The 411 on Exterior Painting
The weather is getting warmer the sun is shining! You’ve planted new cedars, flowers and shrubs> Now all you have to do is do a good window cleaning and PAINT THOSE GARAGE DOORS!
Alot of people think there pro painters, but theres more to it then picking up a paint brush and slopping paint on the surface! There is lots ps preperation and technique involved, you want a nice even look with no runs and no blotching.
Giving your garage doors and front door a new paint job will really freshen up the front entrance to your home. A good paint job will last 3- 6 years if done properly.
1. Hire a painting professional (even if you think you can DIY)
Painting is hard physical labour, you will be climbing ladders really extending your arms to reach tough spots. There is alot of prepping ,your out in the sun all day, it tough work.
2.Do not cut corners on the prep work.
the preperation is the number one step when it comes to painting. To have a nice paint job you must have a good base to work with.Cover flowers, grass, shurbs, and paved/interlocking surfaces to prevent paint from getting on them. Scrape off all old paint and imprefections, sand the whole surface to get rid of any debris and make it smooth. Always prime the area with a good quality primer this will allow the paint to adhere better!
3. Use the right paint
You go to your local home improvment store you go to the painting aisle and theres rows and rows of paint. You dont know where to start shiny labels everywhere and you dont know the difference. Try sticking to a latex formula, it resists UV-fading better than alkyd, and is less likely to crack or peel. An added benefit is that water-based latex dries faster than oil-based alkyd, and clean up’s a lot easier. Dont scimp on the paint, avoid cans that say “value” or “contractor” you get what you pay for, buy a good premium quality paint.
4. Check the weather forcast
Dont paint when its hot and humid and 30 degrees, also try to avoid high winds and rain. All these weather elements can affect the finish of your paint job.
5.Colour palette
Okay lets face it, we all say the same thing when we drive down the street and we see a garage door painted neon yellow or hot pink. Dont try to be the negative sore thumb in the neighbourhood. Try to stick within the colour palette of the street maybe taking the colour a shade darker or lighter.
