subject: Hire A Professional For Exterior Painting Done Right [print this page] The appearance of your home's exterior is arguably more important than the interior. After all, that's the face of your home that your neighbors see every day. If it's dingy, dirty, or unkempt, the perception your neighbors have of you and your family will be a negative one. It may not be anything entirely personal, but the appearance of your property does have a significant effect on the values of their properties, making it their business as well as yours. Though a home doesn't have to be a showplace to be respectable, it does need to appear to be well maintained.
Part of a home's maintenance is a periodic paint job of the siding and trim, unless the siding in vinyl or some other non-painted surface. Brick or stone facade homes still typically have wood trim and doors that need attention to stay smart and clean. Nothing brightens the appearance of a home than fresh paint in a color that works with the environment and neighborhood. Add a bit of contracting color in the trim and a plain, ordinary looking home can have new charm and appeal as well as added value.
Though many choose to paint interior walls themselves and have great success, exterior paint requires a much higher level of skill and effort. When it's done right, the home will look spectacular and the paint job will last for years with today's quality exterior paints. When it isn't done right, for instance if short cuts are taking in prepping the surfaces, much of the expense and effort is essentially wasted with a shabby appearance tomorrow, if not today. A professional painting contractor has the know-how and the tools to do the job right the first time.
If you choose to do the exterior painting yourself to save money, be aware from the beginning what you are getting into or it could end up costing even more than hiring it done in the first place. The surfaces need to be thoroughly cleaned with pressure washing first to remove all dirt and grime, taking care not to damage surfaces. After complete drying, hand scraping of any loose or bubbled paint is needed. A uniform coat of primer needs to be applied before the finish paint coats.
Take into consideration the heights at which you may be working, especially if it's a two-story or more house and have good quality ladders or scaffolding for safety. You will also want heavy-duty drop cloths to catch paint scrapings, rusty nails, and paint droplets. Considering the expense of renting or buying all of the equipment needed to do the job right, you may find that hiring a professional is less costly.
