3 Tips for Painting Your Home

Painting is not only a fun way to make a change, it's also an inexpensive way to improve a home's resale value. It can smooth over some of the cosmetic flaws of a home when staging to sell, helping it look more attractive to both homeowners and passerbys alike. Here are a few tips to get the best possible coats on the exterior of the home.

Make Prep a Priority

The importance of caulking, patching, and cleaning the home first cannot be overstated:

• Check the sides: Dirt and mildew have a tendency to form in some of the most overlooked corners.
• Pressure wash the exterior: This step is usually the best way to clear out any peeling paint or other impurities that may have formed over time.
• Seal the cracks: Caulk all joints (e.g., where the molding meets door frame, etc.) of the home to ensure the job looks as neat as possible.
• Replace or sand down: If the siding is beginning to rot, it will need to be replaced. Homeowners should also sand down any rough wooden patches so paint glides on smoothly.

Choose the Right Tools

If the sealer doesn't have enough resin in it, the paint won't be able to stick properly. If the walls have a chalk-like quality to them, homeowners may need to look for a special sealer to help the paint adhere. In other words, this is not a time to cut corners. Despite the initial cost of the items, the investment is well worth it. A water-based paint with bright pigments and strong binders will ensure the paint stays intact for many years to come.

Spray and Roll

Most people choose to spray the paint on and then use a roller for even distribution. Homeowners living in particularly cold or inclement climates can really benefit from high-quality paint because the solvents and binders are made to withstand some brutal conditions. When choosing a color, homeowners should keep in mind both the color they want, but they should also factor in the look of their neighborhood as well as what future buyers may want.

There's no doubt that painting a Willow Brook home is a major renovation process, but taking the time to prepare can really speed up the process. Homeowners should put the majority of their time into prep work so they can glide the paint on as quickly and painlessly as possible.