Success the First Time

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

If the time has come to give your house a facelift by way of a new coat of paint, then you’ve probably already realized there is a lot more to an exterior paint job than a brush and a can.

Here are some things to consider before you take on the job...or determine that the yellow pages are your best option.

The recommended climate for exterior painting is above 50 degrees and dry. Here in Bakersfield, the prime time to paint is late spring. Not only should you start painting during this time of year, but you want to make sure the job is complete before it gets too hot. It might seem like a small window, but you can do it.

Plan your project in advance. An article in the New York Times geared toward novice house painters said, “schedule one full day to clean the house exterior with a pressure washer.” Then wait a week. “[At that point,] you will need at least one day to scrape, sand, caulk, and prime the worn spots. At least one full day after that, you can start painting.”

Before you buy your paint, estimate the amount necessary for your house. TLC’s How Stuff Works says to keep in mind that, “narrow lap siding, shingles or shakes, masonry, or stucco exterior walls can take 10 to 50 percent more paint than smooth, flat walls.” To find out how much paint you will need, multiply the perimeter of the house by the height, and divide by the square foot coverage specified on the can, then get one extra gallon just in case.

Start by giving your house a thorough cleaning. Washing, scrubbing, scraping, blasting, and sanding are all things that may be necessary to get rid of any peeling paint, mildew, and caked-on dirt.

Before priming the house, remove any fixtures, like lights, address numbers, and down spouts so you can get behind them evenly and paint them separately before re-mounting them. As you prime, heed the number one painters’ rule: follow the sun. Work around the corner from the sun so the paint won’t dry too quickly, and follow safely behind in the shade of the house. Allow the primer to sit overnight to dry completely.

When you are ready to lay the first coat of paint, make sure you mix all the cans of paint together in a separate container for even color, as custom paints tend to vary slightly from can to can. Use the same kind of paint that is already on your home, hopefully a latex or alkyd-base, for the best adhesion.

In Bakersfield, the siding of your house could be any variation of styles and materials. Make sure you know the best method of application. Brushes work fine on wood, but pads, rollers, and paint sprayers work best on stucco.

Begin with the highest parts of the house using an extension ladder. Start with the trim and then do the siding to minimize ladder time. Work downward in horizontal sections to get an even layer. Let the first coat dry sufficiently before applying the second coat—this may take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours (drying times vary so read the paint’s instructions for the best results).

New paint is one of the simplest and most dramatic ways to freshen up the facade of your home. If you feel that the project is right up your alley and just what your home needs, hop to it. Just take your time and prepare, prepare, prepare.

Editor’s Note: If you’re living in a home or buying a home that hasn’t been painted since 1978, the year lead-based paint was taken off the market, your job just got more complicated. Please consult a professional on how to remove the previous paint.

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Article appeared in our 28-3 Issue - August 2011