If you’re thinking of doing your own exterior house painting, you’ve got a big job ahead of you – but it’s also one that could save you some money, compared to hiring contractors. However, it’s only a true savings if you come out of it with a paint job you can be proud of. After all, a poor paint job could potentially decrease the value of your home!
Here are a few tips to help you apply a great coat of paint to your house.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Exterior House Paint
- You need high-quality tools and materials
Don’t skimp. If you buy the cheapest paint at Home Depot, it’s going to be cracking and fading within a year or two. It could even end up being harder to work with, thinner and harder to apply.
Likewise, you want good-quality rollers and brushes. We’d recommend at least two brushes: a large 4″ straight-bristle brush, and a 1.5″ angled brush for details and corners. As for rollers, 9″ is standard, but you may also want a smaller one as well.
- Utilize good brush technique
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Start with a lipless paint can which has around 3 inches of paint. Don’t fill it up.
- Dip your brush so that only about 2 inches of bristles are coated
- Slap the brush against the paint can sides to remove excess paint
- Spread the paint using two or three back-and-forth strokes. Do this for an area of around three-square feet, reloading the paintbrush as needed.
- Smooth the paint on the section you just coated with more back-and-forth strokes, without reloading the brush.
- Pro tip: Lift the brush while it’s still moving to prevent any drips or runs
- Be aware of the weather!
Weather can have a huge impact on your paint job. Try not to paint areas in direct sunlight – they’ll dry too quickly, and blister. Also, avoid painting in high winds or, of course, if it’s going to rain. Finally, know that most latex paints won’t set if the temperatures are below 50°F.
Too Much Work? Leave It To The Professionals
Sure, you could save a little money by doing your own exterior house painting… but you could get even better results by calling in Westchester County’s most-trusted home painting specialists. Plus, then you can sit back and relax, rather than spending days in the hot sun. Contact Genesis Pro Painting for a free online estimate!
