House Wall Painting
With any house painting project, there is no job more important than ensuring you are properly equipped and prepared. Just one unprepared surface could lead to a multitude of problems; for example, if the wall has not been primed properly, it could mean that the house paint will not adhere in the right way. Either that or the colour will be affected if residual dirt is not cleaned off.
It’s important to prepare your house for painting as extensively as you can. Whether doing it alone or hiring a painting company, it doesn’t hurt to take steps that save time in the long run. By taking some valuable house paint preparation advice, and following some essential tips for house painting, as well as this guide, you can make the process easier. However, while we are not stopping you from attempting to paint your house yourself, to take the stress away, DPM offers reliable and professional house painting services. Be sure to check out our gallery here or get in touch with us for a free estimate, or any general house painting advice.
For your peace of mind, we’ve listed some valuable advice for a house painting project.
Choosing the Right House Paint
Most people choose white or cream as their house paint colours. If you are considering these colours for painting the outside of a house, just bear in mind you’ll need to look a little further than just the colour. Special masonry paint will complement the house colour as much as it will help the mould resistance and moisture protection. Choosing a high-quality masonry paint is better than opting for a budget house paint; choosing one which is weatherproof, quick-drying and has non-slip properties will be the most ideal solution for your house exterior.
You should think carefully about the visual effects that you want, and consider several shades that are going to complement your house, rather than detract from it.
Selecting house colours isn’t a decision you want to take lightly, as the colour can have a lasting effect, not just on your house itself but other houses in your neighbourhood. It’s worth discussing house colours with your neighbours if you live in a joined building, particularly if the colours aren’t going to match. It’s worth extending this courtesy anyway, particularly if there is going to be work going on over several weeks.
If you live in a Conservation Area or a listed building, you may need permission.
Cleaning your House Walls
Walls must be clean and dry before you begin painting your house. Much like if you were painting inside walls, you have to approach the outside with the same care and attention. Use a wire brush to remove any flaking paint from a previous house painting job, which you can use alongside a pressure washer for best results. Any mould and stains will need removing, which can be done with the use of some bleach and hot water.
Having removed any flaky surfaces, applying a primer coat before any exterior masonry paint will be a big help. However, if the walls are solid-rendered or stonework, then you should use a watered-down coat of paint instead, as a primer would not work effectively on these surfaces.
It’s important to note that surfaces should be completely dry before you begin painting outside house walls, which means that you should only attempt to prepare your house when the weather is going to be clear and dry. Avoid windy days as this can cause the paint to dry too fast and cause dirt to blow into the paint while it is still wet.
Painting and Decorating Equipment
Below are just some examples of equipment that you’ll need to ensure you have if painting your house outdoors:
- Ladder(s)
- Roller and tray
- Wide brush
- Small brush
- Rags
- Roller sleeve
- Painter’s tape
- Extra paint (you always need more than you think you do!)
- Paint canisters
As it pertains to your clothing, it goes without saying that wearing old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting (in no uncertain terms) filthy, is highly recommended. You are bound to get paint on them, even if you are careful and have prepared accordingly.
If painting your home is going to require the use of scaffolding to reach certain areas, then it is worth getting a quote from a professional painting and decorating company.
Masking Up
One crucial step in preparing for house painting is to mask up. Using masking tape to protect areas that aren’t to be painted is very important. Masking up for house painting correctly will ensure the job goes much smoother, more efficiently and will ultimately look more professional when finished.
Doors, windows, gutters, downpipes, garage doors, vents, lights and any exterior brickwork that doesn’t need to be painted, will all need masking up. You’ll need the following for best results:
- Good quality masking tape
- Brown wrapping paper
- Dustsheets and tarpaulins
- Access equipment
- Cloths and rags
- UPVC cleaning solution
Using tarpaulins and dustsheets for the floors is highly recommended. When the wind even slightly catches you when painting, that paint will likely splash across unprotected areas. The last thing you want is for paint streaks to end up on your car.
For more information about masking up when painting and decorating, please get in touch with a professional who can guide you further.
Painters and Decorators in Surrey
Don’t fancy painting your house yourself? Then you need the help and experience of a totally transparent, reliable and capable house painting company.
DPM are specialist painters and decorators with over 10 years’ experience in restoring the beauty of our customer’s properties. We pride ourselves on being a trustworthy painting and decorating company in Surrey that provides excellent service. We want you to be 100% satisfied with the finished project.
We are also qualified and certified landscape gardeners, driveway contractors and can provide services on garden fence design and maintenance, installing and cleaning patio slabs, as well as providing most other property maintenance services (including electrical and plumbing work).
Ready to start painting your house? Get a free quote from DPM today.
