Lowes knows a lot about paint and painting your home. With a Lowes Money Off Coupon from We Are Coupons you can save money on all your painting needs. The answer to the question, "How often should you repaint the exterior of your house?" depends on your location, materials used for your house, and your own preferences. Here's what you need to know before you tackle painting. Keeping in mind your house's location, materials, and quality of paint will help you choose the most effective exterior paint for your home.
Why you should repaint the exterior of your house
The exterior paint of your home is susceptible to wear and tear over time. UV rays, harsh winters, and rapid temperature changes can damage the paint. Even weather fluctuations can affect the paint, leading to flaking, bubbling, and cracking. The same goes for mould and dry rot. If you notice signs of these problems, it may be time to repaint the exterior of your home.
Coastal homes are exposed to intense sunlight, salty sea air, and sand, making painting exterior surfaces an annual chore. While homes in New England and mid-Atlantic regions do not experience these issues, their paints will likely need to be repainted every five to seven years. This may be a significant investment, so keep this in mind when determining the frequency of repainting.
Steps to take before painting
Before painting the exterior of your home, make sure that all wood and plants are removed. If you have trees, they could get in the way of the paint application because the branches will brush against the house. Wrap the trees and bushes with tarps to protect them from the paint and ensure that the area is free of debris. Cover flower beds and shrubs with tarps before painting them.
The paint preparation process is easy and should only take a few hours each day. If you have to work several hours a day, consider the amount of time that you have available. Depending on your schedule, you may need to sand and scrape the exterior paint to make it smooth. If you're painting a masonry wall or a wood deck, you may need to remove the existing paint.
Choosing the right kind of exterior paint
There are some guidelines to follow when choosing an exterior paint color for your house. There are two basic types: natural and painted surfaces. Darker colors work well on natural surfaces, while lighter colors read as white. Test out your color choices by painting poster boards or in full sunlight to see how they will look on your home. You may find that one color looks better on your house than another. If you're not sure, consider consulting with a professional to make sure that the color you chose will work with your house.
You can choose from acrylic, latex, or oil-based paint. Choose the one that best matches your local climate and aesthetic preferences. Acrylic paints are often made with high-quality ingredients and are highly elastic. Choose acrylic exterior paint for your home if you're repainting wood, aluminum, or fiber cement siding. They will last for years. Also, be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations for UV-protectants.
Choosing the right kind of paint for your home
There are several factors to consider before choosing the right type of paint for the outside of your house. Whether you live in a city or a rural area, the kind of sunlight your home gets will determine what colors look best on your house. You may also want to consider the orientation of your house. A north-facing house will not receive as much direct sunlight during the day, so the color you choose will appear cooler. On the other hand, a south-facing home will receive more sunlight throughout the day.
Before choosing the right kind of paint for the outside of a house, you should know the difference between flat and sheen. While a flat finish will reflect light and not look as shiny as a satin finish, a matte finish will hide any imperfections on the surface. Although this type of paint is easy to apply, it won't be as durable as flat paint. It may also look more dull than you intended it to.
