Spring is finally here, and the sun has come out again. That probably means that some painting work might be in the cards sooner rather than later. If that sounds like it might be the case for you, then it is vitally important that you stop and think before jumping in, as thorough preparation is likely to be the difference between a successful project and a failed one.
So before you get out the rollers, consider these things you must know when painting a house exterior.
How Long Will It Take?
It doesn’t matter how big your house is; this is a job that is going to take a lot of time. If you think a solid day of work on a Sunday is going to be enough, then you are likely to be in for a shock, as it will probably take you a day just to do the preparation!
Therefore, before you get started, take the time to create a realistic timeline for the work. Is it a one person job, or will you need some helpers? Answer this one as truthfully as you can, because if you overestimate your abilities, you are going to be pulling your hair out in the not-too-distant future. At this stage, some people take one look at the scale of the work and reach for the phone. For those that persevere, take the time to consider the following points carefully.
What Preparation Is Required?
Before looking for paints, you need to look at the preparation and what costs are likely to be incurred. Do you need to clean or repair any gutters? Are there any holes in the surfaces that will need filling? Is the existing coat of paint peeling from the surface? Is there any damage to wood or concrete surfaces? Are the surfaces covered in dirt (e.g., tree sap, animal droppings, dust, etc.)?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you will need to do some prep work, which will require additional time and materials. You might need to pressure wash the walls or replace damaged wood panels. Any peeling paint will need to be removed, and the gutters will need cleaning before you get to work with the rollers.
How Much Will It Cost?
As you can see above, house painting involves more than buying paint and rollers. Therefore, when you start planning, do a thorough inspection of the surfaces you plan to paint as well as the surrounding areas. This will give you an accurate picture of the job at hand and what tools and materials you will need.
Once you have done the inspection, you can put together a budget for the project. Be as flexible as possible because things can and do go wrong with exterior house painting. That way, should you go a little over budget, it won’t come as such a shock.
Another way to save a little money is to see if your neighbors, friends, or family members have equipment such as pressure washers, tall ladders, and other tools you can borrow instead of buying everything brand new.
What Are the Right Tools for the Job?
The answer to this question depends entirely upon the scale of the job you are planning to undertake. The list below is just a guideline, but all these items usually come in handy when doing an exterior paint job.
- Ladders
- Plastic Sheeting
- Hose/Pressure Washer
- Sander
- Scraper
- Wire Brush
- Caulking Gun
- Primer
- Paint
- Paint Rollers and Brushes
- Rolling Trays
- Paint Sprayer
Not all equipment is created equal, and specific tools will perform better than others depending on the type and size of the surface you are planning to use them on. When you go to the DIY store, tell them what project you are going to do so they can advise you on the best tools for the job.
After your shopping trip, you are ready to start painting so you can spend the summer enjoying the envious looks of your neighbors.