How to Get Maximum Life from a Painting Job

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Have you ever wondered how your neighbor’s paint work still looks great after five years while your house has lost its crisp and clean look within no time at all? So where did you go wrong? Here are a few tips that will help your paint last longer the next time around.

For the outdoors

  • Use of primer is important. This is unless your old paint job is in good condition. Primer is like a base coat and helps iron out surface blemishes and also improves paint adhesion. This stops the paint from chipping and flaking. If you are using oil-based paint for the top coat, use an oil-based primer.
  • Paint is like a barrier that protects your house from the weather. To be effective, paint has to be applied correctly. After you have applied primer, roll on two coats of paint instead of just the one.
  • Avoid painting in direct sunlight. Instead, opt for the other side of the house where the sunlight is indirect. This is to avoid the paint from drying too quickly and showing the brush strokes and the seams. Opt for milder weather before you begin your project.
  • Use good quality paint.

For indoor projects

  • Before you start painting, tackle the moisture. Get that leaky roof fixed and see to the damp basement.
  • Replace or repair wood that is tarnished due to rot or insects. Remove all rusted nails. The rust oxides will eventually stain the paint.
  • Paint does not stick to dirt easily. So remove all the mildew, grease and dirt before you start. Spray a mildew-killing solution on first. Then remove the weathered paint and grease using siding cleaner. You can opt for a power wash, but see that you don’t damage the trim. Remove cleaning residue thoroughly.
  • Scrape off all the tarnished paint and then sand the rough edges. Brush off dust and rinse the siding thoroughly.
  • Apply a coat of primer. Many professionals prefer oil based primers. You can use mineral spirits to get the paint off your brush.
  • It is important to use the right amount of paint for application. If it is too thick; the paint will be weak when it is dried. And a layer that is too thick will tend to crack and sag. A wet-film thickness gauge will help guide you.
  • Don’t apply paint if there is very strong sunlight or the winds are high. Wait for moderate weather.
  • As with the exterior good quality paint is important.

Getting your home painted is not an easy task. That is why it is necessary to make the paint job last as long as possible, not only for the effort that goes in it but also for the cost of the project. Professional help is essential for getting the best results.