Tips to help you finish the job quickly
(ARA) - Mild days of 50 to 80 degrees with little or no wind and low humidity
are more likely to bring thoughts of golfing than household chores. However,
these are the perfect conditions for outdoor painting jobs. So grab your old
clothes -- it's time to paint.
Taking care of your outdoor surfaces pays off when you consider the expense
of replacing siding, deck planking, lawn furniture, playsets and more. Not only
that, but a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your outdoor living space.
Take advantage of the weather while you can -- it won't last forever. Here are
some tips to help you complete your painting jobs in record time and get professional
results.
You can take a quick inventory of what projects need to be done simply by
figuring out how long has it been since the last paint job. If it's been longer
than three or four years, the paint is likely either chipping or fading and
could use some attention.
Before you begin, take care of a few details: remove peeling paint and dirt
by sanding, scraping or pressure washing your surface. Patch small cracks and
seams with caulk and add primer to any bare wood. When selecting primer, choose
a breathable oil primer to allow moisture buildup from inside the house to escape.
Cover the primer with two coats of 100 percent acrylic latex paint to resist
mildew and hold color best. Avoid painting if rain or very high humidity is
predicted within 24 hours and make sure to finish early enough for the surface
to dry before evening dew sets in.
Selecting colors for outdoor projects can be tricky. There is no formula
to pick the right colors, but a few guidelines will help you accomplish the
look you want. Some existing colors in your yard are not going to change such
as a roof, doors, railings, brick or other surfaces that will not be painted
-- consider these before you paint. New paint does not need to match existing
colors, but it should harmonize. Dark colors require more maintenance because
they fade quicker and are more difficult to touch up. In terms of sheen, glossy
surfaces are easier to clean, but the glossier the surface, the more likely
it is to show imperfections. Don't forget to test your color in a small area
before you paint -- colors will almost always look different on the surface
than what you imagine.
Remember that light colors will make objects seem larger while dark colors
will make them seem smaller but can be used to draw attention to detail. Keep
this in mind when choosing your base color. (Be aware that dark colors do require
more maintenance because they fade easier and are more difficult to touch up.)
In terms of sheen, glossy surfaces are easier to clean, however, the glossier
the surface, the more likely it is to show imperfections.
The beauty of outdoor painting is that a paint sprayer can be used to get
the job done in a few easy strokes. Spraying paint provides a high quality finish
and saves a great deal of time. A simple hand-held Wagner Power Painter is affordable
and will give you a great looking finish in a fraction of the time it takes
to use a brush or roller. If you're planning on spraying, take note of a few
tips from Wagner:
* Practice on a piece of scrap wood or cardboard before you spray to test
your spray pattern. Your pattern should move top-down in back and forth or up
and down motions that are slightly overlapping.
* Keep your arm moving at a constant speed and keep the sprayer at a constant
distance from the surface -- between 10 and 14 inches is recommended.
* Make sure to stop the flow of paint at the end of each stroke before moving
to the next stroke -- this will help you avoid an uneven finish.
* If you are going to be painting a surface with detail, spray the base (or
dominant) coat and paint the details with a brush.
Painting your entire house or even a fence, deck or play set will enhance
your outdoor living space and does not have to consume you. Power Painters can
shave hours and even days off of your projects. Get your painting out of the
way quickly so you can spend your time on the green polishing the strokes that
matter to you.
Wagner Power Painters are versatile and can be used to spray anything from
light bodied stains, varnishes, or water proofers to heavier latex paints. They
are invaluable when it comes to painting difficult surfaces like lattice, shutters,
fences, and stucco, but even for typical projects, Power Painters make painting
quick and easy. To get your painting done faster, check out the Wagner Power
Painters at www.wagnerspraytech.com or visit your local home center or hardware
store.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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