Hints & Tips
Time will Tell
When is it time to repaint the exterior of your home? Most experts would say every five to ten years, depending on the climate and exposure. If you want a more specific answer, look to see if the finish has dulled, or collected a dusting of powdery pigment. Both are telltale signs that it’s time to repaint.
Side by Side
When painting an exterior, work on one side at a time, going through all the steps: scrape, sand or powerwash old siding, prime and paint, before moving on to the next side. While it’s tempting to scrape down the whole house once you get started, working one side at a time means your newly cleaned or primed surface gets a quick coat of paint, rather than sitting exposed to the elements.
Fall Fever
Spring-cleaning often extends to the outside of your home, making spring a favorite time for repainting. But fall is great painting weather as well—and you have a better chance of finding an available painter, if you need to hire help. Optimum painting temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and below 90, when weather is dry and there’s no rain in the forecast.
Dry 'em Out
If you use rags to apply paint thinner or other solvents, make sure to spread them out on the ground to dry when you’re done. If they’re still wet by the end of the day, soak them in a bucket of water. Solvent-soaked rags can generate enough heat to spontaneously combust if left in a heap without cleaning.