Tweet

Photo: dalylab

It makes no sense having a house that’s beautiful on the inside if your exterior needs work. The first thing people see when they visit you is the outside of your house, and you want it in good shape. You don’t need to pay painters a fortune if your exterior needs a lick of paint, though. DIY exterior painting isn’t as hard as you might think. To begin exterior painting, take a look around your house and see if anything needs replacing. Look out for cracks in your wall. Cracks must be filled before painted. Also remove mould with a scraper and treat it with a fungicide to stop it spreading.

Begin with cleaning

Check that your walls are sparkly clean. You can use a pressure washer to really get the dirt and mould off, but don’t to do this while on a ladder! Also trim any vegetation getting in the way.

Choices, choices!

When it comes to choosing which paint you want to use, there is an enormous choice available to you. Invest in high quality paint as it will last a lot longer. It is preferable to use two coats of undercoat and one coat of gloss.

Is there enough paint to go around?

An unwanted problem is a lack of paint. Walking into a shop in your oldest, most tattered clothes and begging for another coat of canary yellow is not the kind of spectacle you want to create. Rather overestimate than underestimate, and remember that rough surfaces will need more paint than others.

‘Sun is shining, the weather is sweet’

Photo: Rachael E.C. Acklin

Make sure you’re fully prepared before you splash on that first dash of colour. Did you check the weather? The last thing you want is for half of a wall to be done when a rain cloud bursts directly above your head!

Tips for painting don’t always involve painting

Many of the important painting tips involve the things you do before you actually paint so make sure you’re prepared. Once you’re confident you have everything you need, get an early start. Don’t paint in direct sunlight and then start painting in the shade. Make sure you’re kitted out in your rags you have no problem spoiling because it will get messy! Cover surrounding areas with plastic sheets.

It’s finally time to whip out your painting brush!

Once you start painting, paint with even strokes and start at the top of the wall working downwards. Use a light paint kettle as this is much easier to handle, especially at heights. Be careful not to lean against wet paint. Most house designs don’t include self portraits!

Never stop inspecting

Use smaller brushes around windows and doors. Replace missing putty around the windows. Repaint exterior woodwork and remove paint that has bubbled with an electric hot air gun and a scraper. Remove any rotten wood.

The quintessential cleaning process

Photo: Eddie Truman

Stop painting a little while before the sun sets so the paint has time to dry. Wash your brushes well and let them soak in white spirit. Most of the walls will be dry the next day, but don’t lean against anything for at least three days.

Think about these tips for painting your exterior and don’t feel shy to ask questions at your paint store or DIY shop. Once you’re ready, get stuck in, and you can enjoy a fresh coat of paint that won’t cost a fortune.