Painting a House is a Big Job That Requires Careful Consideration
Painting your house is one of the cheapest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and resale value. But it can also be a messy and physically exhausting project.
To start, walk around your house and get a sense of what needs to be done. Make sure to fix any broken window trim, sand rough surfaces, and patch cracks. Learn more by clicking here.
Choosing the Right Colors
Painting a whole house is a big job that requires careful consideration. You must take into account the impact the color will have on your home’s interior temperature as well as how it looks from the street.
Using color trends for inspiration can help. However, the most important factor is choosing a shade that fits your style. Creating a cohesive palette will bring the best out of your home.
If you plan to sell your home in the future, light neutral colors like white, beige, and greige are always popular and won’t offend potential buyers. Darker neutrals also remain a popular choice but will require more elbow grease to repaint should you decide to put your home on the market.
If you have any unpainted natural surfaces in your home, such as brick or stone, it’s a good idea to incorporate them into your scheme. You may be able to match the brick with your paint shade or coordinate it with wood trim or roofing shingles.
Preparing the Surface
Whether painting the interior or exterior of a house, it’s important to properly prepare the surface for painting. This helps the new paint to adhere to the surface and ensures that it lasts longer.
This includes removing any loose or flaking paint, as well as making repairs where necessary. For example, a crack in the wall may need to be repaired before painting. It’s also important to remove any sources of moisture from the substrate. For example, rooms like bathrooms and basements can become prone to mold, which must be removed before starting the painting process.
If you’re going to hire a professional for the job, make sure to get detailed bids from several different companies and ask them for the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. This can help you narrow down your choices and find the right company for your job. It’s also a good idea to choose a company that has both interior and exterior house painting experience.
Applying the First Coat
Whether you’re painting the interior or exterior of your home, the surface will need to be primed before you can apply any paint. Some painters choose to tint their primer toward the final paint color, which saves time by eliminating the need for two finish coats. The surface will also need to be thoroughly washed and dried before the primer can do its work.
Once the surface is clean and dry, house painters will mask or cover areas of the house that won’t be painted. This includes trim, gutters, and hardware. It’s also important for a professional to caulk the home, which helps keep moisture from damaging the walls and siding as well as help the new paint last longer.
Most painting professionals will agree that a minimum of two coats are needed on a home. The first coat will even out the color and provide some protection, while the second coat will add vibrant color and ensure the paint dries properly for long-lasting beauty.
Finishing the Job
Painting a house is hard work. Hiring professional painters can reduce the time required and improve the results. They may use brushes, rollers, or paint sprayers to cover large areas of surface. They also may mask trim, windows, and other elements to avoid paint splatter and drips.
Then, they apply the first coat of paint and allow it to dry. Two coats of latex acrylic paint over primer are typically applied. It is important to choose colors that complement the style of your home and are appropriate for the climate in your area. Drive around to see what color combinations look best on other homes. Online resources can help you visualize color schemes for your home.
Before hiring a house painter, request detailed estimates that include costs for materials and labor. Ask a potential contractor for references from previous customers and, if possible, visit those homes to inspect the work. Then, make sure the contractor has all the proper licenses and insurance to perform the work safely. Check out this interesting post!