repair any extensive damages before you get started.
Steer Clear of Lead Paint
If you’re painting a home built before 1978, be aware that it could likely be painted with lead-based paint. The U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that work involving lead paint can be hazardous to the health of children and adults.
Apply More than one Coat of Paint
If you’re painting over bare wood or metal, begin with a base coat of high-quality alkyd primer to help prevent the paint from bleeding. Follow the primer with the first finish coat. After the paint becomes tacky, apply a second coat.
Work During Ideal Weather Conditions
Your ideal temperature for external painting will probably be around 20 degrees and not too humid. Avoid painting on hot temperatures, windy weather, or in the rain.
Heat and direct sunlight causes paint to dry too fast, and colder temperatures can keep paint from binding properly to the surface.
Dampness can cause bubbles on the paint.
Should I Paint Exterior House Myself?
Knowing painting techniques is important. If you’ve never painted before, even a house interior, then it’s probably not advisable to start with the exterior.
Be practical. Don’t tackle house painting yourself unless you’ve got the skills, tools, time, and energy to see it through. If you’ve tried interior painting and hated the problems that came with it, maybe it’s high time to call in the experts.
Get Help Painting Your Home
Tall Guy Painting has the time, equipment, and skill to completely transform the look of your home.
If you’re in Greater Vancouver / Lower Mainland of BC, call or text us at (778) 683-5397 to discuss your paint job.