RESIDENTIAL PAINTING

The answer, unfortunately, is not as straightforward as you might hope. It depends on a number of factors, including the climate in your area, the type of paint you’re using, and your own personal schedule. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you decide when to schedule your exterior painting project.

Temperature Considerations

One of the main things you’ll need to take into account when deciding when to paint your house is the temperature. You want to avoid painting in extremely hot or cold weather, as this can affect both the quality of the paint job and your own comfort level. In general, it’s best to wait until the weather has cooled down somewhat before starting your project. Fall and spring are usually good times to paint, as long as there’s no risk of rain or snow.

If you live in an area with a mild climate, however, you might be able to get away with painting during the summer months. Just be sure to avoid painting in direct sunlight, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly and lead to an uneven finish. It’s also a good idea to avoid painting on days when the humidity is high, as this can cause the paint to take longer to dry.

Paint Type Considerations

Another thing you’ll need to think about when deciding when to paint is the type of paint you’re using. Water-based latex paints are usually fine to use in any type of weather, although they might dry more slowly in cooler temperatures. Oil-based paints should only be used when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise they won’t dry properly. If you’re not sure what kind of paint you’re using, check the label or ask a professional for advice.

Personal Schedule Considerations

Of course, sometimes the best time to paint isn’t determined by weather conditions or what type of paint you’re using—it’s simply determined by what works best for your schedule. If you have some flexibility in when you start your project, it might be helpful to look at a extended forecast for your area and choose a week where conditions are ideal for painting. However, if you need to get started right away or are working with a limited timeframe, don’t worry—you can still get great results as long as you take care to prep properly and use high-quality materials.

In short, there’s no perfect answer for when homeowners should paint their house’s exterior. The best time of year depends on things like local climate conditions, what type of paint you’re using, and your personal schedule. However, as long as you take care to prep properly and use high-quality materials, you can get great results no matter when you start your project.

While the frequency with which you paint your home’s exterior depends on a number of factors, including the type of siding and the Climate zone you live in, here are some general guidelines to follow.

Painted Wood Siding, Every 3-5 Years

If your home has painted wood siding, it’s generally recommended that you repaint every three to five years. Of course, this timeline can be affected by a number of things, including the quality of the previous paint job and how well the siding has been maintained. If you notice any peeling or chipping paint, it’s best to repaint as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Unpainted Wood Siding, Every 2-3 Years

Unpainted wood siding will need to be repainted more frequently than painted wood—generally every two to three years. This is because unpainted wood is more susceptible to damage from the elements, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear. Again, if you notice any peeling or chipping paint, it’s best to repaint sooner rather than later.

Vinyl Siding, Every 5-7 Years

Vinyl siding is one of the most low-maintenance options when it comes to exteriors, and as a result, it doesn’t need to be painted as often as other materials. In fact, most experts agree that vinyl siding only needs to be painted every five to seven years—and sometimes even longer than that. Of course, if you notice any fading or discoloration, you can always give your vinyl siding a fresh coat of paint sooner.

We’ve compiled a checklist of what to do to prepare your home for exterior painting.

1. Power wash your home. Use a power washer to remove any dirt, grime, or mildew from your home’s exterior. Be sure to hold the power washer nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface of your house so you don’t damage the siding.

2. Scrape off any loose paint. Once your home is power washed, scrape off any loose or peeling paint with a putty knife. This will help create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to.

3. Caulk any cracks or gaps. Inspect your home’s trim and caulk any cracks or gaps you see. This will help prevent moisture from seeping in and damaging the wood beneath the paint.

4. Protect your landscaping. Cover any plants or shrubs near your home with plastic sheeting to protect them from paint drips or overspray.

5. Prime bare wood areas. If there are any bare wood areas on your home’s exterior, be sure to apply a primer before painting. This will help the paint adhere better and last longer.

1. Paint is Peeling or Chipping
If your paint is peeling or chipping, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: poor surface preparation or using the wrong type of paint. To avoid this problem, make sure you prep your surfaces properly by cleaning them with a pressure washer and sanding away any old paint or debris. Once your surfaces are clean and smooth, choose a high-quality paint that’s designed for the specific surface you’re painting (e.g., latex for wood siding).

