Clean the Exterior of Your Home
Using the right tools and methods when cleaning the exterior of your home can help your paint last longer and improve its beauty. If you want a fresh coat of paint on your house, you must prepare the surface first. This will make the painting process a lot easier and less tedious.
The first step to take when you want to clean the exterior of your home is to check for underlying problems. Leaving old paint or mildew on a surface can cause a poor finish. To avoid this, remove loose paint and mold from surfaces before you start painting.
Painting outside of house is a tricky job. It requires the use of a ladder and elbow grease. In addition, you will have to move around the perimeter of the house, dragging supplies behind you. Make sure you are comfortable with the task.
Using a pressure washer to wash the exterior of your home is one way to ensure a high-quality finish. However, it can also damage your home. Instead, it would help if you considered using hand scrubbing to clean the surfaces.
Test a Swatch of Paint
Before you start painting your home, it is a good idea to test the colors you like. You can do this using paint samples and boards. This will ensure you get the right hue.
When choosing a paint color, it is recommended to use a sample size close to the actual wall. If possible, avoid painting a board directly on the wall. There are more accurate ways to judge the color. Painting a board on the wall will result in a raised area and skew the color’s perception.
When testing a paint color, it is also a good idea to use a light surface. This can be a poster board or plywood. A light surface will allow you to see the color under different light conditions.
Another tip for choosing a paint color is to look at the color at different times of the day. The sun will change the color of the paint. Similarly, you should open and close the blinds in your home to determine how the color will look at different times of the day.
Take Precautions Against Airborne Lead Particles
It is important to take precautions against airborne lead particles when painting outdoors. This is especially true when working on old homes that have deteriorated lead-based paint. Lead-based paint can create dust that can enter the home through windows, doorways, and ventilation systems.
Lead can be found in a wide range of products. Among them are batteries, ceramics, gasoline, and plumbing materials. Because of its health hazards, lead is not permitted in foods or drinks at work sites.
When cleaning up an area contaminated with lead, wear protective equipment such as disposable coveralls and goggles. Also, wash your hands several times a day to reduce hand-to-mouth transmission.
Set Up a Ladder or Scaffold
When painting the exterior of your home, it is important to have the right ladder or scaffold to make the job easier. Ladders and scaffolds come in various styles, from portable and mobile to movable and specialized. However, choosing the right one can be challenging.
The best way to determine which type of ladder or scaffold is best for you is to evaluate your needs and budget. For instance, a temporary wooden scaffold might be better for painting a roof. In contrast, specialty ladders can be hard to transport.
Another consideration is height. Your ladder should be at least a few feet tall. Depending on the height of your ceiling, a specialty ladder can make your job much easier.
While ladders and scaffolds may be good alternatives, they can also pose safety hazards. A scaffold or ladder should be able to hold its own, so you should use a sturdy base and not rely on scraps of wood or concrete blocks to do the job. Be careful when moving to scaffold around, especially if it will be near overhead wires, holes, or power lines. If you bump a power line, you could be a victim of electrocution.
Surface PrepÂ
Painting the exterior of your home is a challenging task. It’s a vital step in protecting your investment and improving the overall look of your property. However, it can be a messy job. Before you can start, you need to prepare your house.
The best way to do this is to prepare the surface. This includes sanding and scrubbing. You can do this by hand or with a power washer. Your results will be a smoother and more uniform paint application.
During the preparation phase, you’ll also need to identify and fix any damage. Damages can include rust or rot. If this is the case, you may need to purchase and install a specialty primer.
The most common preparation methods include scraping, sanding, and washing. These steps are important because they prevent paint from sticking to a dirty surface. A poorly prepped surface will leave a trail of disappointment.
The best way to clean the surface is first to remove all loose debris. Cover the area with a tarp. Make sure to remove the tarp at the end of the day. Not only does this keep dust and dirt from getting inside, but it will also protect your plants and shrubs.
