Exterior painting and decorating

It is not often that one paints the exterior of their home or other objects outside of the home, but when this is done, there are some important things to remember to ensure the highest quality and a long-lasting result. For consumers' convenience, most paint brands have created paints specifically for exterior painting. When you are shopping for paint, make sure this is clearly marked on the can. You may also find paint designated for both interior and exterior. These paints are fine as well.

Different exterior paints work best on different surfaces. Some paints are created for use on vinyl or wood siding while different paints work better on bricks, concrete, or metal. It is important to determine the best type of paint for the completion of your project.

Depending on the project or the surface, a primer may be required. Vinyl siding doesn't usually need much prep-work unless it already has several coats of paint on it. A wood fence or brick wall may, however, require some sort of primer or sanding before paint can be applied. Learn what you can about the surface you will be painting so you will know how to start properly to avoid wasting time or money later on.

When you are choosing colours for exterior paint, choose a shade lighter than you think you want. Exterior paint often dries much darker than expected and can leave the painter disappointed if not chosen correctly. If possible, test the paint on a small, unnoticeable area of the surface before you paint the entire thing.

Once you have your paint and are ready to get started, there are some tricks and tips which can be used for the best exterior painting experience. First and foremost, you really need to watch the weather. Ideally, you want to paint in warm, dry weather and avoid as much precipitation as possible. If rain does come, you should wait 24-48 hours to allow the surface to dry completely before applying paint.

Before you start painting, it's also a good idea to power wash the surface, especially if you're painting siding. Dirt and debris can really start to build up over the years, and this is not something you want to be dealing with while painting.

Finally, paint can be sprayed, rolled, or brushed onto just about any surface. Whatever method you choose, make sure you're coating evenly and not leaving drip marks or streaks. If you're painting the house, paint in sections and always stroke the paint down.

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