The paint on the outside of your home goes through many trials and tribulations. Bad weather, extreme heat, and direct sunlight can all lead to peeling paint that looks dingy and dirty. If you want to make your paint last longer, consider these helpful tips.
Prepare Before You Paint
When painting any surface, you need to start with a clean slate. This will allow the paint to really stick to the exterior of your home and will ensure that it applies smoothly. If you do not take the time to clean up, this can lead to unwanted texture and unevenness that might not show up until later on.
Paint in Good Weather
When painting the outside of your home, you need to make sure the weather is working in your favor. If there is a chance of rain on the day you paint or even the day after you paint, this can mess up your hard work. Exterior paint takes a while to dry, and the best time to do this is on a warm day with a cool breeze. This will dry the paint and prevent you from getting overheated while you work.
Use a Primer
Using a primer is important because this will make your paint last a long time. It will not wear away as easily, and it will also allow the paint to show up more vibrantly because of the base the primer provides. If there is already paint on the home, look for areas where the paint has worn away. You will need to spot prime these paint-free areas.
Choose Acrylic Latex Paint
Hands down, the best type of paint to use on the exterior of your home is acrylic latex paint. It is more durable than traditional paint, and it is also easy to clean later on. Acrylic latex is also known for being resistant to chipping and peeling, even under strenuous conditions. When you choose great paint, it can last up to 10 years or longer! Painting the house is not a task you want to repeat yearly or every other year, so this matters.
Consider the Color
There are many colors you enjoy seeing, but not all of them are suitable for the exterior of your home. Even if you like the way they look, brighter hues will naturally fade quickly under the direct sunlight. The colors that perform best are earth tones. There are a wide array of options in this category, and you will likely be able to find a great shade that compliments the other elements of your home and even decor and foliage in your yard. It is always a good idea to add an extra coat of paint. This will help with its durability and longevity.
These steps combined will help the paint on your home last longer and look better. They are simple steps that will ultimately save you the hassle of having to repaint your home or deal with its deterioration.