When it comes to interior and exterior painting, the difference between “wow” and “what did I do?” is often found in the details. Having the right products, tools, technique, and experience is priceless, and that’s why we suggest finding a reputable professional painter to handle your home improvement goals.
If you do decide to take a walk on the wild side and tackle a do-it-yourself project, we have a few tips for what NOT to do.
What Should You Avoid When Painting Your House?
#1 – Cheap Paint
It may not be fun at the check-out counter, but it is always worthwhile to invest in quality paint. The benefits are substantial, including better color retention, ease of application, superior coverage, environmentally-friendly options, and more”¦
#2 – Skipping (or Minimizing) Surface Preparation
It may be tempting to skip to the fun part (application), but preparation is crucial for the most attractive, longest-lasting finish possible. This can include sanding, dry rot repairs, scraping, patching, priming, and more (not in that order).
#3 – Cheap Rollers and Brushes
If you buy quality paint you can probably save a few bucks on tools, right? Actually, no. Just like you would never keep only one screwdriver in your toolbox for every possible need, there is no single brush and roller that fits every project. Take the time to research what kind of tool will be most ideal for your type of painting.
#4 – Painting in Bad Weather
We know you wouldn’t paint in the rain. Well, we hope anyway. Even if it isn’t actively raining, it’s still important to make sure that the conditions are right for your exterior painting project. Surfaces need to be thoroughly dry (at least a couple of days without rainfall), and intense heat and direct sunlight should be avoided as much as possible. Read the product recommendations on your paint can for helpful guidelines.
The moral of the story is that painting, like most home improvement projects, is worth doing right. Don’t rush it, don’t skimp on materials and products, and make sure you get just as much value out of the process as possible. You’ll never regret it!