Do
you have a summer-time home exterior project planned? Before you get
started, take a look at the answers to the top questions homeowners
have about DIY exterior painting projects.
What
Types of Tools Do You Need for an Exterior Paint Project?
Prep
is the first step for any exterior paint project. If you're not sure
whether your home's exterior contains lead paint, hire a professional
contractor to inspect and test the paint. You may also need a
contractor to remove, scrape, or sand the paint before you start the
re-painting phase.
After
the prep work is complete, it's time paint. To start your exterior
home project, you'll need:
- Stir sticks.
Even though the hardware or home improvement store will mix your
paint, you'll still need to stir it before you begin your project.
Ask an employee in the paint department from a hardware store for a
few of these sticks to take home.
- Paint rollers.
The paint roller allows you to cover larger areas in less time.
You'll need a heavy-duty roller cage and nap roller cover.
Additionally, a long-handle or telescoping roller can help you reach
higher spots with ease.
- Paint brushes.
Choose a few synthetic bristle brushes for this exterior job. Wider
flat brushes can help you coat larger areas, while slimmer angled
brushes are best for small spaces (such as around the window or the
door trim).
A
paint sprayer can dramatically shorten the time it takes to complete
the job and lighten the workload. But this doesn't mean a sprayer is
ideal for every exterior DIY home painter. When not used correctly, a
spray can coat your home unevenly or cause safety issues.
What
Types of Paint Do You Need for an Exterior Project?
The
extra cans of interior latex that are leftover from your living room
paint project aren't suitable for an exterior job. To paint your
home's exterior, you need:
- Primer. Start
the job off right with a layer of primer — sometimes. If you plan
to change the exterior color, need to cover stains, or need to paint
a bare or slippery surface or one made of bricks, you need a quality
primer first.
- Paint. An
exterior paint product is the star of this home improvement project.
Choose a color and sheen that matches your needs. Never use an
interior paint for an exterior job. If you're not sure whether the
product is an interior or exterior paint, ask a professional.
- Additional
paint. Don't
get caught without the right amount of paint. Ask the home
improvement/hardware store professional how many square feet the
quantity of paint covers. If your project requires multiple coats,
you'll need to double (or more) the overall amount.
You
may need more than one color of paint. If you plan to paint the trim
a different hue than the main part of your home, choose coordinating
colors. Along with the paint itself, you'll also need separate
rollers or brushes for each shade.
What
Other Items Do You Need for an Exterior Paint Project?
While
rollers, brushes, primer, and paint are the main items you'll need to
complete this project, this exterior home improvement job may also
require:
- Drop cloths.
Even though you may not have furniture, rugs, or other interior
items to protect, exterior paint can stain your walkways, patio, or
deck. Protect outdoor items with thick, waterproof drop cloths
- Rags.
Use old rags to wipe stray paint marks or for a quick cleanup.
- Paint trays or
buckets.
Use these containers to hold the paint as your work on your exterior
project.
- Painters tape.
Tape off areas you don't want to coat — such as window or
doorframes.
Each
exterior paint job has its own individual needs. Ask the hardware
store paint professional about other accessories you may need for
your project.
Are
you ready to start an exterior painting project? Contact Koontz
Hardware for
more information.
