Residential exterior painting: Common mistakes to avoid according to professional painters

Painting the exterior of your home can be a daunting task, but it’s also a great way to give your home a fresh look. If you’re not careful, however, it’s easy to make mistakes that can ruin your hard work and cost you more time and money than you initially intended.

That’s why we’ve identified some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when painting the exterior of their homes and deduced how to avoid them. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during residential exterior painting, according to professional painters: 

Skipping the prep work

One of the biggest mistakes people make when painting the exterior of their homes is skipping the prep work. Proper preparation is key to a successful painting job. You need to clean the surface of your home thoroughly, removing any dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Failing to do so can result in peeling or cracking paint, and the new paint won’t adhere properly.

Take the time to clean the exterior of your home and scrape off any loose paint. Consider pressure washing your home to remove any dirt or grime as well.

Using the wrong paint

Choosing the wrong paint can be a costly mistake. Exterior paints are formulated to withstand the elements, and if you choose the wrong type of paint, it won’t hold up well over time. For example, using interior paint on the exterior of your home can lead to fading, chalking, and cracking.

Always use high-quality exterior paint for residential exterior painting that’s designed to withstand the weather conditions in your area. Look for paint that’s formulated to resist fading, cracking, and peeling.

Ignoring the weather condition

Painting your home in extremely hot, cold, or humid conditions might cause complications. The weather can have an impact on how effectively the paint clings to your home, and if it’s too hot, the paint may dry too rapidly, resulting in evident brush strokes and lap marks.

Choose a day with mild temperatures and low humidity to paint your home. Check the weather forecast to ensure that there won’t be any rain or high winds in the forecast to continue with your project without any difficulties. 

Avoiding the primer

Skipping the primer is a common mistake that can lead to uneven coverage and paint peeling. Primers help the paint adhere better to the surface of your home, and they can also help to block stains and prevent bleeding.

Always use a high-quality primer before painting your home. This will help prevent cracks in the paint, resulting in polished and a clean look for your home. 

Painting over wet or dirty surfaces

Painting over wet or unclean surfaces is not a good idea. Wet surfaces may result in paint bubbles and peeling off, while dirty surfaces can cause uneven coverage and paint flaking, especially when considering a residential exterior painting project.

Before you start painting, check to make sure the surface of your property is completely dry. In addition, ensure that the surface is clean and free of dirt and debris.

Professionals won’t make mistakes during residential exterior painting

Painting the exterior of your home can be a great way to improve its appearance and protect it from the elements. However, to get the best results, you need to avoid these common mistakes. Professionals have ample experience and expertise to ensure these mistakes don’t happen. 

They take the time to prep the surface of your home, choose the right paint and primer, and pay attention to the weather conditions. By hiring professionals, therefore, you can ensure that your home will look great for years to come.