Displeased by that dull exterior with peeling paints, cracks, and discoloration? You can easily upgrade your curb appeal with a fresh coat of paint.
Getting ready
The first task is to estimate how much paint you will need. Measure the length of all sides of the house, then multiply the length of all sides by the height of the house, adding two feet to the height for overhang. There’s no need to subtract doors and windows as you will probably need the extra for touch-ups. Now divide the total square footage of your project by the coverage rate displayed on the can of paint you have selected.
Color of choice
Your home exterior color scheme plays a pivotal role in its overall look and feel. Before you jump out and choose your house color, check if your housing developments have restrictions. You can proceed with choosing the combination of paint colors on your siding, trim, front door, and other exterior elements. Know what exterior color scheme you want and start to mix and match shades and undertones. Identify an accent piece on your home (window frame, shutters, trim, or the front door) and paint it either a darker or a lighter shade of your main color.
Kinds of Paint
There are different kinds of paint as well:
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Gloss exterior acrylic enamel is usually used only on smooth, flawless surfaces, as the high sheen accentuates imperfections. It’s also the most difficult and time-consuming exterior paint, not to mention the most expensive.
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Satin exterior acrylic latex provides excellent coverage and good looks. Another advantage to this type is that it does not attract dirt and dust like other paints.
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Flat exterior acrylic latex is the most commonly used exterior paint thanks to its good coverage, reasonable price, and versatility. It is also easier to touch up and does not show imperfections as much as gloss.
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Semi-gloss exterior acrylic latex is mostly used for doors, gutters, and window trim as it is washable and resists stains.
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Solvent-based paints are the most versatile, providing ease of application in a variety of temperatures and moisture conditions.
Identifying the right tools
Once you’ve decided on the paint color and paint type that you are going to use, then you're almost ready to go. You will need applicators, tools, and painting materials. There are three types of paint applicators, and you may use any one or a combination of them: brushes, rollers, and sprayers. You’ll also need wide-width masking tape, scrapers of various sizes, and a utility knife.
Let’s Get Started
Now that you have your materials, you’re ready to get started with the most important step: surface preparation. To ensure the best coverage, remove dirt and dust buildup from the house. First, scrape loose paint until most of the surface is exposed. Next, use sandpaper to dull the surface and make it smooth. After that, repair damaged surfaces and fill any unnecessary gaps between and trim around doors and windows using exterior caulk. Use a pressure washer with a commercial cleaning solution to wash the surface of the house and rinse thoroughly from top to bottom. Let it dry at least 24 hours before painting. You may need to prime the surface before applying the paint.
Let’s move on to covering the windows, doors, and trim, using plasticsheeting and painter’s tape.You’re ready to begin painting. Take your time and do a thorough job. You have added more value to your home, slowed down deterioration, and have given yourself a sense of accomplishment.
Your curb will be one of your assets. If you are looking forward to selling your house in the current hot real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me. I'll make sure you get the maximum marketing exposure on the market to get the best offer.
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