Preparing for Your Exterior Summer Paint Project
Henry Weber • April 9, 2018
With summer right around the corner, many of us will be preparing to get work done around the outside our homes and for some, this will include painting. If you plan on taking advantage of the beautiful summer weather to get a fresh coat of paint on your home for an affordable update to your exterior, it is important to plan to ensure your project goes smoothly.
Like any home improvement project, painting in Pittsburgh will require you to plan carefully to ensure you get the job done right. At MasterBrush, we’ve put together some tips to help you prepare for your summer paint project.
Find the Best Paint for Each Surface
The type of paint you can use will depend on the exterior surface you plan to paint. When choosing paint it is important to note whether the surface is aluminum, wood, vinyl, masonry, or concrete. Many paint options are formulated for mildew resistance, color retention, and some flexibility to accommodate the expansion and contraction caused by temperate change.
Exterior paints typical fall into two categories, latex and oil/alkyd. Each of these paints has their unique benefit. Below is a list of common exterior surfaces and the type of paint that works best with them.
- Metal. When painting iron or steel, it is essential to use a primer before applying latex or oil/alkyd paints. Aluminum and galvanized metal will only need to be primed if you’re using oil/alkyd paint. Latex paint can be applied to them directly.
- Walls. Latex is an excellent option for wood, vinyl, stucco, and aluminum. Keep in mind that some manufacturers recommend properly treating and preparing the surface prior to painting. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions if you are not sure.
- Masonry and Brickwork. Masonry and brick give off a beautiful look and finish. Rather than painting over them consider sealing them with a protective coating instead.
- Trim. Most trim materials on the exterior of the home can be painted with either latex or oil/alkyd paints.
Choose the Sheen that Best Suits Your Style
The type of paint sheen you use mostly depends on your tastes and the look you are trying to achieve. Practically every color of paint is available in several different kinds of sheen from flat to glossy; there is a sheen to match any style.
In addition to the look you are trying to achieve, remember to choose a finish for each surface based on how often it needs to be cleaned and the wear and tear the surface will experience. Below are the types of sheen that are available:
- Flat or Matte. Matte is an ideal sheen for body siding because it softens exterior surfaces on the home where you don’t want them to be shiny.
- Satin. This sheen is slightly glossier than matte, offering a matte finish that is easier to clean. Satin is great for surfaces that require occasional cleanings such as trim, window frames, or shutters.
- Gloss. This type of sheen is best for an area that needs regular cleaning like garage doors, entry doors, gutters, accent trim, and decorative metal pieces.
- High Gloss. With a high gloss sheen, you’ll get a hard and shiny surface. This is an excellent finish for the front door or decorative fixtures. Keep in mind, on a high gloss surface imperfections like scratches, dents, and gouges will be more noticeable.
If you are planning to update your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint this summer, call a professional Pittsburgh painter like MasterBrush Painting for a beautiful, high-quality result.
Author:
Henry Weber
Before starting Master Brush Painting in 1981, Henry worked at one of the top painting companies in Pittsburgh where he learned the trade from world-renowned experts. Since then expertise has satisfied clients in Pittsburgh and surrounding area as well as earning him awards such as the Angie's List Super Service Award.
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