Repainting is one of the most popular ways to give a home a much-needed facelift. But the benefits of painting go beyond just improving aesthetics. Adding a fresh coat of paint protects the interior and exterior surfaces of a house from moisture, contaminants and other unwanted elements.
Oil paints are one of the most widely used types of paints for residential projects. If you are contemplating repainting your house with oil paint, you might have heard that they are harder to use than their water-based cousins. This is mainly because these paints tend to be thicker than water paints. Don't let this discourage you from using oil paint.
If you know how to go about oil painting the right way, you'll be rewarded with increased durability for your effort, especially in areas of the house that often receive plenty of wear, such as trim, doorways and corridors.
Read along to find out how to achieve professional quality results when repainting your abode with oil paint.
Paint Surface Preparation
The first step in achieving a professional result in any paint job is to ensure that the surfaces to be painted are well-prepped for paint application. Proper prep work helps to achieve a uniform application of the paint.
Interior surfaces will need to be washed and rinsed off to remove the dirt, grime and stains that may have accumulated due to accidental spills or contact with soiled hands. Exterior surfaces may require a little scraping and sanding to remove the old paint and foreign substances, such as mould and mildew, that may have grown on the surfaces over time. You can then clean these surfaces with bleach to help kill the mould and mildew. Once you're done cleaning the surfaces, rinse these surfaces with clean water.
The clean surfaces should be allowed to dry properly before fresh paint can be applied.
Paint Application
Start by gathering everything you will need to apply the paint. Once everything is ready, mix the paint according to the manufacturer's instructions and grab your paint tool or applicator. It could be a paintbrush or roller. If possible, it is best to equip yourself with both because each has its job.
You can use the brush to paint corners, cuts and hard-to-reach areas and then cover the large, open surfaces with a roller. This is called the mixed painting technique.
Apply the paint in at least three coats – primer, undercoat and finished coat. Work from top to bottom so you can deal with dripped paint on your way downwards. Allow each coat of paint enough time to dry properly before applying the next coat.
With this simplified breakdown of the house repainting process, you should be able to achieve pro results when working with oil paints. But if you still feel that the project is beyond your reach, feel free to hire a professional residential painter.