One of the ways to improve the curb appeal and resale value of your home is to make the exteriors visually appealing or enticing. You have efforts, such as landscaping, new fence installation, and remodeling the porch. But if you want to give the façade a good look, why not repaint it?
For many, painting the exteriors sounds like an easy job. However, it does not always go that way. It can be quite complicated, especially when you have a large house to work on, and there are some damages to fix. If you are looking for some ways or steps to make the entire endeavor easier, here’s what you need to take into account:
Clean the walls first
You need to remove the old paint first. And once done, you have to ensure that the paint will be absorbed quickly. So, what you should do is to clean the walls. Remove dirt and dust buildup by washing the walls with water thoroughly. You can use a brush, water, and soap to get rid of all the dirt. For best results, experienced painters and contractors recommend the usage of a pressure washer. When it comes to this, start cleaning from top to bottom of the walls. Do the cleaning with control to avoid damage to the softer parts of concrete.
Fix the damaged parts
After cleaning the walls thoroughly, inspect the walls and other parts for damages. You might see that there are chipped and broken parts. For cracks and holes, you might want to add an epoxy filler. If you are dealing with thin yet long cracks, caulking can do the trick. If it’s workable, you can use cement (though you will need to let it dry first before commencing the painting). Check the other areas of the exterior, such as the ceiling, the wooden panels, and the metal parts. If you are checking from a height, stay safe by using fall arrest equipment.
Start priming
Before entirely painting the exteriors, you might need to apply a primer first. This is basically a flat and sticky paint that offers a consistent base for the succeeding layers of paint. Priming the walls also make sure that the paint will stick well. When it comes to primers, you have a few options to choose from. You can go for oil-based primers, which are excellent for wood painting, and water-based primers (latex), which are good for blocking marks and stains.
Paint!
Before finally painting the walls, protect first the doors, lights, and windows by covering them with plastic or non-absorbent materials. Once done, start painting! You can use a paint sprayer if necessary, but the general rule is painting from top to bottom in a smooth manner. Make sure that the overlap is not too big.
Make it colorful!
Painting your exteriors can be quite challenging, but it can be exciting. It offers you an opportunity to express your creativity. While you can do this yourself, you might think things through first before going at it. You can consider working with a professional for the best results.
