Exterior house painters are truly a dime a dozen, and finding a quality provider that backs up their work can be difficult for homeowners. However, exterior house painting is also one of the most important elements of homeownership increasing your home’s value exponentially. Here’s what you need to know before you hire painters.
Why Is Exterior Paint Important?
Taking pride in homeownership involves more than just aesthetics; it’s also about protection and maintenance. One of the essential aspects in this regard is exterior painting. It not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but, more importantly, serves as a protective layer against various weather-related damages. Southern California residents recently faced the harsh reality of this when heavy rains resulted in significant damage to homes lacking adequate exterior maintenance.
Schedule Inspections
When they see issues with their home’s exterior paint, homeowners often ask, “Why is this happening?” The answer is straightforward: consistent care and maintenance weren’t given priority. The best defense against such damage is preventative maintenance. As an experienced house painter, I always recommend annual inspections of your property to spot and address incidental damage or potential weather-related issues before they escalate.
Select Quality Paint Products
Contrary to what some commercials would have you believe, there’s no magic bullet in the form of a “paint and primer in one.” This concept is, unfortunately, misleading. The truth is that surfaces require priming before the application of a quality finish. Remember, achieving a long-lasting, protective exterior finish is a two-step process: prime first, then paint.
Quality also applies when choosing your paint. Yes, paint prices have risen, primarily due to the increasing costs of raw materials. However, paying an additional $25-30 per gallon for high-quality paints pays dividends in the long run. As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”
Repairs & Prep Work Is Crucial
The exterior painters should begin by pressure washing to remove debris, dust, and other particles. Next, address any issues with the woodwork and stucco, allowing problem areas to air out properly.
When it comes to repairing exterior woodwork, the process is straightforward but needs careful attention. For woodwork, I recommend a three-part system that begins by repairing the damage or replacing wood pieces that are beyond repair. We can use a wood filler or epoxy for minor repairs and replace entire sections for more severe cases.
Once the repairs are complete, it’s essential to sand the woodwork to create a smooth surface and clean off any dust or residue. This step ensures the primer and paint will adhere properly.
Lastly, prime the surface to seal the wood and provide a good base for the paint. After the primer has dried, you can apply the final layer of high-quality exterior paint, which will give your woodwork a clean, professional finish and help protect it from further damage. Meanwhile, stucco repairs should be entrusted to professional stucco companies to ensure the texture matches and the job is done correctly.
Prime & Paint
Once the repairs are completed and the exterior surfaces are dry, it’s time for that crucial two-step process: apply a primer followed by a high-quality exterior finish. This will make your stucco not just beautiful but also waterproof and washable.
Again, there is no all-in-one primer and paint combination. Anyone who tells you that is not being honest, and I strongly recommend opting for a different house painter. A top-notch exterior painting job takes time, and while there are plenty of exterior house painters that might work faster and cheaper, the end result is a sloppy job that won’t stand the test of time.
Which Color Should I Select?
In some cases, your homeowner’s association will have restrictions regarding the exterior paint color, so be sure to check with them before hiring exterior house painters. You could hire a color consultant or use virtual paint tools. Many paint manufacturers offer these tools, and they can help you visualize the final results. Still, keep the following tips in mind when selecting a color.
1. Study Your Neighborhood
You’ll want your home to stand out, but not in a way that clashes with the rest of the homes on your street. Consider the color schemes around you to ensure your choice complements the neighborhood’s overall aesthetic.
2. Consider the Permanent Elements
If your home has elements like brick detailing, a stone facade, or a specific roof color that won’t be changing, ensure the color you choose will harmonize with these elements.
3. Lighting Matters
Colors can look vastly different under various lighting conditions. The paint color that you loved in the store may look entirely different in the sunlight on your home’s exterior. Always test your paint choices on your home’s exterior and view them at different times of the day and in different weather conditions before making a final decision.
4. Think About the Visual Effect
Light colors can make your home seem larger and more inviting, while dark colors can make it look smaller but more substantial and set back. Your color choice can dramatically impact your home’s appearance and curb appeal.
5. Don’t Forget The Trim & Accents
Your trim and accent colors can create a harmonious look or offer striking contrast, depending on the effect you’re going for. These can bring out architectural details and add character to your home.
Lastly, if you have your selection narrowed down to two or three colors, consult with your house painters. I have more than 30 years of house painting experience, and I can give you a good idea of which color options are the best fit for your neighborhood and which color options tend to have yielded the highest level of satisfaction over the years.
Need Exterior House Painters? Call Today!
Whether you need exterior house painters or an interior house painter, RJM Painting has been offering quality residential painting services throughout South Orange County since 1990. To get a free estimate, just head to our homepage and click on the Free Estimate tab and fill out our quick contact form.
