A fresh coat of exterior paint will make your home look new again. But when should you do it? Paint adheres to surfaces with a low humidity and dry air, so consider the weather conditions and start early. Before you begin your project, check for water damage and leaks around windows. A leaking roof and clogged gutters can also lead to moisture problems in the exterior walls. It’s best to hire a professional painting contractor like Two Coats Painting & Staining.

The first step in the exterior painting process is priming. This material acts as a “dual-stick” agent that prevents peeling and cracking. The paint manufacturer will list how many coats are necessary. Once the primer is applied, caulk is used to seal any cracks and corners. Finally, paint the exterior house in the color of your choice. Listed below are some of the steps in exterior painting. Let’s take a closer look at the process.

When choosing a paint company, make sure to ask for a color consultation. Your painter can guide you through a color palette based on the type of exterior paint your home has. A professional color consultant, like Angela Blessing, can provide guidance on the right color scheme for your home. There are literally thousands of colors available for exterior painting, so the color consultation is an important step in the process. The project manager will also walk the exterior of the house to check the areas to be painted.

When choosing a paint color, keep in mind the weather conditions. Too hot or too cold and paint will dry too quickly. Consider the weather when choosing a paint color, as a too-hot exterior can result in peeling and blistering. Remember that temperature is only one factor when choosing a paint color. Other factors that affect the appearance of a paint color are humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. You don’t want to paint your house in the rain or in a wet environment.

The time frame for exterior painting varies by home. In general, exterior paint should be refreshed every five to 10 years. It can be as much as 15 years on primed wood and significantly longer on stucco. The composition of paint depends on the type of surface. Solvents help the pigments and binders stay suspended in the paint. Pigments give the paint its hue and opacity. The paint also contains additives that control drying time, leveling, and mildew.

While interior paint contains low to no VOCs, exterior paint has several chemicals that can be toxic to humans. These chemicals hang in poorly ventilated rooms and can irritate the respiratory system and skin. Unlike interior paint, exterior paint continues to emit VOCs for several years after curing. Moreover, some types of exterior paint contain fungicides and mildewcides that can trigger allergies and skin irritation. So, when choosing a paint for your home, remember the environmental factors.

The quality of paint also matters. Using top-quality paints will increase the lifespan of your paint job. It also flows easier and has a lifetime warranty. Typically, high-quality exterior paint costs about $35 per gallon. However, the price of top-quality paint varies widely. Choose top-quality Benjamin Moore Aura, Behr Premium Plus Ultra, and Clark + Kensington paints. These brands are more expensive than average ones, but they offer superior quality and coverage.

When choosing a paint for exterior surfaces, consider the weather and temperature conditions of the home. Outdoor paints must withstand greater damage than interior paint. Compared to interior paint, exterior paint must withstand the elements and stand up to daily scrubbing. In addition to this, exterior paints are also less healthy for indoor use because they contain mildewcides that can cause an unpleasant odor on humid days and trigger allergies. For this reason, you should choose exterior paint if you plan to live in an area where the weather is harsh.

The cost of exterior painting can be surprisingly affordable, if you follow some basic guidelines. First, determine the paint coverage of your house. Take measurements of your home’s exterior and then multiply that by three to find a general budget. For a typical house, two coats of acrylic latex paint are usually sufficient. However, you should consider the paint you buy in terms of quality, as high-quality paint will last longer and cover better than a lower-quality one.