Do’s and Don’ts of Exterior Painting in Colorado

Whether you’re getting ready to put your home up for sale or you want to just give your home’s exterior a fresh, new update, save time and money by doing the job right the first time around. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of exterior painting in Colorado from the professionals at Horner Painting.

The Do’s of Exterior House Painting

DO THE NECESSARY PREPARATION WORK

For a lasting paint job that you can be proud of, it’s critical that you properly prepare the surfaces you plan to paint. For paint to adhere well, it needs a smooth, clean, and dry surface. Sanding and dusting the surface will likely be a necessary first step for places with loose, chipping paint; and then you will want to follow up by washing all surfaces with a hose and brush.

You can certainly use a power washer if you have one available, but be careful to not drive water into joints and crevices which could potentially lead to water damage.

If there are major cracks or holes, it’s wise to use filler to seal them up. If you decide not to do this, your new paint will just seep into these areas. Simply fill the cracks and holes, let it dry, then sand it down again to match the rest of the surface.

Choose the Right Time of Year

Choosing the right time of the year to do your painting is especially important in regions with high variability of weather. Our lovely Colorado is prone to extreme fluctuations in temperature as well as high winds, snow, and hail. Therefore, you’ll want to be sure to pick a time of year that minimizes the risk of your work being damaged by the elements.

It just so happens that Colorado has a certain sweet spot for exterior painting. September tends to be the perfect month for exterior painting because it historically has lower amounts of rainfall, less wind, and milder temperatures. All of this gives your paint the best chance to apply smoothly, and also dry and cure without any issues. If you can’t do September, aim for late spring or early fall.

APPLY MORE THAN ONE COAT OF PAINT

Even if you use high-quality paint, applying multiple coats, as well as a primer, is a necessity. This will help to achieve the color you had originally intended while also giving more protection to the surfaces below. Primer helps the paint to stick even better and keeps the paint on the surface rather than sinking into the wall. Furthermore, a primer will help to hide imperfections from previous paint jobs.

Most quality paint on the market today will have a primer built in. This saves time and money from having to buy and apply a separate primer.

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS

To get the best results you need the right tools. Painting your home is an investment and trying to save money by getting cheaper brushes or rollers will only result in disappointment. For the best results, use high-quality rollers and brushes. It’s better to invest the money upfront for a great product rather than see your hard work go to waste due to poor output from bad tools.

For the absolute best results, you can rent a paint sprayer at most home improvement stores. Just beware that using a sprayer requires some experience and knowledge of proper technique. If you haven’t used one before, you might want to practice on a small, inconspicuous area. Or, just don’t take chances and hire a professional painter instead.

PROTECT YOUR SURROUNDINGS

No matter how careful you try to be, paint can easily spill and splatter leaving a near-impossible cleanup job. That’s why it’s important to take the extra time to cover your sidewalks, plants, patio furniture, and pretty much everything else that is in the area of your chosen paint job.

If you are using a paint sprayer, you’ll have to be even more careful. Overspray or paint that is caught in the wind will carry farther than you might expect, potentially giving a fresh coat to onlookers and pets alike.

USE THE BEST TECHNIQUES

Although you might be anxious to get started. it’s a good idea to learn about the best painting methods before you begin as it will give you the best results and keep you from having to do more touch-ups and fixes.

A lot can be learned from online articles and videos, but, to get you started, keep these things in mind. in general, always work from the top down, use tape to mark off borders (especially around windows and doors), and start with overhangs to ensure paint will not drip onto newly painted surfaces.

GET INSPIRATION FROM OTHER HOUSES

Choosing the right color scheme for your home can be one of the most difficult aspects of painting. Keep in mind that the colors you see on those little paint swatches may not look the same once you apply them to a two-story home. One of the best ways to know what you like (and don’t like) when it comes to style and color is to use your neighbors for inspiration. Go for a drive or a walk around the neighborhood and see what sticks out to you. See a home that you love? Consider asking the owners for the name (or even a sample) of the paint they used.

The Don’ts of Exterior House Painting

DON’T IGNORE LEAD PAINT

Nowadays, paint sold in the U.S. does not contain lead. However, any paint that was applied before 1978 likely does contain this hazardous substance and can be a danger to you and your family. You will have to be especially careful when sanding it down and removing it, as the dust will get into the air. If you have an older home that could possibly have been painted with lead paint, it’s recommended by the EPA to hire a certified inspection company to determine how much risk there is.

DON’T SKIMP ON PAINT QUALITY

Just as it’s important to use the best tools for the job, it’s also smart to buy good quality paint. There really is a difference between budget paints and paint that costs a bit more. Premium paints go on smoother, stick better, last longer, and have a far better look when the job is done. Your hard work will not go to waste and will last for years to come if you invest in quality paint.

DON’T IGNORE THE WEATHER

Choosing the right time of year is one thing, but take an extra step of precaution by looking at the weather forecast. Ensure that there is no expected precipitation before starting the project because rain and humidity will ruin homes with fresh paint on their exterior. Paint can’t bond to wet surfaces and rain will only make your beautiful strokes streak and run.

On the contrary, don’t choose an extremely hot day either. Really hot days (above 90 degrees) will cause your paint to dry too quickly and thus will not adhere as best as it could. Ideal painting temperatures range from 50-80℉.

DON’T CHOOSE ONLY ONE COLOR

While you may be focusing on one main color to update your home, don’t forget to consider your trim and accent colors which will likely need attention as well. A second color or shade that compliments the main color will bring your finished project closer to the results of a professional.

Consider Leaving Your Paint Job to the Experts and Contact Horner!

From siding and stucco to decks and fences, exterior painting is a necessary reality for home improvement. There are a lot of things to be aware of, and it always pays off to invest in quality rather than speed. If you need help with your own project or want to ensure the best possible results, contact the professional house painters at Horner Painting today!