1. Analyzing the Project. Painting a house, or even a single room, can be an enormously gratifying experience. However, to do the job right, it is important to understand everything about the project before you begin. So, do some research, and know everything there is to know, or at least the most pertinent information about the job.

Start by taking a critical look over the areas that you want to paint. If you are painting the exterior of your home, walk around it slowly and really analyze what needs to be done. Carry a pen and paper and take notes.


2. Note The Following. What type of materials make up your home's exterior? Wood? Stucco? Aluminum siding? Vinyl siding? Metal? Brick? Sometimes it is very surprising to see the actual number of different surfaces on your home, if you did not build your home yourself, sometimes you never really took notice of what all it is make up of. So, now is the time to do so. Take note of the condition of each material. Is it peeling? Chalking? Rutting? Is the caulk intact, or are there gaps where different surfaces meet? Is mildew present? It is especially important to recognize if there is any special problems that need to be addressed before you can paint-for example, is any of the siding rotted or damaged? Keep in mind that most any surface material can be painted-including surfaces like aluminum or vinyl siding, so the condition of these should be noted.


3. Use Your Notes. Now you are going to take your notes, and use them to plan your project. By writing down the conditions you can find the best quality paints to use to meet those needs. For example, if you noted mildew on the house, you will need a paint that can withstand water , as mildew is formed in areas that tend to be damp and not get direct sunlight. Or, if you notice a side of your house is getting a lot of direct sunlight you will know to get a paint that is specially formulated to retain color regardless of how much sunlight it receives. Your notes need to be thorough, as they will be very helpful throughout the course of your work. They will help you plan your job properly, tell you whether or not you will need to purchase any special tools or coatings, and help you go about your job in an orderly fashion.

The big payoff will come later. By approaching your job in a methodical, professional manner, you are sure to save time and get the best possible results with your painting. You will also know exactly what you need to get to make sure your house's exterior looks and stays looking superb. So, take the time to follow these easy steps, and get a paint job that looks great and lasts. For all the tools you need check out PaintingSuppliesDirect.com.