Home
How often should you paint your house
If your house exterior has wood siding then you will probably need to repaint it every 3-7 years, if you have aluminum siding it will last for approx. 5 years before repainting, while Stucco can last up to 7 years. New materials like cement fiberboard siding can go 10-15 years before repainting. The most enduring out of all materials is brick – requiring only occasional cleaning unless it’s painted, in which case it can last 15-20 years.
What type of paint should you use?
Paint technology has come a long way, today you can find high-quality paint at very affordable prices. In order to choose the right paint, make sure you consult with a professional at the store carrying the paints - as to which type and color will suit the materials of your house’s exterior. If it’s longevity you're after then high-quality paint in lighter shades tends to last longer, particularly if you apply two to three coats rather than just one. You are never wrong with choosing a 100% acrylic paint, as it’s the most resistant and durable against fading.
Preparation is key
Before you take out your paint brushes, you should make sure you go through the preparation phase thoroughly, seeing as the success of the paint job is almost entirely about what you do before starting the actual painting. If you hire a professional painting company - make sure they go through all these steps.
Step 1 - cleanin
Start out by filling any holes or cracks with putty, treat mold and rotten wood. If you have some bubbling or peeling paint, make sure you scrape, sandblast or power wash it off, so you’ll be able to start with a smooth surface.
Step 2 - washing
After the cleaning is done, power wash the entire exterior of the house and make sure you let it dry for at least 24 hours. This will allow the paint to penetrate deeper, and cover surfaces nicely - that way it will last longer. The same rule obviously applies to rainy days - never start painting until the surfaces are completely dry.
Step 3 - caulking trim
There are many sealants with elastomeric rubber or silicon out there. You will need a caulk gun and a knife as well - start by removing the old caulk with the knife. Clean the surface of any fingerprints, oil stains or dust before caulking and then apply the caulk, smoothing it with your finger - try doing it with a single and confident motion. Steady hands are required here, so lay off the coffee for this day. Afterwards, wipe and clean the area using a damp cloth with water and soap.
Step 4 - priming
While it is not a must - it is our recommendation that you start with a primer coat before the paint. The primer is an undercoat used for the purpose of preparing the surfaces, to better the adhesion of paint and to provide a smoother looking finish. It also contributes to the durability of the paint and protects the material that is being painted.
Step 5 - covering surfaces
The next step in your preparations is to cover surfaces that you don't want to get paint on, such as your gutters, windows, doors and lights. The recommended way to protect all of these elements is with duct tape - simply wrap them before you start painting and unwrap them after the paint dries.
Finally, you can start painting your house
Only after the surfaces have completely dried off, you can start applying the first coat of paint to your house. It’s highly important to be patient before going forward with the second coat, otherwise we guarantee you’ll make a mess and probably ruin the first coat. What you want is for the first coat of paint to stop being sticky and soft, and only then you should proceed to the second coat, and the same goes for the third. A general rule of thumb is at least 3-4 hours between coats.
Getting your house painted is not a small matter, therefore, we recommend that you hire professionals to help you do that. Done correctly, the paint job may end up saving you the money and effort of redoing it in the near future and will probably achieve better results. If you choose to do it yourself make sure to follow the steps mentioned here. In any case congratulations on the new look!
