What is the best paint for exterior walls?
If the exterior of your home or business is looking tired and worn, it may need to be repaired and painted. Here's a quick guide to the best paint for exterior walls and how best to paint them.
A guide to the best paint for exterior walls and how best to paint them
Safety first
Painting the exterior of your home or business will likely mean working at heights. If you are using a ladder, always have someone “foot” the bottom to steady it. Place the ladder on level, solid ground and make sure it cannot tip over. If the ladder is extendable, it should have at least three rungs that overlap to provide stability.
Always wear flat shoes that grip the ground and do not bend over; get down and move the ladder so that you can comfortably reach it.
Preparation
Remove loose paint and dirt using a stiff-bristled brush. If the wall is very dirty, wash it with household detergent before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. Treat areas affected by moss or climbing plants with a fungicide wash. This technique will also get rid of salt marks.
The quickest and most effective way to clean a large area is to rent a pressure washer. Be careful not to point the washer jet at your windows or gutters, as this can cause damage. Allow the wall to dry thoroughly for a day or two before proceeding.
If possible, dig down to the depth of one brick at ground level and then scrub the underside of the wall to avoid clogging your paintbrush.
Tape old newspapers around drainpipes to protect them from paint splatters and to mask windows and door frames as well. Use tarps to cover shrubs or plants that may be in the line of fire below your painting area.
Repairs
Fill small cracks and holes in the wall with wall filler, using layers to fill deeper cracks. Once the filler is dry, rub the area with sandpaper.
Sealing and priming
Dusty areas and porous patches should be sealed and primed with wall primer. Use a small paintbrush for hard-to-reach areas and a medium or long-pile roller for larger areas.
Choose the best paint for exterior walls
Textured wall paint is a great surface for hiding walls with minor imperfections. Water-based acrylic is the best paint for exterior walls. Acrylic repels water while allowing the wall to ‘breathe’ so it doesn’t get wet.
When choosing a color, remember to consider the space you are covering and how the color will appear at different times of day and in different lighting.
Painting exterior walls
Choose a time when several days of dry weather are forecast. Divide each wall into manageable sections, using windows and drainpipes as boundaries.
When painting heavily textured walls, hold your brush at a 90-degree angle and wipe the bristles in a stippling motion to get a good full coverage.
Start painting from the top of each section and work your way down to avoid covering the newly painted area with flecks of paint. Use short strokes, applying a loaded paintbrush to a clean area and then returning to a painted patch. Rotate the brush to ensure everything is evenly coated, and don't forget to paint behind the drainpipes.
If the walls are smooth, you can use a long-pile roller. This is much quicker and there will be less visible overlap. Apply a vertical stripe of paint to the wall. Now load up the roller and apply another vertical stripe about 40cm from the first. Now roll the two strips diagonally over each other, making sure the paint gets into all the spots and gaps.
Use the https://www.mobeltrend.com blog to always choose the best quality paints when painting the exterior of your home to get a professional result every time. Stay tuned for more information and advice on choosing the best paint for exterior walls.
