It’s amazing what a paint job can do for your home. In addition to increasing the price value of your home, you’re also protecting it from harmful elements and adding years to its life in the process. But while it may seem like a good idea, having to hire someone for the service can be expensive. That is why it is important to know the basics of residential house painting. At least you’ll know why it’s priced that way, in case the painting services contract turns out to be a scam.

Residential house painting basically involves two areas: interior and exterior. Both the method and the materials and tools used for both are different.

Inside

Interior painting may seem like the easiest job, perhaps because the repairs are minimal compared to exterior. That’s why you don’t need to paint interiors often. If the existing paint is of good quality, or if there is less traffic in these areas, painting may not even be necessary. Because it’s relatively easy, some homeowners do the painting themselves.

Interior painting consists of painting the ceiling and walls. This also includes the windows and trim, and sometimes the floor. But the crucial part of painting is in the preparation. It can make or break any paint job.

Preparation begins with inspecting areas and making any necessary repairs. Fill holes and level surfaces. After that you can sand the wood and then apply a primer. Primer must be applied to the wood for the paint to adhere well. There is a specific primer for each type of paint, so choose the right primer.

Exterior

The first step is pressure washing. With a pressure washer and some detergent, all built-up dirt and mildew are removed, as well as any loose paint. When the surfaces are dry, it’s time to scrape or sand. This is to remove the old paint so the surfaces are level.

The next step is repair. Check for leaks, cover any holes with caulk and caulk any cracks along the corners or joint area. After doing so, make sure the surface is level and there are no bumps or excess putty. Remove them with a scraper. Treatments can also be added to the wood, such as mold and termite treatments. After this, the next step is priming.

Keep in mind that quality paint is expensive. Since quality paint lasts longer than low or inferior quality ones, you have saved a lot of money in the long run because you don’t need to repaint frequently. Also, choose your colors well. Colors and color combinations are important because they define the personality of the owner and affect the mood of those who see it.