While painting your home’s exterior can be a rewarding and satisfying project, it can also be overwhelming and confusing if you’re unsure where to begin. With so many things to consider, from color to materials and preparation, it’s easy for homeowners to get stressed because of the process.
That said, it’s advisable to plan your project well to ensure consistent quality and avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re planning to paint your home’s exterior anytime soon, here are the five biggest mistakes to avoid while doing this project:
1. Skipping The Prep Work
Fresh paint can brighten up even the most tired-looking house and strongly impact buyers. So, it’s a good idea to get that paint job done, but don’t forget about the prep work. Skipping prep work is one of the biggest mistakes when painting your home’s exterior.
Prepping your walls for painting doesn’t just mean washing them down with some water and scrubbing at any stains or dirt. It’s essential to ensure that they are spotless and dry before you begin to paint, but that’s not all. Prepping includes making repairs to surfaces as well. If you have chipped paint or damaged surfaces, you need to take care of those problems first before you begin painting.
You should also consider repairing any cracks in your masonry before painting them over. It will help ensure a smoother surface and better adherence to the new paint. Finally, if your home is older or has any exposed wood, you need to make sure it is correctly primed before beginning to paint it.
2. Using The Wrong Paint
Choosing the wrong type of paint for your house is a mistake that could cost you far more than you expect. Many beautiful homes have been ruined by the wrong paint choice because many factors determine how well a particular paint will work.
For example, some exterior paints are not meant to cover certain types of surfaces, so that they may require a primer explicitly tailored to that surface. You should also be aware of other factors like the percentage of sheen in the paint and the climate conditions in your area.
3. Not Painting In The Right Weather
Knowing when to paint the exterior of your house can make all the difference in achieving that long-lasting, beautiful look you’re hoping for. There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not it’s the right time to paint—temperature and humidity can affect how well the paint adheres and how quickly it dries.
Most exterior paints are designed to withstand temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures dip below this point, wait until they rise again before beginning your project. Avoid painting when it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing, as well as when high winds are present—all of these conditions could cause problems with how well your paint adheres.
Humidity levels should be low when painting because high humidity levels can result in mold and mildew growth if the surface is exposed to moisture too soon. That said, if there is mold or mildew growth on your house, you should treat it first before painting.
4. Neglecting The Tools
When it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, the right tools are necessary. Using the wrong brush for a job will give you streaks or make the task harder than it needs to be. You’ll want to use a brush at least two inches wide for all your painting needs.
You’ll also need to use quality rollers and roller covers. Most people opt for synthetic rollers because they’re easier to clean than natural fiber rollers.
The type of roller cover you choose depends on your painting surface. Flat, satin, and semi-gloss finishes all require different roller covers. Finally, don’t forget the tape! Make sure you have painter’s tape on hand to protect trim and other areas before starting the outdoor painting process.
5. Not Choosing The Right Paint Color
Choosing the perfect color for your home’s exterior is different from picking out a paint swatch at the hardware store. It’s a big decision that can make or break your curb appeal, so it’s essential to take your time and get it right. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a color that doesn’t suit your architecture or makes the house look smaller than it is.
An excellent way to start is by considering the style of the home. Identifying its architectural details can help reveal what colors will work best. Even if you aren’t sure of the style, think about how long your home has been around. Older homes were often built with more neutral palettes, so dark or bold colors wouldn’t be true to their original character.
Takeaway
Painting the exterior of your home should be a fun and rewarding experience. By avoiding these common mistakes mentioned above, you can protect your investment, avoid extra expenses, and enjoy the process as well.
