So, you’ve decided you want the exterior of your home repainted. Great idea, especially if it has been a while since the last paint job. The thing is, if you’ve never painted your home’s exterior before, you should know that the paint job itself isn’t the only aspect to consider. Indeed, you need to learn the ins and outs of what makes a paint job effective, and what you can do in between paint jobs to make sure it stays looking fantastic.
Your home is likely your biggest investment, so it’s good to treat it as such. This includes regular paint jobs to keep the house both looking great and well-protected from the elements. Doing this effectively means starting from the very beginning — before you put the paintbrush on the home’s surface for the first time. Below are some tips that can make a big difference in how your paint lasts after the job is complete.
Make Sure the Prep Work is Done Correctly
Good maintenance of your home’s exterior won’t do you any good if the prep work isn’t done correctly. For starters, you should plan to get rid of all chipped paint, signs of rot, and any other damages you notice on your home’s exterior. Make sure you caulk or seal any gaps, remove chipped paint with a wire brush and good sanding, and give the exterior a good cleaning job to remove dirt, grime, and other debris.
Simply put, the smoother and cleaner the surface is, the better the paint will adhere to it, and the longer the paint job will last. This doesn’t mean that maintenance in between paint jobs won’t be necessary, of course, but the job will be much more effective if the house is properly prepared for the paint you’re using. Speaking of which, you should also make sure you use the right paint, which may require the expertise of a professional for in-home protection tasks.
Be Prepared to Do Touch-Ups Throughout the Year
Even if you do everything perfectly, you’ll still likely have to do a touch-up or two throughout the year. As a general rule, most homes should be repainted every 7-10 years, but this is just an estimate. Still, even if your paint job lasts a full 10 years, touch-ups will very likely be necessary. When they are, keep in mind that you may not be able to grab your leftover paint and expect it to match the original paint job.
Because paint often fades slightly with time, due to the sun and even temperature changes, the paint on your home’s exterior may be lighter than it was in the beginning. Does this mean you need to repaint the entire area? Not really. Just remove a very small amount of the paint and bring it to your local paint store or hardware store. They should be able to match it perfectly, or at least closely enough so no one will notice a difference.
You can also dilute your left-over paint by 5% to 10% with a product such as paint thinner or even water. If you do this, be very careful and make sure the paint matches the home’s exterior before you start the touch-ups. Clean the area thoroughly, paint over the touch-up area plus a little more so the paint can blend in, then let it dry completely. Give it a day or two and then check the color to make sure it matches.
Protect Your Home as Much as Possible from Harsh Conditions
It’s easy to understand why harsh weather can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior, regardless of what it is made of, but there are things you can do to lessen the effects of harsh weather.
These include:
- Make sure your gutters are always clear of debris in case of rain or sleet
- Consider planting trees or even installing awnings to keep direct sun away from the home’s exterior
- Look for paints that use UV-resistant materials, which protect the exterior from fading
- Inspect your home’s exterior regularly to catch problem areas before they progress
- Familiarize yourself with the temperature and humidity where you live as this directly affects how to take care of your home’s paint
While you can’t protect your home from all of the effects of the sun, rain, and other harsh conditions, you can do a few things that will certainly help protect it in between paint jobs.
Clean Your Home Regularly
Gently cleaning the exterior of your home at least once a year can do a lot when it comes to keeping your paint looking fresh and clean. You can use a power washer if you like, but keep in mind two things. First, never use the washer on high power because it can damage the paint. Because of this, you should always use very low pressure when using your power washer. You can still remove dirt and other debris while using your power washer on a very low setting.
Second, you should never use a harsh cleaning solution on your home. Instead, use a mild detergent and one that is specifically made for the type of paint you use. If you’re not sure what type of detergent you should use, ask one of the workers at a reputable paint store for assistance. Again, the type of paint you use is important when deciding on the type of cleaning solution you should use to clean your home’s exterior.
Finally, keep in mind that cleaning your home regularly not only helps the paint look better for a longer period but also reduces the odds of the exterior growing any type of algae or mildew. The cleaner your home is, the less likely mold, mildew, and algae will wreak havoc on the appearance of that home. If you do notice any of these things, it’s best to take care of the situation immediately.
Conclusion
Painting your home’s exterior every 7-10 years is highly recommended, but keeping the home looking its best always requires at least a little bit of maintenance throughout the year. Fortunately, this is usually not a time-consuming job, but a little maintenance will go a long way in helping the paint look great and last for many years to come. Prepping the area before you paint is where it all starts, but the area cannot be neglected afterward.
When your home is your biggest investment, it’s always worth it to keep it in great shape and looking good, which is why regular maintenance of your paint job is so important.
Also read
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