There comes a time when the exterior of your home will be in need of a serious facelift. One of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to do this is with a new paint job. Painting the exterior of your home requires a fair deal of planning and materials. But if you do it right, you can handle this type of job yourself without having to hire a contractor. Here is a look at what you will need to do.
1 – Create A Safety Zone
Before you do anything, you can make your job a lot easier by establishing a safety zone around the perimeter of your home. This means tying back tree limbs that may end up getting paint dripped on them, removing any items that may create obstacles as you work your way around your home and laying drop cloths on things you don’t want to spill paint on.
2 – Remove Shutters and Other Attachments
If your home has shutters attached to windows, this is the time to remove them to keep them from getting covered in paint. Also, if you have birdhouses, feeders and anything else that is attached to the sides of your home you don’t want to paint, remove them as well to speed up the process.
3 – Prepare the Surface
This is the time to get up close and personal with the exterior of your home. Give it a close inspection and if you discover places where existing paint is cracked or peeling, you must remove that. A wire brush will take care of most paintable surfaces. If you repair any cracks, be sure to wait until the putty has dried then sand the area before painting.
4 – The Rough Spots
The final step you should follow before pulling out the paint brushes is to ensure all surfaces are smooth. This involves sanding rough spots where paint has chipped or is peeling. After you’ve done this, use a pressure hose to wash away all the sanding dust. Allow the entire exterior time to dry before you break out the paint.
5 – Tools for The Job
Before you get started, do you have everything you need to paint the exterior of your home? First, the paint should be of a good quality that will last for years. Brushes and rollers should all be brand new and made to be durable. Extras are always a good idea. Wood filler, putty knives, gloves, drop cloths, goggles, a hat and old clothes are all essential for this type of project.
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