Thinking about repainting your home’s exterior? If you are, there are some special considerations you should take into account depending on your exterior. It’s likely made of stucco, stone or wood, and each of those have unique characteristics that need to be considered during the painting process. Here are some important exterior painting tips to help you with that process and keep your home looking its best.
How to Paint Stucco for a Long-Lasting Finish
A lot of people choose stucco for their exterior walls because it’s durable and textured, but if you’re going to paint it, there are specific preparation steps you’ll need to go through. First, you need to prepare the stucco surface by cleaning it, ideally pressure washing it to get rid of dirt and debris that will keep the paint from adhering correctly. Then, inspect the stucco for cracks or other forms of damage. If you find any cracks, use a high-quality acrylic caulk to fil them. Bigger cracks might require a stucco patching compound.
When you’re choosing the paints, the best exterior paints for stucco tend to be acrylic or elastomeric paint. Most people tend to go for acrylic paint because it’s more durable and easier to apply, while elastomeric paint is better at waterproofing and crack-bridging. Whichever one you choose, you should also use a high-quality primer that’s designed specifically for stucco so the paint adheres properly and results in a uniform finish.
There’s a lot of complexities involved here, so many homeowners work with stucco painting professionals in Essex County because they can handle textured surfaces and give the exterior a long-lasting, visually appealing finish. They have a handle on the intricacies of applying the right paint and making sure it can withstand the elements.
Best Paint for Stone Exterior Homes
Stone is porous, so painting it can be difficult. Doing so requires careful preparation before any paint is applied. Start by cleaning the stone with a wire brush or pressure washer to remove debris, mold, or mildew. Any cracks or joints you find should be filled with a masonry filler so the paint has a smooth base.
You need to use a primer made specifically for masonry, so the paint adheres properly and doesn’t absorb moisture. Some of the best paint for stone exterior homes includes latex and elastomeric paints, since they let the stone breathe while maintaining a durable finish. Latex paint is better at letting the stone breathe, but elastomeric paint is better at covering cracks and other imperfections in the stone.
Because stone is porous and uneven by nature, a paint sprayer should be used to get the most even coverage. That said, you can guarantee a flawless result and an easier process by hiring professional painting contractors in Essex County.
Wood Exterior Painting Tips for Essex Homes
A wooden home exterior is a timeless classic, but it requires the most upkeep. This includes repainting and maintaining it on a regular basis so it doesn’t weather and rot over time. You’ll need to sand down any peeling or cracking paint to smooth out the wood’s surface before a new coat is applied. Rot checks also need to be performed, and any rotting wood you find must be replaced before any painting takes place.
Use the highest quality primer you possibly can on wood, since it will keep moisture out and improve the paint adhesion. When it’s time to actually paint, the best choice for wood is exterior latex paint. It’s flexible and resistant to cracking, so the wood can expand and contract without damaging the paint.
When applying paint, always follow the wood grain with your brush strokes to create a smooth finish. Apply two coats for maximum durability and give it enough drying time between each coat. For a professional finish, consider hiring wood exterior painting Essex County specialists that can handle different types of wood and keep your home’s exterior remains protected for years.
Color Inspiration and Design Tips
Of course, you want to choose the right color scheme or the look and feel you’re going for with your exterior. Some of the most popular ideas include:
- Neutral Tones: Light gray, beige, and cream are timeless choices that offer a modern, clean look.
- Bold Accents: Use bold colors, like navy or deep red, for shutters or doors to add a touch of personality to your home.
- Earthy Hues: Colors inspired by nature, like sage green or warm taupe, work well with stone and wood exteriors, blending with the environment.
Many painting contractors Essex County will work with you to help pick the perfect shade that complements your home’s architecture and surroundings.
Why Hiring Professional Painting Contractors in Essex is Important
It’s definitely tempting (and totally doable!) to do your exterior painting projects yourself, but hiring professional painting contractors in Essex County has a lot of benefits. They have the tools, materials, and experience they need to handle any curveballs thrown their way. Additionally, they know how to prepare your exterior surfaces and apply the paint properly, so the paint won’t pel, fade, or crack.
Professional house painting services Essex County can also save you time and effort. Instead of spending weeks on a DIY project, a team of professionals can do the job in a fraction of that time, with minimal disruption to your daily life. These contractors are also insured, which protects you from any liability issues that may arise during the painting process.
Leveraging Exterior Painting Tips
Repainting your home’s exterior will enhance its curb appeal and protect your investment. Whether your home has stucco, stone, or wood exteriors, using the right preparation techniques, choosing the best paints, and hiring experienced painting contractors in Essex County makes a huge difference. You can tackle your next home improvement project with confidence, knowing that your home will look beautiful and stand the test of time, when you leverage these exterior painting tips.
