Spring! Time to Paint!
As the weather switches from messy to mild in much of the country, every homeowner’s attention turns to the out of doors. It’s time to clean things up, tend to the garden, and make needed changes to both the home and its surroundings. Where to start? Assuming that your exterior paint is failing, it’s best to focus on that first.
There are plenty of good reasons to paint pronto in the spring, according to the Paint Quality Institute, some of which are simply a matter of common sense. First, the weather is most comfortable now. Second, it’s smart to paint before putting down your mulch, which along with your plants, will just get trampled if you paint later on. Third, why not get your painting done before more pleasant “distractions” like vacations, sports, and barbecues begin?
Your home is very likely your biggest investment – one that shouldn’t take a back seat to other items. If your house paint is nearing the end of its life expectancy, you’re taking a chance by postponing repainting. It doesn’t take long for exposed wood to begin to rot; and other types of exteriors are subject to their own special problems when the paint wears off. With any type of home exterior, wait too long and you run the risk of paying for expensive repairs or replacement, as well as repainting.
Another reason to get to your painting first: Exterior latex paint forms the toughest, most durable, protective finish when the weather is neither too cold, nor too hot, but just right. . .like it is in the early spring. It’s always best to do exterior painting when temperatures are above 50 degrees F., but not too extreme. Very hot days can cause the paint to dry too quickly and impair good paint film formation. By painting in moderate temps, odds are you may get a longer-lasting paint job.
Take a slow walk through and around your home, with your significant other – not only because two sets of eyes are better than one, but to get buy-in as well - and take note of areas showing damage or wear or that just need a freshening up.
The first place to start is at the front door where friends and visitors get the all-important first impression of your home. One of the quickest and easiest ways to freshen the look of your home is to change the color of your front door or entranceway. Unlike interior painting, where monochromatic (one-color) paint schemes are commonplace, exterior painting is typically most interesting when it involves multiple colors.
Our articles on Benjamin Moore's 2013 Color Pulse and Hues drawn from the American Landscape may give you some ideas.
Next, look for signs of paint failure on your exterior walls – evidenced by bare wood, peeling or flaking paint, mildew or mold. If you have any masonry (on walls, foundation or a fireplace), check for white, crusty efflorescence. Aluminum siding? Look for vulnerable bare metal and unsightly white oxidation, an indication that corrosion has set in.
Check all the areas where two different surfaces come together. Make sure they are properly caulked and that the caulk is in good condition. If you see a problem, make a note of it.
Naturally, you’ll want to inspect your exterior trim, windows, shutters, and doors, but don’t forget to also look at your garage door, gutters, downspouts, railings, and decks. A fresh coat of paint can help maintain them all, not to mention your metal light fixtures and lamps, outdoor furniture, swing sets, picnic tables, and fencing.
Old Village Master Painters are experts not only at surface preparation and painting but we also understand how to work on fine homes and homes of historical significance. We are also EPA Certified for the removal of lead paint.
We can help you with color and paint selection and if weather or just age has caused damage to your home we can restore it its former beauty.
Old Village recommends and uses only the highest quality paints and finishes to protect and keep your fine home looking great.
Old Village Master Painters can help with your inspection and with developing a project plan and budget to address all your spring painting needs.
Contact Us to set an appointment or for more information.
Portions of this article courtesy of the Paint Quality Instiute