7 Common Exterior Home Painting Mistakes

Exterior painting projects are no small feat. If you are looking for a long lasting, durable paint job, it's important to avoid common mistakes that end up in costly repairs. Exterior painting projects on their own are an investment, so you don't want your money to go to waste.

Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE is a high-quality residential painting company. We use high-quality products and a thorough prep work process to ensure that you get the lasting paint job that you deserve.

In this article, we will go over the 7 common mistakes that we see homeowners do when painting the exterior of their home, whether they are doing it themselves or hiring a painter. By reading this article, you will know how to tackle your exterior painting project in a way that is going to give you the most value for your investment.

1. Not Measuring The Exterior Of Your Home

Not measuring the exterior of your home before starting a painting project can lead to significant oversights. By neglecting this crucial step, your painter is essentially setting yourself up for potential issues down the line.

Firstly, failing to measure your home means your painter won't have an accurate estimate of how much paint you'll need. This can result in unnecessary trips to the store or even running out of paint halfway through the job, causing delays and frustration.

Secondly, not measuring your home makes it difficult to gauge how long the painting process will take. Without this information, your painters may find themselves unprepared for the time commitment required, leading to rushed work or unfinished areas.

Taking the time to measure your home before starting your exterior painting project is a simple yet crucial step that can save you time, money, and ensure a successful outcome.

2. Buying The Wrong Kind Of Exterior Paint

Of course you are well aware that you are not going to use a paint that is meant to paint your living room to paint your home exterior (right?) but you should be aware that there are numerous kinds of exterior paint.

When it comes to choosing the right exterior paint for your home, it's crucial to consider the specific environmental factors that your home is exposed to. Different paints are formulated to withstand varying conditions such as intense sunlight, heavy rain, or snow.

For instance, a high-quality paint designed for homes in sunny climates will have UV protection to prevent fading and cracking. On the other hand, a paint suited for rainy or snowy regions will have superior water resistance to prevent moisture damage and mold growth.

By selecting the appropriate exterior paint based on your home's unique environment, you can ensure a long-lasting and resilient paint job that will protect your home for years to come.

3. Exterior Painters License and Insurance

When embarking on an exterior painting project, safety should always be a top priority, especially when working on higher areas of your home. If you are hiring a painter for the project, you may think that this isn't relevant to you- but it can be.

Without workers' compensation or a painter's license, you may face liabilities in case of accidents or damages during the project.

Additionally, ensuring that the painter has the necessary insurance can provide peace of mind and protection against any unexpected incidents. By taking the time to verify the credentials of the painter, you can avoid potential issues and ensure a successful and secure exterior painting project.

Painters should take the time to properly set up and secure equipment to not only safeguards their well-being but also allows them to focus on the task at hand without worrying about any safety risks. By prioritizing safety measures, you can confidently tackle the higher areas of your home's exterior with peace of mind and precision.

4. Not Cleaning Your Exterior Home

When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, ensuring that the surface is properly cleaned is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Not only should you remove the dust and grime that accumulates on the surface over time, but it's also important to address any potential growth of mold and mildew.

Mold and mildew can not only detract from the appearance of your home but can also pose health risks to you and your family. By thoroughly cleaning these off the exterior of your home before painting, you can prevent their recurrence and ensure a clean and healthy living environment.

Taking the time to clean the exterior of your home not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal but also sets the foundation for a successful and long-lasting paint job. Remember, a clean surface is key to achieving a flawless finish and protecting your home from potential damage in the future.

5. Not Using Anything To Cover The Plants or Outdoor Decor

When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, taking the time to protect your plants and outdoor decor is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. By covering your plants with tarp or drop cloth, you can prevent paint splatters and drips from ruining your beautiful greenery.

Not only does this protect your plants, but it also makes the cleanup process much easier. It's far simpler to dispose of plastic covering that has caught any stray paint than it is to painstakingly remove paint from delicate leaves and stems.

While it may take a bit of extra time and effort to cover your plants and outdoor decor before painting, the results are well worth it. Your plants will thank you for the protection, and you'll be able to enjoy a beautifully painted home exterior without any unnecessary damage to your outdoor space.

6. Not Fixing Gaps, Holes, & Cracks

When inspecting your home for exterior defects before starting a painting project, it's essential to address any gaps, holes, or cracks that may be present. These imperfections not only affect the overall appearance of your home but can also lead to structural issues if left unattended.

To properly correct these defects, different steps need to be taken depending on the severity of the damage. Small gaps and cracks can typically be filled with a quality caulk or sealant, while larger holes may require patching with a durable filler.

By taking the time to fix these exterior defects before painting, you can ensure a smooth and uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your home but also helps to protect it from potential water damage and other issues in the future. Remember, addressing these defects is a crucial step in achieving a professional and long-lasting paint job for your home's exterior.

7. Not Peeling Loose Exterior Paint

Lastly, make sure that you do not allow loose paint to just remain on the surface of your home when you are repainting it or even before you repaint it. It's crucial to address any peeling or flaking paint before starting your exterior painting project.

Leaving loose paint on the surface can lead to a bumpy and uneven finish, as the new paint will not adhere properly and may peel off prematurely. To ensure a smooth and durable paint job, take the time to scrape off any loose paint using a scraper or wire brush.

Exterior Painting Your Home in Omaha

In conclusion, when it comes to exterior painting projects, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to costly repairs and unsatisfactory results. By measuring your home, choosing the right paint, ensuring your painter is licensed and insured, cleaning the exterior surface, protecting your plants, fixing gaps and cracks, and addressing loose paint, you can achieve a long-lasting and high-quality paint job.

Remember, proper preparation is key to success in any painting project. So, whether you are tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional painter, taking these steps will ensure that your investment yields the best possible outcome.

Brush & Roll Painting is a high-quality exterior painting company in Omaha, NE. With our thorough process, use of high-quality products, and 2-9-year exterior painting warranty, your project is guaranteed to look flawless years. Click the button below to get a quote for your exterior painting project.

Any exterior painting project may come with concerns and challenges. To overcome them and help guide you through the project, we created a exterior painting project checklist. Click the button below to download your checklist and begin your project on the right foot.