If you read last month’s FCI Painting blog post, then you already know all of the pre-painting preparation work you’ll need to carry out to ensure proper paint adhesion and a perfect finish for your exterior paint job. In this, our follow up blog, we provide expert advice relating to the actual painting of your home’s exterior.

As previously mentioned, exterior home painting is one of the easiest and least costly major renovations a homeowner can do. But the success of this job lies in rigorously addressing numerous details to ensure proper paint adhesion, longevity of the job, and a like-new aesthetic outcome.

With more than 25 years of exterior home painting experience, Naples-based FCI painting is happy to share these tips with southwest Florida-area do-it-yourselfers. But if it seems like too much to handle, we’d be pleased to do your exterior home painting for you, from pre-painting prep work to job site cleanup.   

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Weather can wreak havoc on exterior paint jobs. Know that while somewhat rare in southwest Florida most of the year, temperature dips below 50 degrees within two days of painting can reduce paint adhesion and curing. And, if it rains while you’re painting, it will likely wash away most of the recently applied latex paint. For best adhesion, also try to avoid applying the paint while in direct sunlight. One method of doing this is by working your way around the house according to the movement of the sun. 

Choosing the Correct Paint

We’ll leave the color choices to you, but if you’re planning to change colors, know that the bigger difference between your existing color and new color, the more paint you will need to apply. In fact, if your hoping for a one-coat job, you should probably forget about changing colors altogether!

You also need to account for the type of paint best suited for your home’s exterior. While water-based acrylic latex paint tends to be the exterior paint of choice, if your home’s exterior is already covered with an oil-based paint, you will have to cover it with the same. While oil-based paints are more durable than latex, the benefits of latex paint are that it’s easier to apply, dries quicker, and cleans up with soap and water. Today’s exterior latex paints are also resistant to mildew and do not blister or crack with age.

When considering a primer, the same rules regarding oil and latex apply, though oil-based primers are recommended for cedar and redwood surfaces. Primer should be used over bare wood, and wherever the existing paint shows wear, deterioration, or chalkiness.

Applying the Paint—Brush, Rollers or Sprayers?

You might wonder whether a paint sprayer is the fastest means of painting your home’s exterior, and it is– in the hands of an expert. First-time paint sprayers typically run into a variety of problems when trying to paint their home exteriors. Not only does the sprayed paint often end up where it’s not wanted, but can also leave streaks, drips or result in a thin coat that doesn’t tend to last.

Generally speaking the paint brush is the best tool an amateur can use to ensure a successful home exterior paint job. Not only do you visibly inspect every inch of surface as you paint, but the brush offers a firm and consistent application of the paint. You may also be able to use rollers on some surfaces, but you should always follow up with a brush to get those areas that the brush doesn’t reach.

And, as you’re applying the paint, work your way from top to bottom. This helps limit streaking and lets you correct any drips or other problems as you make your way down.    

Of Course, You Could Hire FCI Painting for Your Exterior Painting Needs

If you’re having second thoughts about doing it yourself, or just do not have the time to carry out all of the detailed work needed for a successful exterior paint job, consider letting Naples, Florida-based FCI Painting take care of it for you. With more than 25 years of experience in helping thousands of southwest Florida homeowners paint their exterior spaces, we provide expert service in all elements of every painting job. To learn more about how FCI Painting can help you with your painting project, contact us online or give us a call at (239) 435-1001.