Painting a home’s exterior is a a big project, but it also offers many rewards. Not only does it make your house visually appealing, but it keeps it in good condition for an extended period and protects it for the elements.
If you’ve never painted your Ottawa home, Elite Trade Painting of Ottawa East can offer tips and provide helpful steps to make sure your project goes smoothly.
Elite Trade Painting of Ottawa East
2000 Thurston Dr #5
Ottawa, ON
K1G 4K7
Canada
(613) 212-2362
One thing to remember is to use quality paint Exterior paint can last between 5 and 10 years based on the quality. You can count on premium brands being reliable with coats lasting up to 15 years and beyond. A poor quality can require repainting as soon as 5 years, which wastes money and time.
You want to make sure to invest in only the highest grade for lasting results without the need for frequent reapplications.
The Fundamentals of Painting the Exterior of Your Home
A house is your biggest investment, making it essential to protect it and keep it looking good. Painting your Ottawa home might seem like an overwhelming and intimidating project, but with guidance from the professionals and the right tools and equipment, the project can prove relatively straightforward.
Visit – Exterior House Painting Rules You Should Never Break – to learn house painting rules you shouldn’t break. Consider the following tips before starting an exterior house painting project. If you have any doubts, reach out to a quality and qualified professional to handle the work for you.
Choose the Best Days for Painting
It can be tricky to now which days are best for painting and a time-intensive endeavor. Weather conditions must be accounted for to achieve the best outcome. The temperature should be mild with minimal humidity and no chance of rain in the forecast
You want the wind to be calm to avoid the potential for paint being pushed away from the surface. It will ultimately come down to a judgment call when it comes to choosing the perfect painting day. You’ll want to pay attention to the forecast when planning painting days and follow your instincts.
Prep is Crucial
The exterior trim and walls are the primary aspects of the exterior painting project. Properly preparing the surfaces is essential before starting to paint. This will ensure that the results are what you’re hoping for. Scraping and sanding are among the first steps in preparing the surfaces. This helps get rid of old pain.
Following these steps, you want to use a high-grade primer to help the new pain adhere to the surface. The exterior should be power washed to remove loose paint along with any grime and dirt that has built up over time. Washing from the top down is recommended with a cleaning solution to help removed stubborn debris.
Cleaning the Surface
Upon inspection, the exterior will reveal built up grime, dirt, and other debris over the wall’s surfaces. This will get in between the walls and the new paint. Damages will impact the new paint project, making cleaning an essential part of exterior painting.
ccumulation of grime will cause the paint to peel faster causing more money and work to fix the damages. Read here for things no one tells you about painting the exterior of your house.
The buildup can be cleaned with a pressure washer and mild, environmentally friendly solution that won’t hurt plants, people, or pets. Remember to:
– Use sandpaper and a putty knife to fill cracks, holes, or dents in the wall’s surface
– Scrape off flaking and chipped paint
– Wash the exterior trim with mild water and bleach solution
Painting a home exterior with peeling paint, cracks, and water spots, reveals these damages. This can mean reapplying or hiring professional painters to achieve the best outcome.
Primer should be used, particularly on bare wood surfaces. This allows the paint to better adhere to the surface for an extended period. You can find primer and paint combination options, but these come with mixed reviews on their efficacy.
Caulking is the requirement when filling a gap. It offers a special sealant to help the paint stick. It also prevents water from invading the area to create damage like mold or rot. Joints should be caulked where boards meet other boards, stone, brick, or siding.
Painting tape should be applied to prevent paint from getting on certain areas like windows or door frames. Premium tape is resistant to rain, wind, direct sunlight, and humidity.
More Painting Tips to Be Aware Of
When tackling a multi-level house in Ottawa, it’s essential to have adequate equipment to allow you to reach the second story safely. Scaffolding, ladders, and lifts are all viable options when working and higher levels. Safety guidelines should be followed and if possible, consult a professional for tips.
Consider the following tips to make for making your painting job relatively simple and straightforward.
– When using a roller, find a paint grid in the bucket will help load the precise amount of paint on the roller to help make an even paint job.
– Start the project by painting 1-½ inches around the border and from the top down using even strokes
– Keep the sections small, working only as far as your arm will reach
– Brush back into the areas you paint, a back-brushing technique for an even finish
– Tie a rope to a five-gallon bucket to hold supplies as you work from the ladder. You can then climb the ladder with the rope while pulling the materials up. This is better than holding things in one hand while climbing.
Final Thought
Take some time to weigh DIY exterior painting for your home in Ottawa against hiring a professional and experienced painter. Many variables play into the decision. First, assess the project scope and determine the amount of time and energy its completion will involve.
Professional painters are equipped with specialized tools and supplies along with extensive training and years of experience to facilitate an efficient exterior painting finish, something a homeowner will be less qualified to do in a DIY capacity.
This can help cinch your decision whether to take on the task or leave it to a profession.