2. Paint is Cracking
Another common exterior painting problem is cracking paint. This usually happens when paint is applied to a surface that’s too hot or humid, or when it’s applied over an unstable surface (like bare wood). To avoid cracked paint, always check the weather forecast before you start painting and make sure you’re using a primer designed for the surface you’re painting. You can also use heat-resistant paint to minimize the risk of cracking.

3. Paint is Bleeding Through
If you’re seeing paint bleed through your topcoat, it means the underlying layer of paint isn’t fully dry yet. This problem can be caused by several factors, including using a low-quality paint, not allowing enough drying time between coats, or applying too much paint at once.To fix this problem, sand away any wet paint and apply a new layer of primer before repainting. Make sure you allow adequate drying time between each coat of primer and paint—we recommend 24 hours for best results.

4. Paint Brush Strokes are Visible
Another common issue is visible brush strokes in your newly painted surface. This usually happens when you use a low-quality brush or don’t properly prep your surfaces before painting. To avoid this problem, invest in high-quality brushes and rollers specifically designed for exterior painting. And don’t forget to properly prep your surfaces beforehand!

1. Start by covering up any sensitive plants with drop cloths or old sheets. This will help prevent paint from splattering on them—and it will also protect them from any stray paintbrushes or ladders. sensitive plants include delicate flowers, herbs, and vegetables. If you’re not sure whether or not a plant is delicate, err on the side of caution and cover it up anyway.

2. Once your plants are safely covered, take a look at your hardscape features—things like pavers, stone walkways, and sitting areas. These can be more difficult to protect than plants, so it’s important to take some extra time to make sure they’re well covered. We recommend using heavy-duty tarps that are secured with painter’s tape or bungee cords.

3. If possible, try to avoid painting on windy days. This will help prevent paint from accidentally blowing onto your landscaping—or worse, into your neighbor’s yard!

4. Be extra careful when laddering up to reach high places. Lean your ladder against the house (away from any windows) and have someone hold it steady while you work. This will help prevent accidents—and it will also help ensure that you don’t damage your landscaping while trying to reach those high places.

5. And finally, take your time when cleaning up after yourself. Thoroughly rinse all brushes and rollers before putting them away, and dispose of any leftover paint properly (most hardware stores offer recycling services for latex paint). Once everything is clean and dry, carefully remove all tarps and drop cloths from your landscaping—being careful not to drag any dirt or debris along with them. Doing all of this will help minimize the impact that painting has on your beautiful yard.

First and foremost, when you are choosing an exterior painter, you will want to consider their level of experience. How long have they been in business? Do they have any specialties? What kind of homes do they typically work on? You will also want to take a look at some of their previous work to get an idea of their style and quality. Are they able to replicate the color palette that you are looking for? Can they provide you with references from past clients?

Once you have gotten a better idea of their experience and level of expertise, you will want to consider their cost. Get a few different quotes before making your final decision. Make sure that the cost includes everything from labor to materials. You don’t want any surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.

Last but not least, you will want to make sure that you are comfortable with the company or individual you are hiring. Do they seem professional and courteous? Are they easy to communicate with? Do they seem like they will be respectful of your property while they are working? These may seem like small things, but they can make a big difference in your overall satisfaction with the finished product.

Start with the trim.
One place to start when choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior is with the trim. The trim is one of the smaller details on your house, but it can make a big impact. If you’re not sure what color to choose, start with a neutral like white or black and then build from there. You can always add pops of color with accent pieces like doors and shutters.
Choose a complementary color scheme.
Another tip for choosing a paint color is to pick a complementary color scheme. This means choosing two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, you could choose a light blue for the main body of your house and a dark green for the trim. Complementary color schemes are visually appealing and can make your home stand out from the rest on your street.
Think about curb appeal.
When you’re picking out a paint color, it’s important to think about curb appeal—you want people driving by your house to say “wow!” Choosing a bold or unique color is one way to achieve this, but you also want to make sure that the color you choose fits well with the style of your home. A Victorian-style house, for instance, might look best with more traditional colors like white or gray, while a beach house may look better in a light blue or green.