As Utah experiences its typical spring fluctuations between bitter cold and summer sun, it gives you time to schedule the exterior painting of your house. With the buzz of spring cleaning in the air, it is easy to get swept into the thrill of the new life—so appropriate to spring—that a new coat of paint can bring. Or, on a less romantic note, perhaps the winter weather was not kind to your paint job this year and now it needs a facelift. Either way, we at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings have some key things to keep in mind when it comes to exterior painting.
Save the Date
Painting exteriors in the cold comes with a whole set of challenges, so the warmer climate of late spring is a perfect time to take advantage of exterior painting before the sweltering heat of summer. If conditions are too hot, exterior paint will dry rapidly, before coats can be evenly smoothed down. Paint should not be applied to a wet surface, and while rain isn’t typically a problem in Utah, it can come in the middle of a dry week, so keep an eye on the forecast before you apply that first coat. You’ll also want to watch out for especially windy conditions that can blow debris into your wet paint.
Inspection
Areas that are too rough or too smooth or primed may require scraping and sanding before paint can be applied. Any necessary repairs, like patching holes or cracks, should be taken care of before painting begins. Allow ample time for spackle to set. Larger structural damage may require replacement. This should be done before painting so that a new paint job does not get damaged during the repair process.
While your painting project is in progress, pull back any shrubbery that can brush up against a new paint job and ruin it. Sometimes flora can simply be covered in tarping, but sometimes you will need another set of hands or to get creative to keep greenery from interfering with your new paint.
Cleaning
Once the big hindrances to your paint job have been taken care of, the surfaces being painted need to be cleaned. This step is crucial to make sure that the paint adheres to your walls and not to any dirt or grime that has accumulated on your building. Cleaning the surfaces in question also makes for a cleaner, smoother paint job for the same reason.
Be sure to give your exterior surfaces sufficient time to dry after cleaning before applying any paint. Furniture, plant life, windows, and any surfaces you don’t want painted should be covered before painting begins. This will save you cleanup later. Again, we recommend a sufficient supply of tarps.
Priming
Primer is not always necessary, though it does usually prolong the longevity of exterior paint jobs especially. Check your specific paint against the material being painted. As a general rule, stucco and bare wood should be primed for optimal adherence, and if you are choosing a color dramatically different from the hue already on your structure, primer is probably called for. Allow plenty of time for the primer to dry before applying your paint of choice.
Gear Up
Using the proper paint is critical for your external paint job. Make sure you choose paints that are specifically designed for exterior use. They are often 100% acrylic to hold up against the weather. If you elect to manage your own paint job, make sure you have the equipment and personal safety gear to ensure a successful project. Protect your eyes and any clothing you care about, and keep in mind that exterior paint jobs often require a lot of climbing up and down ladders. Be safe and mindful of your surroundings, and use ladders and brushes and extenders that are right for your specific painting project.
An Expert Hand
We know that prepping for an external paint job and the painting process itself are very involved. Contracting out the project can yield quicker, safer, and even more cost-effective results that you’ll love. We want you to be able to look at your property and smile knowing that your exterior paint is exactly as you’d like it to be. Save on time and trouble, and let Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings handle the painting of your exterior.