{"id":16018,"date":"2014-08-05T13:40:42","date_gmt":"2014-08-05T11:40:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mobserver.co.za\/?p=16018"},"modified":"2014-08-05T13:40:42","modified_gmt":"2014-08-05T11:40:42","slug":"guide-painting-home-exterior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/middelburg-observer\/uncategorized\/2014\/08\/05\/guide-painting-home-exterior\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to painting your home exterior"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your home exterior is not looking as good as it should – cracks everywhere, paint is peeling and metalwork is starting to show rust, then now is the perfect time to think about fixing up and painting your home exterior, fittings and trim.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best time to paint your home exterior is during the dry season when you don\u2019t have to worry about the occasional downfall or storm spoiling your hard work.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the Highveld, winter is the ideal time to gather together your supplies and tackle this project. Not only will your home look good, it will also ensure the property is in good condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Stand back and assess<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Before you rush off to your local Builders Warehouse or hardware store, take the time to stand back and make a list of what you need. Do a thorough inspection of the walls, fascia boards, burglar bars and security gates, as well as window frames and doors, so that you can compile a list of essential materials, supplies and tools that you will need to finish the project.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Equipment and tools you will need<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Stepladder or scaffolding platform<\/span>
\nHigh-pressure spray and hosepipe<\/span>
\nBlock hammer and assorted chisels, and possibly an angle grinder<\/span>
\nDrop cloths if you need to protect surrounding plants and shrubs<\/span>
\nExtension cable for power tools<\/span><\/p>\n

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Supplies you will need<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Exterior crack filler or plaster mix<\/span>
\nAssorted grit sandpaper<\/span>
\nPaint scrapers<\/span>
\nSteel brush<\/span>
\nPaint rollers* and assorted paintbrushes<\/span>
\nExterior paint for walls<\/span>
\nPaint for metalwork\u00a0<\/span>
\nSealer or varnish for wood fittings<\/span><\/p>\n

*Choose a short pile paint roller for smooth walls and a long-pile roller for textured walls<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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If you have damp or efflorescence*<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Damp or waterproofing product<\/span><\/p>\n

Stiff scrubbing brush<\/span>
\n*Efflorescence is a white powdery residue that collects on the surface of bricks<\/em><\/span>
\nPreparation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Before you start any painting, no matter what the surface, you will probably need to do some preparation in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2022 Walls<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Wash down walls with a high-pressure spray. This is also a great way to remove any loose or flaking paint.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where there is a problem with damp, use a paint scraper to remove all the paint from the wall and brush down. You will also need to brush down the plaster if efflorescence is visible. Apply a damp or waterproofing product in accordance with the manufacturer\u2019s guidelines and follow this with plaster primer. You will find detailed information on easy DIY for\u00a0dealing with rising damp<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Chip out any cracks before filling. For large cracks this requires the use of a hammer and chisel to remove the plaster down to brickwork in a \u2018V\u2019 shape, so that an exterior crack filler or plaster mix can be applied to the base of the crack to prevent re-occurrence. Apply plaster primer over the finish before painting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2022 Metalwork<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sand down areas where paint has flaked with 120-grit sandpaper.\u00a0<\/span>
\nTreat rust with a rust converter or rust stripper according to the instructions.<\/span>
\nWhere rust has eaten into the metal, you can fix this up after rust converter or rust stripper using a 2-part epoxy for steel.<\/span><\/p>\n

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