Exterior Painting Techniques

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Exterior Painting Techniques

Painting a home with brush and ladder.

Exterior painting techniques deliver protective and decorative coatings to various outdoor surfaces. The methods, materials and equipment used can make a big difference, and good quality paint, properly applied, results in a lasting finish. Time-saving application tools make any outdoor project easier, and the do-it-yourself painter can gain a wealth of information and decorative ideas at a paint or home improvement store.

Surfaces

Products made for stucco and masonry have elastic and waterproofing qualities, while latex and oil-based stains and paints prove ideal for decks and porches. Regardless of the technique used, surface preparation remains a top priority, as a clean and dry surface achieved with pressure washers and/or electric sanding equipment allow primer and paint to adhere. Renting or buying these tools saves significant prep-time.

Supplies

Sturdy ladders and scaffolding provide a safe work environment, and drop cloths protect walkways and landscaping from spills and drips. A set of comfortable old clothes and a painter's cap will do the same for the painter. Paint store employees can assist you with finding products for specific surfaces and weather conditions, as well as paint additives, which enhance the application process by making the paint dry slower and spread further.

Brushes

Cheap brushes result in sloppy work and lost time, but a well-constructed brush made from quality materials, while generally more expensive, yields better results. Loading the brush involves dipping it into an inch or so of paint and gently slapping it on the sides of the bucket before applying paint with smooth, even strokes. When using latex paints, you must spread the paint evenly without over-brushing, and overlap previously painted areas before they begin to dry to avoid ruining the finish. When excess paint builds up on the brush, you can scrape it off on the pail's rim.

Rollers

Good roller covers hold more paint and last much longer than cheap covers, which tend to shed, drip and eventually fall apart, especially on rigorous outdoor projects. Multiple light coats provide a nicer finish than a thick, heavy coat, and extension poles increase speed and make rolling easier. Power rollers -- which supply paint to the roller through a tube running directly from the paint can or reservoir -- attach to a pole or can be held like a traditional roller. An electric or battery-powered pump loads the roller when you squeeze the trigger.

Sprayers

Battery and electric power sprayers perform on a professional level at do-it-yourself prices. You can avoid runs and drips by spraying light coats of paint; multiple light coats create a more uniform finish than one heavy coat. Preparation time increases with spraying because of the masking, taping and shielding required to keep paint from landing on nearby surfaces. Pointing the sprayer directly at the surface you wish to paint and pulling the trigger while using a sweeping motion help you avoid overspray, which can carry paint to nearby homes, cars and sidewalks in windy weather.

19th century paint colors

Wednesday, February 27, 2013