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Summertime is here and what better way to celebrate than some exterior housework? Now that all the snow is melted away, there may be some color and rust differences on the outside of your home. Whether you prefer a rustic or more classic look, the exterior of your home is a great way to show off your personal style. If this is your first time owning a house or maybe just the first time painting, here are some tips to give your house the facelift it deserves.
Prepare the Surface of Your Home
As with any job, preparing for the work itself is always the first step. Depending on the surface of your home, there are many ways you can accomplish this preparation. For tricky waterline stains and accumulated grime, try hosing the surface down with a power washer. As the name implies, power washers produce an extremely concentrated flow of water and are best used prior to repainting. Making sure to go over the tricky spots multiple times will help create the most even clean around your home. For homes made of wood, inspect the surface for areas that are moist or spongy after power washing. Both dry and damp rot are caused by microorganisms that must be removed before painting to prevent the spread of rot. Once the wood has thoroughly dried, scrape and remove the trouble areas. When this is completed, break out a wire brush and sander for the second stage of prep.
Depending on the material, sanding prior to painting may assist with texture and applying a more solid, consistent coat. Wood that has been exposed to weather will eventually break down into a dense matte of fibers that can easily be scraped loose. While you might not want to put that much work into the subtle details of the surface, this step is crucial for ensuring a long-lasting paint job. Be advised that less is usually more when it comes to this step – corrections or touch-ups can be made at any time. Other damages to look for during the scraping process are warped or twisted planks and extensive cracks – these sections of the wood should also be replaced.
Seal the Perimeter
After the initial scrub down, be sure to examine the outside of your home for any tricky spots that may need to be recaulked. Caulk is a sealant that prohibits water from seeping behind vulnerable areas of the exterior, preventing the development of rot. Power washing and scrubbing may affect the seal around windows, doors and different materials leaving new areas of concern. Examine the corner joints, seams and trim pieces around doors and windows before moving on to painting.
Painting the Exterior of Your Home
By now you should have some idea of how you would like your home to look. Choosing color schemes that accent the house’s features, however, can often prove more challenging than expected. We’ve put together some palettes we recommend for wooden exteriors to get your inspiration going. Picking a color that ties in with your style aesthetic and surroundings will do best not only by personalizing your house but increasing its curb appeal.
Once you have a color picked, it’s time to move on to getting the paint. Exterior paint selections often include primers, stains and finishes in a variety of options. If you’ve thoroughly washed and cleaned your home, we recommend starting off with a coat of primer. Quality exterior primers ensure the best results for long lasting color and durability. We also recommend sticking to latex or oil based primers and finishes to avoid any issues with the elements. For a more authentic look, check out additional stain and sealer options. Great for a rustic look, stains even out any imperfection in the wood resulting in a beautiful natural texture. Be sure to check out some interior primer-sealers for the best 2 in 1 results!
Exterior Paint at Gleco
If you’re in the market to refinish the exterior of your home, look no further than Gleco Paint Stores. Whether you’re looking for interior or exterior paint, we have you covered! For more information or to get any questions you may have answered, contact us today for all of your project needs. Stop by one of our local paint store locations and let us help you find the best paint for your home!
