You would be surprised to know the number one tip before going ahead with painting your house.
Put simply, start with cleaning the gutters!
It may sound like an easy task to tick off on your to-do list, but you would be surprised at the number of times it is overlooked.
Every painter will attest that cleaning your gutter and roof will make all the difference between a good paint job and a bad one. It is critical to clean your gutters before beautifying your home, as otherwise all the hard work will go to waste.
Not to mention, the cost will escalate if your gutter and roof cleaning is not completed first. Even if you are undertaking a DIY job, peeling and flaking on a new paint job is an enormous headache that can be easily avoided.
To ensure you are prepared for exterior painting we have compiled the following points to note:
You may be familiar with the saying, ‘by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’. Most painting is in fact prep work. After the initial assessment, the painter, (or the DIYer), will need to start by sanding the surface. This ensures a smooth, consistent finish. If it is a particularly damaged surface or has deeply ingrained dirt, water pressure cleaning is recommended. Check that the gutters are not severely damaged or extremely rust-ridden before conducting a water pressure clean as this may cause further damage. Your gutters may need replacing in this instance.
If minor surface rust is apparent, it is best to give the area a good sanding. This will prevent the surface rust from eating further into the metal. Then apply two coats of rust proof converter. This step can be omitted though if you regularly maintain your roof and gutters. Next, apply a high quality metal primer before applying your exterior paint.
Selecting your colour scheme is an important factor to consider. The right colour scheme can do wonders aesthetically, and increase the market value of your home. Paint equals profit. Working out colour schemes is an art in itself. It is always beneficial to talk to a professional colour consultant to get a helping hand when it comes to creating a suitable look for your home. It may also be easier or harder to detect dirt and grime, depending on your chosen colours.
So after the prep work is complete, when and where is best to start painting?
Professional tradespeople recommend systematically starting at the roof and gutter before working your way down. Then, move on to the fascia and eaves. Next, move your way onto the walls/weatherboards of your home. Lastly, attend to the window trims. Remember to keep the windows open during this process to ensure thorough drying.
A good time to start painting is early morning or in the afternoon when the temperature is cooler. If you are a DIYer you will especially notice the paint will be more difficult to apply if attempting to work in the midday heat.
To emphasise…preparation is vital. After the paintwork is complete – timely maintenance is key. Clogged gutters will ultimately overflow and ruin your newly refreshed exterior. Further, Brisbane has a variety of bird and bat species. Did you know bird and bat droppings are commonly found in neglected gutters? The chemicals produced in animal droppings are major culprits of paint corrosion. However, regular cleans will put a halt to grumbling gutters and protect your paint for years to come.
