DIY Exterior Painting Tips You Should Know in Shelby County, KY

If your exterior is in dire need of a fresh coat of paint but you lack the budget to hire paint professionals, you can always choose to do it yourself!

While doing an exterior painting project can be complicated as an amateur, this isn’t to say that it is completely impossible to do – with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can paint your exterior all on your own!

So, if you’re currently gearing to do an exterior painting project by yourself, here’s something to guide you along the way!

Check out these DIY Exterior Painting Tips You Should Know.

1. Prep Work Is Crucial 

In doing an exterior painting project on your own, you need to remember that prep work is going to be crucial to ensuring that your project is going to be a success.

The preparation process is an important process to take in any painting project (and especially when you’re doing it all by yourself) since this sets your initial pacing and progress, ensures that you’re on top of things regarding your project, and essentially smoothens your workflow, preventing any unnecessary problems or delays in your project.

This is especially important in doing a DIY exterior painting project since you’re doing it alone, and any problem will essentially paralyze your progress. 

So, to do this, make sure to list all the materials you need for the project, and plan the vision you want to create in your project ahead of time.

Additionally, you’ll want to prepare your exterior surface ahead of time – this can be done by cleaning your exterior and patching up any damages present on the surface, to ensure a smooth and clean paint finish in the end.

2. Measure Your Exterior Area

Measuring your exterior area will also be another tip that could come very handy especially if you’re doing a painting project all on your own.

By measuring your exterior area, you get to have a rough estimate on how much paint you’ll need to buy for the project – saving you from the hassle of running back and forth to the paint store to get more paint or the frustrating feeling of going over budget by buying way too much paint. 

Additionally, measuring your exterior area gives you an idea of how much area you’re going to need to work on and cover with paint, and in turn, gives you the opportunity to strategize how to best do your project all on your own. 

3. Check Weather Conditions

Since you are going to be painting your exterior, the weather conditions will have a significant effect on your painting project – and most especially, if you are doing this on your own!

Ideally, you’d want to check weather conditions weeks ahead of your planned date of execution, so you have some form of leniency when it comes to rescheduling your project due to weather-related complications.

For your exterior painting project, you’d generally want to avoid these conditions:

• Extreme Temperatures: Avoid painting on extremely hot or cold days, as it can affect the paint’s drying and adhesion properties. Also, steer clear of high humidity, as it can cause the paint to blister and peel. Painting in moderate temperatures (usually between 50°F to 85°F or as specified on the paint can) is ideal.
• Wind and Rain: Check the weather forecast before starting your project. Wind can blow dirt and debris onto wet paint, while rain can ruin your paint job. Be prepared to halt your project or take measures to protect it if adverse weather conditions arise.
• Particulary Dim/Cloudy Days: Plan your painting schedule to take advantage of natural light. This will help you spot imperfections and ensure an even application. It’s usually best to start early in the day to allow ample drying time before evening dew or cooler temperatures set in.

4. Paint Properly

While you’re not exactly a paint professional, there are a few tips and tricks you can apply to ensure professional-grade results in your project!

Here are a few pro tips you might want to know:

• Start at the Top: Begin painting at the highest point of your home and work your way down. This way, you can catch any drips or spills as you go, ensuring a clean finish.
• Use the Right Stroke: When using a brush, apply the paint with long, even strokes in the direction of the wood grain or siding. With a roller, use a “W” or “M” pattern to cover the surface evenly.
• Thin Coats: It’s better to apply two thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. Thin coats dry evenly and can adhere better to the surface. Thin coats are also easier to correct in case of mistakes than thick ones. Do make sure to dry the initial coat of paint first before applying another layer.
• Always Prime Before Painting: Primer provides your coat of paint with better coverage, which in turn results in a brighter color and finish. Primer also ensures that your coat of paint adheres well to the surface, resulting in a clean, smooth, and even paint finish. 

Hire a Professional Painting Contractor

Having said that, if you don’t have the time, skill, or tools to repaint your home interior Serious Business Painting can help.

We are currently serving the areas of Louisville, Shelby County, Oldham County, Anchorage, Prospect, and Jefferson Town, Kentucky.

Book a FREE estimate below or call us 502-641-7969 if you need any more information.

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