Warm weather is here and for many homeowners, it means outdoor home improvement projects, starting with the chipped and peeling paint on your siding. Painting exterior walls is much different than your average interior project. You have to consider the type of siding you have and the equipment needed to work from the ground.

Snow, ice, frost, and humidity all have a negative effect on paint. If your home’s exterior looks stressed and worn, it has most likely taken a beating through harsh weather conditions. A good paint job can last up to ten years if you do everything correctly. Follow these simple prep steps to help make house painting a breeze:

• Protect the area. Lay several drop cloths to protect the surrounding area, like nearby plants and your air conditioning unit, from paint. Secure the drop cloths with masking tape to prevent the drop cloths from blowing away and risking paint damage.
• Scrub the siding. Mildew thrives on old paint and makes it difficult for fresh paint to adhere well. Combine warm water and a light cleaner in a bucket and use a brush and broom to thoroughly clean the area before you break out the paint brushes. Thoroughly rinse the area with a garden hose when finished. If the area is too large to tackle, consider renting a pressure washer.
• Scrape and sand loose paint. Remove loose, flaking paint with a hand scraper to achieve the smoothest look. Wear a face mask for safety and spray water as you scrape to have the best results. Use a sander or sandpaper to smooth out rough areas and to ensure the paint will be equally level across the entire exterior.
• Fill in minor holes with putty. Step back and take a look at the area to see which areas need to be filled in. Cover holes with putty and give the area time to dry. This is a crucial step as it prevents air leaks and blocks water penetration.
• Apply two coats of water-based paint. Water-based paints have fewer volatile organic compounds, and they are safer for the environment and your family. Apply two coats in order to achieve the best visual results. The St. Charles Painters can assist you on the guidelines of purchasing environmentally friendly, low volatile organic compound paint.

Follow these tips to enjoy warm spring weather with a beautifully painted exterior.