A fresh coat of paint can elevate the appearance of your home???s exterior and even increase its curb appeal. It also protects wood and other components from rot and early failure. However, this project is something that???s best left in the hands of professionals.
Here are common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to exterior painting.
Forgetting About Lead
There???s a high chance that your exterior has at least one coat of lead-based paint if your house is built before 1978. It wasn???t until that year that the health risks of lead paint were discovered. Removing lead-based paint presents various health hazards, however, so make sure to consult the experts if you don???t know whether your home has lead-based paint.
Using the Wrong Kind of Paint
Applying the wrong type of paint is probably the most common DIY residential painting error. You should choose the same kind of paint that’s already on your exterior. For instance, if it was previously painted with latex paint, then you should stick with that. To determine what kind of paint you???re working with, take a rag and place a few drops of alcohol on it. It???s possibly latex if some of the paint rubs off onto the rag. Don???t forget to check trim, doors and windows separately.
Insufficient Cleaning and Preparation
Keep in mind that paint won???t adhere properly if the surface isn???t clean enough, so you need to ensure your exterior is spotlessly clean before painting. Also, remember that the result of the paint job will only be as good as the surface on which it’s applied. Preparation for exterior painting includes removing and sanding peeling paint, priming bare wood and addressing signs of rot or damage.
Not Hiring Professionals
Painting professionals have the proper knowledge and training when it comes to preparing your exterior and using the appropriate products. They also have the right tools to do the job, which you’d have to purchase yourself if you decide to do the project on your own.
Save on time and unnecessary costs by hiring professionals for your home exterior and interior painting. For quality residential and commercial painting services, choose Arrowhead Painting. Call us at (918) 743-9258 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.