External painting can be a rewarding task, particularly when painting your own home. It can also be a huge job. This is especially true for the non-professional painter, but with the correct equipment and the right approach painting your home’s exterior is entirely achievable.

The idea of making your house look brand new is an attractive prospect, particularly when you consider it can also add value to your property. You can also extend the life of your siding and trim. Of course, the right materials will not come cheap, but it is important to consider that a professional job would also cost a significant amount. An external paint job should not be taken on lightly, as to do it properly will take many hours of preparation. The project is likely to take an entire summer.

Painting and decorating companies are properly set up for large scale paint jobs, so if time is of the essence it might be worth calling in the professionals. Scott Anson Painters has extensive experience in the private and commercial sectors and offers a service which promises minimal disruption. Home decorating takes time, patience and commitment.

Once you decide to proceed with your external painting project, there are a few things to consider which could ease the process towards results you can be proud of. A crucial part of preparation should be to ensure surfaces are properly cleaned of any surface dirt as well as loose paint and masonry. Any small cracks or holes should be filled and rubbed down with sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Porous or powdery surfaces should be sealed and primed with masonry primer. Ensuring every edge is properly reached will provide the most stable surface for painting.

Preparing the work space should be another important consideration before painting. Protect pipes, windows and other areas with newspaper or tape to stop splashing. Having spent some considerable time on preparation, it can be tempting to press on and get the job done. However, you should give your project the best chance by painting in the most optimum conditions available.

Check the weather, as painting in the rain has the most obvious drawbacks – although other conditions can also be a hindrance. Windy weather is not only dangerous on a ladder; it can blow dirt on to the wet paint. Painting in direct sunlight increases the chance of lap marks in your paintwork and extreme heat can even cause paint to blister. With external painting, there is much to consider before you have even painted a single stroke.