Painting the exterior of your house is a daunting and time-consuming project to undertake. Fear not! We’re here to guide you through each step of the way from prepping your home to the final finishing touches!
How to Paint the Exterior of Your House
Stage 1: Prep Your House
Paint needs a smooth base to adhere to so do a thorough check of your house for dirt and rough surfaces. Any old paint that is peeling, chipping, and cracking have to be scrapped off. You will also need to sand down ridges and any remaining flaking paint. Then, pressure-wash the debris and dirt off of your house. Be careful when doing so especially near windows and doors as the high water pressure has the ability to break glass.
Stage 2: Check For Repairs
This varies from house to house but it is important to do any necessary repair work before you start painting. Some things to look out for are rotting wood, mildew, mold, and gaps in doors or window sills.
Stage 3: Seal It With Caulk
Fill up any cracks and holes with paintable caulk for a smooth finish and to extend the longevity of your paint job. Caulk any gaps and joints in surfaces (e.g. windows sills, door frames, the areas where the corner boards meet the siding) to prevent water, moisture and insects from entering, and to keep your house properly insulated.
Stage 4: Protection From Paint Splatters
To prevent paint from dripping all over your shrubberies, trees and bushes near your house, you can trim them first and then cover them up with canvas drop cloths or tarps. These drop cloths also offer protection for your pavements and driveways. Apply painter’s tape along the window and door frames for sharp paint lines and to steer clear of unwanted splatters.
Stage 5: Don’t Skip The Primer
Using a primer is vital in prepping your house for the new coat of paint. It smoothes out rough surfaces, avoid tannins from bleeding through and staining the topcoat, and it enables better paint adhesion. Pro-tip: tint your primer with a bit of your topcoat color for the best results!
Stage 6: Start Painting!
After all that prep work, it’s finally time to begin painting your house. What’s the best way to do it? A paint sprayer might speed up the painting process, but it can get messy when done by someone who is inexperienced. Opt for a good quality roller for your siding and a brush for the smaller, intricate areas of the house. Start from the top and work your way down to minimize paint drips and streaks. Allow some time for the paint to dry before layering on the recommended second coat of paint.
Final Stage: Attention To Details
With the huge surfaces completed, you can now peel off those painter’s tape and paint the trims, fascia, door frames, window sills, and other decorative details. Patience and steady hands are essential during this part of the process. It might take longer but it will be worth it in the end!
No Time to Paint? Atherton Painting Can Help You Paint Your Home
Summer is an ideal time to spruce up your house exterior with a fresh coat of paint! However, if your summer is already filled up with beach days and barbeques, our team at Atherton Painting is happy to do the job for you! Call or text James at (518) 415-5845 for your free, no-obligation estimate today!
Atherton Painting offers professional exterior painting services in Clifton Park, Saratoga, Glens Falls and Lake George, NY. Call (518) 415-5845 or send a message online today!
