Exterior
Painting:
Four Steps to a Long-Lasting Paint Job
Looking
for picture perfect results from your exterior paint job?
Experts at The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute say
it’s not as complicated as you might think. In fact,
they say that you can achieve a great looking paint job
by following four simple steps.
#1: Prepare the Surface Properly. Before you begin painting,
make sure the surface is clean and sound. Even the best
quality paints will fail if they are applied to a poorly
prepared surface. First, remove any mildew with a solution
of one part bleach to three parts water. Apply to the surface
and let it sit for 20 minutes, applying more as it dries.
Then rinse with clean water. Wear eye and skin protection,
and protect nearby plantings.
Next, make sure the surface is free of any loose, flaking
or peeling paint. This may require scraping and sanding.
Also, sand any glossy areas to dull them. Scrub with a detergent
and water solution to remove any dirt and chalk, rinsing
with clean water afterward; or power wash carefully with
plain water. Use eye protection, and wear work gloves.
Finally, prime any bare areas with a top quality exterior
primer. Consider priming the entire area for best adhesion
and appearance of the topcoat.
#2: Use the Right Tools and Brushes. Good quality rollers
and brushes last longer and help a job move along more quickly.
They also apply the paint more heavily and smoothly, which
helps with long- term durability. Choose brushes that are
well balanced, and have tightly packed bristles that are
tapered up to the center of the brush.
If you are working with latex paints, make sure the brushes
and rollers you use are made with synthetic materials (nylon
or polyester). Natural bristles will absorb water from the
paint and swell, resulting in uneven application. Dampen
bristles prior to painting for best application. If you’re
using oil-based paint, either natural or synthetic bristles
can be used.
#3: Paint in the Right Weather Conditions. Ideally, you
should paint when the temperature is between 60° and
85° F, and when there is little or no wind. Avoid painting
in direct sunshine, as this can cause the paint to dry too
fast and even to blister. Also, it’s a good idea to
listen to the weather forecast. If the temperature is predicted
to drop below the paint manufacturer’s recommendation
for minimum application temperature in the next day or two,
consider postponing your project.
#4: Use the Right Paint for the Job. Choose a paint that
is designed for the job you’re doing. In most cases,
a 100% acrylic latex paint will be the best choice. These
paints adhere better, are more flexible, and last longer
than ordinary paints. Using a lower quality paint just to
save a few dollars will end up costing you more in the long
run, as you will have to repaint much sooner than if you
used a top quality product.
One very important thing to remember is never to use an
interior paint for an exterior job. Manufacturers formulate
paints for use as specifically stated on the label.
So, when tackling your next exterior home painting project,
follow these steps and you’ll achieve a long-lasting,
attractive paint job.
For more information on paints and painting, visit The Rohm
and Haas Paint Quality Institute’s Web site at: www.paintquality.com
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