=====With long days and great weather, there’s no better time to cross off items on your home improvement to-do list than the summer. And for man...
With long days and great weather, there’s no better time to cross off items on your home improvement to-do list than the summer. And for many, painting will be at the top of that list.
So whether you’re looking to spruce up your mailbox or give your home interiors a fresh coat, check out these summer painting ideas and advice.
Are you ready to get started on your next painting project? Contact a painting contractor today for quotes from pros in your area, for free.
Where to Start
Once you get started making your list of things that need to be painted, it can be hard to stop. Before you know it, you’ve listed every surface on your property! You may not have that kind of time on your hands, so it’s smart to prioritize your paint projects. Think about your goals— do you want to focus on boosting curb appeal? Would you rather revitalize the interior of your home? Then think about the specific projects that will help you accomplish each of those objectives. If you start with a painting plan, you’ll be better equipped to achieve your home improvement goals.
DIY Painting Projects
Oftentimes, painting can be an easy project that can be done yourself. If you’re needing inspiration, take a look at some of these summer painting ideas:
- Projects to boost curb appeal: Your choice of exterior house paint colors is likely the first thing someone notices when they look at your house. If your home is feeling dingy and outdated, consider painting it a fresh new color. Dark grey, beige, brown, red, navy blue, and light green are all popular picks. The average cost to paint a house exterior varies by location and general house size.
- Give interior rooms a fresh coat: Drab and dingy paint jobs can bring down the mood of any room. Interior house paint colors like soft greys, muted greens, beiges, and neutral tones can give a room character and that extra pop. Just like the exterior, the cost to paint the interior of a house can vary.
- Just the trim: On a budget and don’t want to buy paint for the whole house? Consider painting the exterior trim or interior molding. This alone can create a fresh new look. And don’t forget about the front door, deck, mailbox or shed while you’ve got the paintbrush out!
Concerns During Summer Months
First and foremost, safety should be your number one concern while undertaking a summer painting project. High temperatures and physical exertion can lead to dangerous conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke if you aren’t careful. Always be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Work in the cooler times of the day such as the early morning or late afternoon, and rest when you’re feeling tired.
And too much heat isn’t only bad for the painter; excessive temperatures can prevent proper bonding of the paint, leading to peeling and cracking. For best results, the temperature for exterior painting should sit between 40°- 90°F for oil-based paints and between 50°- 85°F for latex-based paints. Exterior house paint also dries best when the humidity is between 40% to 70%. Check the weather ahead of time to ensure you’re not getting started at the same time a heatwave is rolling in. If you have a larger exterior paint job, plan your painting around the sun’s position in the sky. Work your way around the house in such a way that you’re always in the shade.
When to Hire a Pro
Some painting conditions require extra care and attention. If you face one (or more) of the following situations, consider hiring a professional to help you get the job done.
- Outdoor obstacles: While indoor rooms with easily reachable ceilings may make painting seem like a breeze, outdoor obstacles with hard to reach places tell a different side of the story. Professionals are skilled at getting the job done, no matter what stands in their way.
- Places up high: A two-story house likely means tall ladders and scaffolding. For those without experience, this could double the amount of time the project takes. And if you aren’t used to high places, it could be dangerous.
- House built before 1978: In 1978, the federal government outlawed lead paint. Houses built before that date may still be painted with the toxic substance. If your house was built before that date, it’s always best to hire a lead paint certified pro who does the job safely without releasing lead particles in the air.
- Drastic color change: If you’re planning on switching up the color, the project may require more than a few coats. A professional will know how many are needed and be able to get the job done quickly with tools like interior paint sprayers.
- Old surfaces or repair work: Old surfaces with flaky, chipped paint require a good deal of prep work, which may call for special equipment like sandblasters.
No matter how much we like a challenge, some tasks are just best left for the professionals.
Ready to tackle your next big paint job? Search for local contractors in your area skilled in painting.
