In the discussion below, we have outlined simple steps on how to paint your house. Following these steps will ensure the best quality job for your paint job.

Lead removal

Although it not mandatory to follow EPA regulations, it is important to take into account your safety. Houses constructed before the year 1978 have higher levels of lead. Lead paint is now known to cause a number of serious issues to ones health. Therefore, it is important test the level of lead in your house before embarking on the process of repainting your house. Test kits are sold online at around $ 15-$ 35. You can also find them in local stores and hard ware at a pocket friendly prices. If you find positive lead tests, make sure that there is minimal lead dust spreading to the surrounding for the safety of your family as well as neighbors.

Wash off the exterior

Mildew tends to thrive in conditions with fresh paint that does not adhere to grimy, dirt and spore sporting exterior walls of your house. Therefore, it is advisable to wash the exterior of your house before you go on with the painting process for effective results. You can mix water and a cleanser that does not contain phosphate for cleaning the walls. Apply the solution with the help of sponge to remove any dirt from the wall. If you have some money with you, hire a pro to help you in pressure washing the sidings. Do not pressure wash the siding yourself because you are likely to damage the same.

Scrapping of the lose paint

After drying the clapboards, you need to remove the loose and flaking paint from the walls. Use a hand held scraper for this job. You can also go for the hot air gun to make things easy for you. However, it is advisable not to use an open flame torch for this task because it can lead to flames. In addition, the use of open flame torches is illegal in most states hence you can only use them when you have permission from the relevant authorities. To avoid the dangers that accompany lead, it is good to wear a mask as well as Tyvek suit. Spray water on the wall paint as you continue to scrape while collecting the debris.

Sand rough spots

Smooth out any remaining rough spot with the help of a random orbit fitted sand paper. Be careful so that you do not leave any sand marks in the pieces of wood. Use sanders that have been fitted with HEPA Filters for your own safety.

Filling out and repair

After washing, scraping as well as sanding your wood siding, inspect the holes, dings and chips that you would have uncovered. Fill up the minor holes or the dings completely. You can use a patching putty or any other compound including the Zinsser’s Ready patch that costs around $ 20 per gallon. In addition, fix any drainage related problems that are likely to lead to problems of rot among your wood.

Application of primer

You should apply primer immediately after you have prepared your wood siding. The tinted, white or gray primer offers an even base for easy adhering of the topcoats. In case you are painting over different several coats of oil paint, it is wise to stick with another coat of oil primer for better results.

Caulk the joints

Siliconized makes paint jobs to appear smooth as well as pleasing to look at. However, the benefits are not entirely from an aesthetic perceptive. Tight fitting joints also helpful when it comes to preventing air leaks as well as blocking of water penetration. Look for the $7 a tube type of polyurethane caulks that come with a 55 year warranty since they can last for many years.

Select the right paint

Choosing the right paint for your project can be among the most daunting tasks especially if you are a newbie in this field. If you are not sure about the paint you need to buy, seek for help from an expert as soon as you can. Look for paint filled water based form of acrylic latex because it is much easier to deal with compared to oil based types of paint. If you house has spots filled with oil based paint that is more durable compared to latex, then you need to stick it out. In addition, you should choose your finishes very carefully. The best paint for blocking the suns’ rays should feature a higher sheen. Satin boasts of clapboards and shingles but it is good to choose gloss paint because it can protect the high traffic parts of your house.

Application of top coats

Extra layers of paint can cause flaking over time. Less paint tends to bond in a better way to layers located beneath them. If you want to transform your house from a white to a yellow, then you should only paint a single layer. Changing from the light to a dark house, you have to consider painting two layers at least.