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Friday, March 25, 2011

Preparing Your Home for Exterior Residential Painting in Linconshire

Exterior residential painting in Linconshire is a large undertaking and should be completed by a professional painter.

There are two very important things to keep in mind while you plan your painting project. First, track the weather and do not try to paint when the temperature goes below fifty degrees. It is also important to remember that rain will make a real mess out of your paint project. Also, beware of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause the new paint to blister and it may leave marks where the paint has dried too fast. To prevent these problems, try to paint on the side of the house that is in the shade where possible.

The second thing to consider when painting your exterior is the exterior surface. The paint store that you purchase your paint and supplies from should have good advice about the correct products for your project. Any quality paint supply store will have knowledgeable staffs that are eager to answer your questions.

All surfaces need to be cleaned with a high-pressure sprayer and then left to dry completely. Old loose paint or any paint that has blistered, cracked or is chipping must be removed down to the bare surface. Using drop cloths as you go along will make it much easier to catch all the paint chips and debris as you scrape it from the project. If you are not satisfied with your surface it may be time for a licensed professional to come in and sandblast the area.

Once the surface of your project has been cleared, you will need to look for any cracks, gouges and holes from screws or nails and patch them. Places like corners, seams and where siding and trim meet will need to be caulked. Any spots that are a high gloss or really rough will need to be sanded lightly. Paint needs to have something to grab onto as you apply it, so the surface needs to be roughed up slightly.

Prior to painting, make sure the surface is free of dust and dirt and completely dry. Remove any electrical covers, light fixtures, plumbing outlets, house numbers and especially the screens before you begin painting. It is very helpful to use drop cloths; they catch paint splatter and accidental spills.

In your final stage of preparing an exterior painting project, remember that wood will end up with dark stains from old paint. Wood stain or wood knots will need to be covered with a primer that is meant for stain-blocking.

Posted on 03/25 at 03:54 AM
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