For a DIY enthusiast like you, painting your home is something that you wouldn’t want to tackle again for several years. That said, below are the top three home painting rules you should never, ever break.
1. Never skimp on painting materials.
Cheaper paints require more coats than more expensive superior quality paints and are more durable. Subpar painting tools won’t give you the most bang for your buck since they would probably be damaged while your painting. With this in mind, invest in high-quality paints and consider renting painting tools if you don’t have the budget to purchase the more costly versions.
2. Always prep before painting.
Ignoring this critical painting rule might lead to a devastating finish for your project, even if you use the best quality tools and paints. A thorough cleaning would aid your topcoat in adhering to the surface. If you spot some localized issues like old peeling paint, holes, cracks, or flaking, you must repair them prior to painting. You would also have to decide whether you should prime the surface or not. In general, a house painting specialist in Westchester County, NY like Pallette Pro Painting and Renovations recommends that you must use a primer if you’re going to:
- Paint a repaired/patched or new drywall
- Paint light paint on a dark surface
- Paint latex paint over an oil-based paint
- Block an odor or stain
3. Paint during ideal weather conditions.
The most appropriate temperature for painting the exterior of your home is between 50o and 85o Fahrenheit. Painting during muggy or hot weather would dry the topcoat faster, but could also dry it too fast that it results in clumping, noticeable brush marks, blistering, and cracking. Painting during windy, rainy, or cold weather, on the other hand, might prevent the paint from properly sticking to the surface and lead to paint bubbles.
You could paint your home all you want, but you must never break these painting rules, lest you want to start all over again. Also, keep in mind that you should never tackle your home’s painting job on your own if you lack the proper skills and tools to do so to avoid issues later on—best leave the job to the pros.