Repainting Your Home’s Exterior: What You Need to Know

Getting ready to give your home a fresh look? Repainting the outside of your house can make it look brand new. But there’s more to it than just picking up a brush and some paint. Here are some important things to keep in mind when you’re planning to repaint your home’s exterior.

Check the Weather

Before you start, look at the weather forecast. You don’t want to paint when it’s too hot, too cold, or when rain is coming. The best time to paint is when it’s dry and not too warm. This helps the paint stick better and dry properly.

Clean First, Paint Later

Your walls need to be clean before you start painting. Dirt, dust, and old peeling paint can make the new paint look bad. Use a pressure washer or a stiff brush with soapy water to clean the walls. Let them dry completely before you start painting.

Don’t Skip the Prep Work

Preparation is key to a good paint job. Fill in any cracks or holes in the walls. Sand rough spots to make them smooth. Put tape around windows and doors to keep paint off them. This extra work might seem boring, but it makes a big difference in how the final paint job looks.

Choose the Right Paint

Not all paints are the same. You need paint that’s made for outside use. These paints can handle sun, rain, and temperature changes better than indoor paints. If you’re not sure what to buy, ask for help at the paint store. They can suggest the best paint for your home’s material (wood, brick, etc.) and your local weather.

Use Good Tools

Having the right tools makes painting easier and faster. You’ll need brushes, rollers, and maybe a sprayer for big areas. Good quality tools might cost more, but they help the paint go on smoother and last longer. If you’re not sure what to use, you can ask exterior house painters in Des Moines for advice.

Start at the Top

When you’re ready to paint, start at the top of your house and work your way down. This way, if any paint drips, it won’t mess up areas you’ve already painted. Paint the trim around windows and doors last.

Take Safety Seriously

Painting the outside of a house can be dangerous, especially if you need to use a ladder. Make sure your ladder is stable and don’t reach too far to the side. If you’re not comfortable with heights, it might be better to look for “exterior house painters near me” who can do the job safely.

Don’t Rush

Painting takes time. Don’t try to do it all in one day. It’s better to take your time and do a good job. Most exterior paints need time to dry between coats. Follow the instructions on the paint can about how long to wait.

Think About a Pro

If all this sounds like a lot of work, you’re right. Painting a house is a big job. Sometimes it’s worth hiring professional exterior painting services in Urbandale like Budget Pro Painter. They have the tools and know-how to do the job right and can often finish faster than you could on your own.

Keep Some Paint for Touch-Ups

After you’re done painting, keep some extra paint. Store it in a cool, dry place. This way, if your walls get scratched or damaged, you can easily touch up those spots without having to repaint the whole house.

Repainting your home’s exterior is a big task, but it can really improve how your house looks. With good planning and careful work, you can give your home a fresh, new look that will last for years. Whether you do it yourself or hire exterior house painters in Des Moines or your local area, a new paint job can make your house the star of the neighborhood.