Tips for Painting the Exterior of Your Orlando Home
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your house, increase curb appeal, and protect it from the Orlando weather. However, exterior painting is hard work and requires a lot of preparation, skill, and precision to get excellent and lasting results. From choosing the right paint to preparing the surface properly, there’s a lot to consider.
Essential Tips for Exterior Painting in Orlando
Choosing the Right Paint
Choosing the right high-quality exterior paint will make all the difference. Here in Orlando, acrylic latex paint is the way to go, as it resists fading and chalking from UV rays while keeping the color vibrant longer than other options. It also allows moisture to escape, reducing peeling and blistering in humid conditions.
Furthermore, most acrylic latex paint has low VOC, so it’s better for the environment and the painter. It dries fast, which is great for Orlando’s unpredictable weather. Many brands also have mildew-resistant formulas that are perfect for combating Florida’s moisture issues.
Painting At The Right Time
The best time to paint a home’s exterior in Orlando is typically during the winter months, from October to March. We have very little rain in the winter, and the temperature is ideal for painting as it’s warm enough for the paint to dry quickly.
For the best results, it’s also crucial to consider the humidity when painting. Ideally, you’d want humidity levels to be below 85% to avoid any issues with moisture. Also, keep in mind that it’s not ideal to paint in direct sunlight, as the paint can dry too quickly, causing an uneven finish.
Preparation Steps Before the First Stroke
Before starting, it’s essential to prepare the home’s exterior properly. This is a crucial step that shouldn’t be overlooked, as it ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Our professional painters always start by thoroughly cleaning the exterior surfaces, paying extra attention to areas under eaves and around windows. Any damaged areas must also be repaired first. Fill cracks and holes with exterior-grade caulk or putty, replace any rotted wood, and secure loose boards.
If there are any rough spots and areas where old paint is peeling, it’s crucial to sand those parts. This creates a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to, ensuring that you’ll get a durable and long-lasting paint finish.
Another step that shouldn’t be omitted is applying primer to the bare wood, repaired areas, and spots where old paint has been removed. This helps the new paint bond better and provides extra protection.
Using the Right Tools and Equipment
As professional painters, we have a range of tools and equipment to help us paint efficiently and effectively.
Ladders and scaffolding are necessary to help us reach higher areas and work safely. For large surfaces, airless sprayers are often used for their even coverage and efficiency, whereas brushes and rollers are preferred for smaller areas or sections that require more detail. We attach extension poles to rollers or brushes to help us reach certain higher areas without ladders.
During our surface preparation, we also use paint scrapers and wire brushes to remove loose or peeling paint, rush, and other debris.
Let Our Professional Painters Handle The Hard Work
Exterior painting is not for the faint-hearted. There’s a lot of preparation work involved and safety risks due to heights. Besides needing specialized tools and equipment, you’ll also have to spend a lot of time working under the sun. To get the best results, let our professional painters handle the hard work for you. With our experienced team, you can trust us to get the job done right and leave you with an impeccable and long-lasting paint job that will refresh the look of your home.