Whether you just bought a new house, or the old, comfortable home needs a touch-up, a new paint job can be a daunting prospect. Luckily, we’ve got some helpful tips to share to keep your project running smoothly. 1. Check Your Weather Report Plan your exterior paint project for a dry and warm time of year. Any moisture on the painting surface will prevent the paint from adhering, and paint in wet weather will not dry quickly or evenly. Be sure that you begin your project in warm dry weather that is expected to continue for at least three days. 2. Choose Your Paint and Primer Make sure you choose the right paint for the exterior material you are painting. Some paints are better than others for certain materials, and some materials, such as wood and...

When thinking about selling your house, you are more than likely also thinking about receiving an acceptable offer. The first thing most experienced realtors will tell you is that a fresh coat of paint for both the exterior and interior of your home is one of the best ways to increase your home's market value. First Impressions Count One of the first things a potential buyer notices about your house is the paint. A paint job that is chipping and flaking or a faded exterior/interior can turn a buyer off and cause you to lose the sale. Aside from the fact that painting your house is one of the least expensive improvements, it can also increase the selling price of your house by as much as $6,000 . Exterior Paint "Rule of Thumb" The "Rule of...

The extreme temperatures and windy weather the Midwest is known for can easily weaken a paint job. Summer heat, winter ice, and rainy thunderstorms can wreak havoc on a beautiful exterior. Fortunately, there are ways to be proactive and prevent your home from sustaining damage caused by seasonal changes and unpredictable weather events. How Does Weather Affect Painted Exteriors? Living in the tornado alley can affect your home's exterior paint in several ways. High winds can push rain against outer walls and cause debris to collect in gutters, causing outflow to trickle down the siding. The rapid changes between warm and cool temperatures can cause moisture to expand and contract, weakening the bond between the coat of paint and the side of a house. Existing cracks in the coating, can act as a gateway for moisture,...

Exterior house painting projects offer a unique set of challenges, which can differ in many aspects from the prep work normally required for an indoor painting project. Follow these handy cleaning and prep tips designed to make your outdoor painting project as seamless as possible. Cleaning Comes First Prior to beginning your exterior paint job , cleaning all the exterior surfaces you plan to paint is a must. Unlike interior rooms, exterior surfaces always pick up dirt or debris over time. Trying to cut corners by skipping the cleaning process before an exterior paint job can result in an uneven paint job and tainted painting tools. In some cases, a simple rinse with a hose or sprayer is enough to do the trick and remove any necessary grime. In other cases, the use of a power...

Are the walls of your home looking a little bland? That is a common theme among homeowners, particularly those who purchase new homes, as most modern houses are painted with neutral colors when they are built. Or maybe you have had your home for several years and are tired of the same old color. If either of these scenarios apply, then maybe it’s time for a change . One of the popular painting styles today is color washing your walls. Color washing is a method of painting haphazardly to create a rough, old-world, chic look. The good news is that it does not require a lot of money or effort to achieve this look. In order to successfully complete this project, you will need the following items : Paint tray China-bristle brushes Latex paint (these will...