What Steps Can't You Miss When Painting a House in Carrollton TX?

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When paiting your house certain steps are crucial - and many of them include time consuming preparation work. If you skip these steps you will likely find your paint peeling off the walls faster than you thought possible! Especially exterior painting is subject to wear and tear from weather and wind, so the preparation work is tedious but worth your while. In a demanding climate like the one we've got in Carrollton,  painting without proper preparation is in actual fact pointless, whereas a well prepared paint job with quality paints will last you many years to come! 

• Surface Preparation:
  • Power Washing: We recommend that you use a pressure washer to remove dirt and loose paint from the exterior surfaces of your house. 
  • Scraping and Sanding: Take a good, close look at the surfaces for peeling or loose paint. Scrape off any loose paint and sand the area smooth it. You'd be suprised how well even small unevenness is noticeable in the end result. 
  • Repairs: Sometimes the exterior of our houses needs more than just washing, scraping and sanding. There may be damaged areas, such as rotted wood or cracks in stucco. Make sure you repair these issues before painting, because rotting does continue to happen under a fresh layers of paint too. 
  • Caulking: When it comes to caulking, going for a quality product is worth it. Make sure it's a paintable caulk too. Then seal gaps around windows, doors, and trim. This helps prevent moisture from filtering in and also stops draughts, making your home more energy efficient.
  • This prepping work is often considered tedious and boring but it is essential for making sure you get what you are aiming for - a better looking home which is well protected from the elements for years to come! 
• Priming:
  • Importance: Primer provides a consistent base for the paint to adhere to and enhances paint durability.
  • When to Use Primer: Apply primer to bare wood, new surfaces, and areas with extensive repairs. If you're changing paint colors significantly, primer can also help with color coverage.
  • Primer Types: Use an exterior primer that matches the type of paint you're using (oil-based or latex).
• Paint Selection:
  • Climate Considerations: In the Dallas area our climate can be hot and humid. Make sure you choose a paint that's formulated to withstand these conditions. Look for paint labeled as "exterior" and "weather-resistant."
  • Quality: High-quality paints are more expensive when you buy them, but they tend to last longer as well as require fewer coats. The more expensive quality paints might not end up being more expensive after all. Look for paint with UV protection as it will prevent fading.
• Color Selection:
  • Complementary Colors: When you select new colors, it's wise to consider the existing colors of your home - like the roof and landscaping. Make sure that the colors complement each other and fit the overall aesthetic of your neighborhood. Your house will actually look better when it harmonizes with the neighboring houses, creating a general favorable  impression. It is especially important to be aware of different shades of whites, as choosing a shade with too much yellow in it will make your house look dirty - or if yours is too white, make the neighbors look shabby!
  • Samples: A pro tip is to get paint samples and test them on a small section of your home before buying the full amount of paint. It is often a suprise how much darker a color will look when you spred it over an entire wall instead of viewing the nuance in a small test strip size. Colors also change in different lighting conditions, so you want to make sure the hue that's brought out by your specific lighting is the hue you want before committing to a color. After painting your test wall, appraise it during different times of day: In daylight it will look very different from the shade it has during evening/night with artificial lighting. Sunlight vs. cloudy weather will bring out different nuances of the colors too. So do take your time to observe and tweak your decision to your liking!
• Protection:
  • Masking and Covering: Use plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect your home during the painting project. a professional painting crew will start by covering windows, doors, fixtures, and landscaping from overspray or paint drips.
• Application:
  • Brushes, Rollers or Sprayers?: Choose the right tools for different surfaces. Different types and sizes of brushes are what you need for trim and detail work. Rollers cover large areas quickly. Sprayers can be a good idea for large, smooth surfaces.
  • Painting Technique: Apply paint in even strokes, and work from top to bottom to avoid drip. 

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Drying Time:

• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: The paint manufacturer lists recommendations for how your specific paint should be applied and you can generally read the on the paint tins. Allow each coat to dry according to recommendation. Typically, this can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the paint type and weather conditions.
• Cleanup:
  • Proper Disposal: Dispose of paint cans and whatever materials you have used to protect your home with in a responsible way. Follow local regulations. Consider recycling or disposing of unused paint in a safe way.
• Quality Inspection:
  • Final Check: When your final coat of paint has dried it's wise to inspect the painted surfaces one last time. It's suprising how often you will find a few missed spots, streaks, or uneven coverage. This last touch-up won't take a lot of time but you'll be happy you did it as whipping out all your paints again after a few weeks will be much more tedious. Having said that, it is always wise to save a small tin of every paint shade you've used in your home for any touching up any wear and tear in months and years to come. Purchasing the exact same shade isn't always possible after some time has passed.
• Final Touches:
  • Fixture Reinstallation: Once the paint is completely dry, reinstall any lists or fixtures that you removed before painting.
• Final Clean-Up:
  • Tools: Quality brushes and rollers can be reused when cleaned properly. Use appropriate cleaning agents.
• Maintenance:
  • Regularly inspect your home's exterior for signs of wear, such as peeling or fading paint. It's smart to patch anything as soon as you notice it to keep your home protected from the weather and looking its best! 

If you have any questions you'd like to ask a pro please feel free to turn to us. Quotes are always free and no-strings-attached. We are people persons and like to talk house painting!

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