Whether your home’s on the older side, you just went through a fire or major storm, or you just don’t like the color anymore, repainting its exterior is a great project that can bring it back to life. But although it might seem pretty straightforward, it’s not always as simple as flipping through swatches and deciding on a shade. There are a handful of mistakes that a lot of people make during the process, and they can make something that should be fairly easy into an expensive and ugly disaster. If you’re planning to repaint your home’s exterior, here are 4 mistakes to look out for and how to avoid them.
1. Not Doing the Prep Work
This is the most common one by far. People often think they can jump straight into painting, but if the surface isn’t properly clean and prepped, your paint won’t stick right. Dirt, mildew, peeling paint, and even loose nails can all cause your new paint job to look bad and not last as long as you need it to.
Pressure washing your siding, scraping off old paint, and sanding rough spots is absolutely necessary before applying paint. You might want to find a reliable temporary dumpster rental service near you if you’re doing anything more than the basics, like replacing any rotten or broken siding.
2. Picking the Wrong Paint
There are many different types of exterior paints, and they aren’t all created equal. Using interior paint outside or picking a paint that isn’t designed for your climate can lead to cracking, fading, or peeling. Look for paints designed specifically for exterior use, ideally those that have weather-resistant properties and UV protection.
Also, consider the surface material, whether that’s wood, brick, stucco, etc. They all have different requirements, and it’s important to select a paint that’s suitable. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask your painter to help you choose the best type.
3. Ignoring the Weather
Painting your house when it’s way too hot or just before a rainstorm starts is asking for trouble. If it’s too hot, the paint can dry too fast and end up bubbling or looking patchy. On the flip side, rain or high humidity can affect how the paint sticks or even wash it away before it has a chance to dry.
The best time to paint is usually when the weather is mild (normally anywhere between 35 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) with low humidity and no rain in sight for at least a full day. Make sure to check the forecast before you start painting so you don’t run into any issues.
4. Underestimating How Long It Takes
Repainting your home’s exterior isn’t usually something you can knock out in a weekend. When you take into account all the prep work, applying multiple coats, letting everything dry, and cleaning up afterward, it can easily take several days or more.
How big your house is and what condition it’s in will affect the timeline as well, and trying to rush it just results in sloppy work and frustration. So, make sure you have yourself enough time and energy, or better yet, hire professionals who know how to get it done right without cutting corners.
Conclusion
Taking the time to avoid these common mistakes will pay off with a paint job that looks great and lasts much longer. Whether you decide to tackle it yourself or hire a professional painter, being prepared and realistic about the process will be the difference between getting results you’ll love and something that’s just a waste of time and money.
