Painting is one of the most popular home improvement projects that can quickly change your home’s overall look. It can be done to update a house’s look, protect it from the elements, or both. While most painting projects are from the start, some painting projects may be more difficult than others. This is especially true when painting over old exterior paint. People decide to paint over old exterior paint for various reasons, like wanting to change their house’s color or protecting their investment. If you are looking for house painters in Phoenix, a good tip for a satisfactory painting job is always to hire a professional when you do not have the expertise.
No matter the reason for painting over old exterior paint, certain things should be considered before starting the project.
Condition of the Old Paint
The first is whether or not the old paint needs to be removed. This can be time-consuming and messy, so it’s important to be sure it’s necessary. If the old paint is in good condition and there isn’t a lot of peeling or chipping, it may not need to be removed. However, if the old paint is in poor condition or there is a lot of peeling or chipping, it will need to be removed. Removing the old chipped paint before adding new paint will help the new paint last longer, saving you time and money since you will not need to repaint as often.
Type of Paint in Use
The next thing to consider is the paint you’ll use. There are a variety of paints on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Water-based latex paints are the most popular type of paint for exterior surfaces. They’re durable and easy to work with, but they can require more than one coat to achieve good coverage. Oil-based paints provide excellent coverage and are durable, but they can be difficult to work with and cleaning up is more complicated. The ideal paint for working with when painting over old exterior paint is acrylic paint. Acrylic paints are water-based, so they’re easy to work with but provide excellent coverage and durability. If you have no prior knowledge of paints, always consult the nearest professional house painter in your area for proper guidance. You dont want to regret a project because of the wrong type of paint.
Primer
Another important factor to consider when painting over old exterior paint is whether or not to use a primer. Primer can be very helpful in getting good coverage, especially on porous surfaces. It can also help to even out the texture of the surface, which can be important when working with chipped or flaking paint. However, primer can also make the paint job more difficult, so weighing the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to use it is important. A starting point for your decision on whether to use a primer or not could be by asking the professional house painters in your area for their opinion on the subject.
Size of the Project
The size of the project is another important consideration when painting over old exterior paint. If the project is small, it may be possible to do it on the weekend. However, if the project is large, it may need to be done in stages. This is especially true if the project is time-consuming, such as removing old paint or primer. It’s important to plan ahead and ensure you have enough time to complete the project before starting.
Cost
The cost of the project is another important consideration. If the project is small, it may be possible to do it yourself. However, if the project is large, it may need to be done by a professional. This is especially true if the project is time-consuming or requires specialized equipment. It’s important to get an estimate before starting the project to know how much it will cost.
Color of Paint
The color of paint you choose is also important. Darker colors will absorb more heat from the sun, while lighter colors will reflect it. This can be a consideration if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. In general, darker colors will require more coats of paint to achieve good coverage than lighter colors. The best color to work over old paint is a light color. Light colors will help to brighten up the exterior of your house, and they will also reflect more heat than darker colors. The sheen, or gloss, of paint is also something to consider. Flat, satin, and high-gloss are the three most common types of paint sheens. Flat paint has no shine and is the best type of paint to use on rough surfaces. It’s also the most difficult type of paint to clean. Satin paint has a low-gloss finish that’s easy to clean and good for hiding imperfections. High-gloss paint has a shiny finish that’s easy to clean but can highlight imperfections.
Preparing the Surface
Once you’ve decided whether or not to remove the old paint and what type of paint to use, you’ll need to prepare the surface. This includes cleaning it and repairing any damage. Before painting, the surface should be clean, dry, and free of dirt, dust, and debris. Any cracked, flaking, or peeling paint should be scraped off, and any holes or cracks should be filled with putty or caulking. Preparing the surface is necessary because it ensures that the new paint will adhere properly and last longer.
Now that you know what to consider when painting over old exterior paint, you can confidently start your project. Just be sure to take the time to prepare the surface properly and choose the right paint, and you’ll be sure to achieve great results. Consulting a professional painter to get the job done right the first time is always a good idea. They will know the best products and have the experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently.