QA

How To Paint Exterior Trim Like A Pro

Is it better to roll or brush exterior paint?

Brush or Roller? Yes! The fastest, most effective way to apply exterior paint is with both a paintbrush and a roller. Brush paint onto narrow surfaces, edges, and smaller areas, and use a short, small-diameter roller to paint large and long surfaces such as siding and trim.

Should exterior trim be painted first?

As you can see, painting walls first, then painting the trim is best served, even in this case, where the soffit is the trim color. Taking time, not getting in a hurry is your best advice. Knowing painting the trim, brings the exterior painting all together, completing the total cost of painting this exterior.

How do you paint high areas outside?

How do you paint over old exterior paint?

How Do I Apply New Paint Over Old Paint? Wash the walls free of dust and grease. Fill the cracks, gaps, and holes with fillers, preferably a flexible filler. In case you are filling, make sure you sand and apply a primer to prevent a patchy look. Apply at least two coats of the new paint.

What type of exterior paint finish is best?

All things being equal, satin or eggshell finish is preferable for the exterior of a home. A satin/eggshell finish satisfies basic maintenance points while providing a pleasant appearance that appeals to the widest range of homeowners.

How often should you paint exterior of house?

Exteriors should be painted every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint and craftsmanship it was painted with last time. Here are some guidelines based on exterior surface: Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years. Aluminum siding needs to be painted about every 5 years.

What is the fastest way to paint trim?

How to Paint Trim Quickly Dip your brush into the paint, with bristles almost completely immersed. Instead of wiping brush on rim of can, lightly and quickly slap brush on the inside of the can a few times to reduce dripping. Apply paint to surfaces in long, steady, one-way strokes.

How do I get a smooth finish on my trim?

Sand Trim Between Coats for an Ultra-Smooth Finish For a smooth finish, sand the trim before applying each coat of paint. Sand the trim with a fine-grit sanding sponge. Sponges get into crevices where sandpaper can’t go and apply even pressure.

How many coats of paint do I need on exterior house?

So, How Many Coats of Exterior Paint Should You Apply? Two coats is typically all that’s needed, if you’re painting over a well-prepped, primed surface. This is particularly true if you are painting a dark color over a lighter, existing one, as you’re guaranteed to have good coverage.

Do you paint trim first or second?

Paint the Trim First, Then the Ceilings and Walls Pros usually follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That’s because it’s easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls.

What is the best time to paint house exterior?

So, what is the ideal weather for exterior painting? Early summer and early fall usually offer up the best weather conditions, with minimal rain and minimal fluctuations in temperature from day to night. This will ensure the paint goes on smoothly and has the chance to dry and cure properly.

Do you paint trim or caulking first?

If you want professional-looking trim, apply caulk before painting. This will give you that seamless finish by the time you’ve washed and packed away your paint brushes! I found that if I apply caulk after painting it collects dust more and it does start to yellow over time.

Can you paint outdoor trim?

Semigloss paint works well on trim. The brush used is almost as important as the paint itself. With latex paints, use a brush made of a nylon/polyester blend. Use a natural-bristle brush with oil-based paints.

What kind of paint do you use to paint trim?

We recommend Acrylic latex, Acrylic-Alkyd Hybrid, or semi-gloss paint. Those are the best paints for trim.

Should I pressure wash my house before painting?

Pressure washing before painting is a chance to remove all dirt, debris, and cobwebs before painting. It’s important to wash your house so that the new coat has the best chance to bond with the undercoat. By cleaning off all the gunk, we can make sure the paint goes on smoothly, not just rolling over dirt.

How do you paint exterior dormers?

Dip a three-inch nylon paintbrush into latex paint and apply a base color to all the designated areas. Allow it to dry and apply second coat. Rinse off your paintbrush and apply a second color of latex paint to the trim of the dormer windows. Remove painter’s tape from the exterior before the paint dries.

Can I just paint over old paint?

How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls? You probably don’t need a primer paint if the new coat is the same type as the old paint. You can just pick the paint color you want and keep going. If the current wall is also smooth and clean, you can head straight for the paint.

Do you have to prime over old paint?

You probably don’t need a primer. If the current wall is smooth, clean and covered with the same type of paint (both are oil-based for example), you can head straight for the paint.

How do you paint peeling exterior trim?

Instructions Scrape Away the Loose Edges. With a paint scraper or 5-in-1 tool, scrape away loose edges of the painted area. Remove the Loose Paint by Brushing. Apply the Wood Filler. Allow the Wood Filler to Dry. Sand Down the Wood Filler. Check for Smoothness. Apply the Primer.