DIY exterior painting is a satisfactory and cost-effective solution to refresh your home exterior. The idea of transforming a dull façade into a vibrant exterior is undoubtedly exciting. In this DIY process, you will face various challenges, such as unpredictable weather, inadequate surface preparation, poor-quality materials, safety risks, etc. So, every aspect of an external painting job demands your meticulous attention and expertise. Know the biggest challenges before taking a DIY approach for exterior painting services:
Surface Preparation for Exterior Painting Services
If you neglect proper surface preparation for DIY exterior painting, it would be the biggest mistake. It may seem like a step that you can skip to save time. But failing to clean, sand, and prime surfaces can lead to peeling paint and an uneven finish. Dirt, mould, and old flaking paint can prevent new coats from proper adherence.
Besides, it will reduce the lifespan of your paint job. Surface preparation includes cleaning with a pressure washer, sanding rough areas, filling cracks, and applying primer where needed. Preparing the surface before painting your exterior structure is essential for a smooth and professional finish.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Sometimes, DIY painters overlook the weather conditions. Painting in extreme heat, high humidity, or damp conditions can cause paint to dry too quickly or too slowly. As a result, you will experience cracking, bubbling, or uneven coverage. Extreme heat of summer can dry the exterior paint very fast. On the other hand, winter’s cool temperature and damp weather may influence paint adhesion and drying times.
Therefore, the ideal seasons for painting your exterior are: Spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather remains mild and stable. So, choosing the right season for your exterior paint project ensures better results and less rework.
Below Par Paint Products & Equipment
Using low-quality paints and tools is another frequent mistake that a DIY painter makes. Sub-standard paints and equipment can compromise your efforts. Cheaper options may seem appealing at first. In some cases, they lack durability and fade faster under harsh sun.
In addition, poor-quality brushes and rollers can leave streaks and patchy areas, making your hard work look amateurish. So, high-grade, weather-resistant exterior paint and upgraded painting tools may be expensive. But it will bring long-term benefits, such as improved coverage and durable results, that far exceed the initial savings.
Priming Exterior Surface
Many DIYers don’t consider the importance of priming. Primer helps seal the surface, improves paint adhesion, and enhances the final finish. It is necessary to apply primers on bare wood, earlier unpainted areas, or repaired surfaces. Skipping primer may lead to a finish that peels or fades before its time, due to a dramatic colour change or exposure to the elements.
Safety Precautions for Exterior Painting
Painting the exterior of some high-rise structures requires working at heights or difficult-to-reach areas. It can be dangerous without the proper precautions. Falls from ladders, exposure to harsh chemicals, and working in direct sunlight for a long time are risky enough.
Using protective accessories while painting, such as gloves, safety goggles, masks, and stable ladders, can prevent you from accidents and health issues. In older homes, lead-based paints are present. You will find it a little tricky to handle. You should not sand or scrap it without proper safety measures.
A Long-Lasting Finish
Even if you complete your painting project, maintaining the fresh finish is an ongoing task. Regular cleaning of the exterior to remove dust, mould, and grime will help keep the paint vibrant. Touch-ups may be necessary in areas that receive high sun exposure or experience wear and tear. So, apply a clear protective coating to protect it from weather damage. Also, trim nearby trees and bushes to avoid scratches and stop moisture from building up.
Why Should You Hire Professionals for Exterior Painting Services?
The time, effort, and expertise for a high-quality DIY paint job are difficult to manage for most homeowners. For them, it would be best to hire a professional for the painting job. A skilled painter has the right tools, experience, and know-how to perform the task with efficiency.
If your project is big or you have a severely damaged exterior, it’s best to leave it to the experts. When it comes to enhancing your exterior without the stress and uncertainty of a DIY job, Wonder Home is here to help. Stay connected with us to learn more about exterior painting services in Baulkham Hills, West Pennant Hills, Killara, and Castle Hill.