The Top 5 Common Exterior Painting Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Painting the exterior of your property is an exciting project, but it can easily turn into a nightmare if it’s not done right. Whether you’re tackling the painting project yourself or you’re planning to hire a professional to do it for you, it’s important to be aware of the common mistakes that can ruin the outcome. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 5 common exterior painting mistakes you need to avoid.

1. Skipping the Surface Preparation

One of the most common mistakes when painting the exterior of your property is skipping the surface preparation phase. This can result in a paint job that quickly peels or chips shortly after painting. To avoid this, it's essential to properly prep the surface by pressure washing, scraping off loose paint, sanding the surfaces, and priming all the bare wood or metal surfaces.

2. Not Using the Right Paint

Using the wrong type of paint is another common mistake in exterior painting. It’s essential to use the right type of paint to ensure longevity and quality of the paint job. Quality paint should be able to withstand various weather conditions such as direct sunlight, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperature changes. Therefore, you need to speak to professional exterior painting contractors or experts to find the right type of paint for your property.

3. Painting Too Early or Too Late

The time at which the painting job is conducted also matters a great deal. Exterior painting should not be done too early or too late in the year as it can affect the final outcome. If you paint during very humid or hot weather, the paint may dry too quickly before it has been properly applied. It can also crack and lead to other problems. Also, painting during cold or freezing weather can lead to flaking and peeling. The ideal time of the year to paint your exterior is during mild temperatures, around 50-80°F.

4. Not Protecting the Environment

When painting the exterior, it’s vital that you protect the environment. Painting usually entails using chemicals and materials that can have adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, taking steps to protect the environment is important. Examples of these include covering plants and bushes with dropcloths, choosing low or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint options, and recycling leftover paint cans.

5. Rushing the Paint Job

Finally, rushing the painting process is a recipe for disaster. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, take your time with the painting process, and be careful with the strokes and the application of the paint. If you hire a professional exterior painting contractor, make sure that you give them enough time to do the job properly. Rushing the paint job can result in uneven surfaces, missed spots, and other major mistakes that can affect the outcome.

Conclusion

Painting the exterior of your property is an important investment that requires proper planning and execution. Avoiding these common mistakes is essential if you want to achieve a paint job that will last for years. Preparation, choosing the right paint, and being cautious are just some of the key steps that you need to take into consideration. Lakestone Painting is an experienced exterior painting company in Orlando, FL that can help you achieve professional results. So, if you're planning to start on an exterior commercial painting in Orlando, FL, contact us today for a free consultation.