If you've decided to paint the exterior of your home, you need to make sure that you are ready. This means that you need to clean and prime the exterior, and then calculate how much paint you need.
Preparation is king
Preparing your house for painting can be a daunting task. However, if you know what you're doing, you can make it a breeze. A few tips and tricks can help you get the job done in no time at all.
One of the best ways to start is with a checklist. Check the areas you intend to paint, as well as the areas you will not. It's also a good idea to cover any delicate plants and shrubs in a tarp to prevent damage from wind, rain, and sun. This can be done on the first day of painting, and again on the last. The tarp should be removed after each day to prevent mold.
Using a high quality spray paint and a decent set of brushes can help ensure that the job is done right. Getting the job done right isn't just about the right color and the right brush, it's also about the right technique.
Avoid direct sunlight, wind and cooler temperatures
If you are looking to paint the exterior of your house there are a few things to keep in mind. The temperature is one of the most important factors. A warm day can cause your paint to dry out and wrinkle quicker than you would like. Similarly, a cooler temperature can also have a negative effect on your finished project.
Another important factor to consider is the humidity. Humidity helps accelerate evaporation. Using a moisture meter is a good idea. It can help you to see whether or not your paint is ready to be applied.
One thing to remember is that hot, windy weather is not an ideal time for a paint job. Paints need a period of time to soak into the surface. This is especially true in the winter.
Clean the entire exterior of your home
Before you start painting your house, it is important to clean the entire exterior. This is to make sure your paint job will stick well. The best time to clean is during the warm summer months. During the winter season, it may be too cold for water to evaporate quickly. Water that freezes in the cold weather can damage siding. It can also cause mold to grow.
The first step in cleaning the exterior of your home is to pressure wash the surface. The nozzle of the power washer should be set at a 15 degree angle. Start at the bottom and work your way up the wall. Once you have done this, let the wall dry completely before moving on.
To prepare for the process, you should clean all your tools. Ensure that your ladder is in good condition. Also, check all fixtures and places that could have a risk of damage. If there are any loose pieces of paint, you will need to remove them.
Calculate how much paint you need for exterior walls
If you're looking to paint your home, you may be wondering how much paint you need. The amount you'll need will vary by several factors. Some of the more common variables include the quality of the paint, the surface texture, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the number of rooms you'll be painting.
A standard gallon of paint can cover about 400 square feet of smooth surface. This figure is generally quoted on paint containers. However, different surfaces absorb paint in different ways. Porous surfaces, for example, will absorb more paint than smooth surfaces. So you'll need to measure your walls or ceiling to determine how much paint you'll need.
To calculate how much paint you need, start by measuring the length and width of your walls. Walls that are less than four feet wide will require more paint.
Prime the exterior of your home
When it comes to painting your home's exterior, you'll need to prepare the surface in a few ways. This includes priming and caulking, as well as repairing any cracks or holes in the surface. These steps are important because they ensure that the paint sticks to the surface properly.
Exterior painting costs vary, depending on the size and style of your home. For example, a two-story house will cost about 20 cents per square foot. If your home has more than one story, it will need a scaffold. Each story is about 10 feet tall.
Whether your home is made of brick or clapboard siding, you'll need to use two coats of quality exterior acrylic latex paint. You may need to prime the wood first to make the paint adhere better.