The Best Way to Paint the Exterior of Your House

If you want to give your house a makeover, nothing is easier and cheaper than a fresh coat of paint. It can transform a rundown home into a stylish abode that could add a few thousand on its resale value. Even if you are not looking to resell your house an update on your exterior painting Sydney will protect it from the elements like mould and mildew, rain, and wind. Not to mention curb appeal so you could be the envy of your neighbours.

Painting your house exterior is not easy though. It takes a huge investment of your time and money. You can hire a professional, but it is going to cost you.

You can do the exterior house painting yourself at a much lower cost, but you have to get ready because it will take long days and backbreaking work. These few tricks and tips can help make your painting a success if you are really up for the challenge.

1. Know when is the right time

You must know, moisture is the number one enemy of painters. It can cause the paint to bubble and crack in a few months after application. To save yourself and your money, make sure to repaint when the surface is completely moisture-free.

Rain can wash away latex paint while temperatures below 50 degrees will make it hard for the paint to adhere and cure properly.

Check with your local paint store on what is the best time to paint. Most professional exterior painters Sydney have moisture meters and will not paint a piece of wood if the moisture content is higher than 12%.

2. Cover the cracks

Exterior house painting may be a long and tiring process, but it is also your chance to have a closer look at your house. While scraping the old paint you will know the state of your trims, shutters, and window ledges for cracks and rotten parts.

You need to replace the rotten parts or patch the cracks and holes with a professional-grade patching compound. It will give a smooth finish if you sand the wood surfaces.

3. Wash-away the moulds and mildew

You need a moisture-free surface when painting the exterior of your house. However, you also need to remove the mould and mildew. You can do this with an old-fashioned scrub and rinse. These unsightly plagues are embedded deep into the wood fibers are sanding, and scraping cannot remove.

Professional house painters use a solution containing bleach and trisodium phosphate on the problem area and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. A gentle rinse will remove the dust and debris but wait until the moisture is completely gone before painting it over.

4. Don’t forget the primer

You may find laying down a primer completely unnecessary, but it will make a difference in prolonging the life of your exterior paint. There are two main reasons why you need to prime. First, it seals in the moisture, thus preventing mildew. And second, it provides a smooth and clean surface for your first coat of paint to adhere to.

Mask the windows, gutters, and other unpainted areas before applying the primer. Then apply the primer using a roller brush or a sprayer. You can use a paintbrush for the hard to reach corners.

5. Caulk it up

Another professional trick that should be on your sleeve is caulking. It adds longevity to the exterior paint. Use this glue-like substance to seal the cracks and seams to prevent water from entering the crevices of your paint. Water can cause your paint to crack and bubble. Caulking is done after you have finished the primer stage.

Conclusion

A One Korean Painting

There you have it, some painting tricks from the best exterior house painters in Sydney. Remember, exterior house painting is a challenging job. If you are not ready to handle the challenge, it is better to give the job to the professionals.