Painting

Paint Your Home [5 Steps]

If you are looking to learn how to paint your house, it is likely that you have come across many confusing articles which do little to help with your project. Finding the proper method to paint your house is actually easier than you might think. These five tips will guarantee a smooth and straightforward project once you thoroughly review the correct techniques on how to paint your house.

1. Prep the house. If you want ensure a perfect job, the first step towards learning how to paint your house includes an inspection. Many first time home painters make the mistake of overlooking a thorough prep of the exterior and instead focus on getting started painting right away. If the house paint is old and cracking away, it may be necessary to first remove it before adding a new layer. If the surface of the areas to be painted is dirty with years of grime it will also be important to thoroughly wash the exterior with the proper solution. The easiest way to remove the dirt is to mix the right chemical solution with water in a power washer. This technique should always be the first step if you truly want to know how to paint your house in a way that will ensure the job lasts for years to come.

2. Gather the proper materials. When getting ready to paint your house all of the materials should be gathered and organized ahead of time. Ladders, paint, paintbrushes, drop clothes and proper attire are all necessary components. Using the cheapest paintbrushes may save you some cash however if you really want to learn how to paint your house the right way you’ll opt for the better quality brushes. Paint is also important. It is vital to use the correct paint for each type of surface that needs to be coated. If the shingles are wood, be sure to use paint made for exterior wood. However this same paint should not be used on the concrete foundation since it will likely crack and peel away over the years. Metal surfaces such as basement doors or trim require their own special paint as well. Understanding how to paint your house means that you also must understand the differences between the exterior surfaces and the paints that are required. A good quality paint that is designed for the exterior of your home is the ideal choice someone deciding to learn how to paint your house.

3. Prime the surface. If you want to learn how to paint your house in a way that ensures it lasts, be sure to use a good primer. A coat of primer will soak into the surface and create a solid and smooth surface on which to paint. If you skip the primer when deciding how to paint your house you will find that you will end up using far more of that expensive exterior paint than you planned on. Primer can also seal the underlying surface if it need be. If the exterior wood shingles are old and dried out, primer will replenish the surface and get it ready for the topcoat. While taking the time to use primer first may seem long and tedious, it is a necessary step if you are interested in learning how to paint your house the way that professionals do it.

4. Start at the top. Once the coats of primer have dried you can now begin to put the knowledge you learned regarding how to paint your house to use. Set up the ladder in a way that makes certain it is secure and level before you attempt a climb. Have a friend wait at the bottom to steady the ladder as you climb and also to watch out in case you accidentally lose your grip. It can seem like a waste of time to have someone stand idly by telling you how to paint your house from below but it is a safety precaution that can save your life. Use, smooth, even strokes and be sure to not use too much paint. Adding heavy layer will not make the process go quicker but will instead cause unsightly lumps and drip marks. While you are up there it can also be a good idea to paint all surface that need it including the window trims, soffits, or other parts. If your friend below continues to tell you how to paint your house, try switching places with him for a while to give yourself a break and keep him quiet.

5. Allow to dry between coats. If you want to know the secret behind truly knowing how to paint your house then make sure you wait the necessary time between coats. Allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between each layer of paint can make all the difference in the world. If you think you know how to paint your house and go ahead and slap some more paint on top of a semi-dry layer, you are setting it up for future cracks and problems. Paint that instead dries completely before the next layer is added creates a super strong and solid cover of protection for your house. Allowing enough time to dry may differ between the types of paints and surface so be sure to read each can before proceeding with how to paint your house the proper way.