Common Exterior Painting Blunders and How to Avoid Them

Painting your own house is probably one of the most DIY-able home improvement projects out there. However, just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you’ll get it done right. Below are the most common mistakes homeowners make when attempting to paint their home’s exterior.

Skipping the Essentials

Most paints today are marketed as a two-in-one variant, combining paint and primer. While these variants are mostly fine for light-duty applications, they won’t fare well when used for exterior painting. You really need to apply primer on the exterior. Otherwise, the paint might fail to bond with the surface properly.

Another thing that you have to prepare before painting is the surface. It’s not enough to just slap on a coat of primer – you also have to clean the surface. You can use an all-purpose cleaner for this.

Using the Wrong Brush

Paint brushes all accomplish the same thing, which is to transfer paint from the can onto the surface. However, each type is meant for a specific application. In other words, you need different tools to achieve different results. Generally speaking, paint rollers with smooth textures are meant to be used for smooth surfaces. Stiff brushes hold more paint and produce cleaner lines. Softer brushes are meant for stain and clear finishes.

Not Paying Attention to Details

Paints have specific instructions for use. Some are meant for exterior use while others are designed for interior painting. Make it a habit to follow the instructions written on the paint can, or ask you local hardware representative for tips.

The next time you set out to paint your house, try to keep in mind the points mentioned above. If all else fails, the most fool-proof and efficient way of painting the house is to hire a pro. Call Handyman Connection® of Grapevine at (817) 527-3600, and let our team of professionals do the job for you!