HOT SUMMER WEATHER PERFECT FOR MINOR PAINTING PROJECTS
Just because the hot weather’s here doesn’t mean you can’t do something cool with your home exterior. Some small-scale painting projects can easily be completed early in the morning or late in the afternoon, times of the day when you won’t wilt in the sun.
Spending just a couple of hours repainting the front door is a prime example, says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert for the Paint Quality Institute. “By switching to a completely different door color, you may be able to give your home an entirely new appearance,” she says. "It’s a great way to get a big return for a small amount of sweat equity."
Another smart move is to paint your shutters. . .in stages. Take on just two at a time before taking off for the patio or pool; then repeat the process for as many days as necessary. You’ll get more efficient as you go, and soon, all your shutters will be sporting new shades.
Adding an accent color in an unexpected place is another no-sweat way to spice things up on your exterior. One idea is to paint the window surrounds in a color that complements the frames. Or, pick out an interesting architectural detail and introduce a new hue there. Just a few little accents can inject fresh life into your existing color scheme.
Looking for a painting project that is even less demanding? Then enhance your homestead with a hot punch color on your mailbox, lamppost, or even a birdhouse. These items are so quick and easy to paint that you could brighten them up after supper.
Where else might you find a mini paint project on your home’s exterior? Look for some shady nooks and crannies that might benefit from a new color. A cool idea if you are sensitive to the sun is to avoid it entirely by painting a porch ceiling, sheltered entranceway, or similar spot.
Even if you become addicted to these simple projects, there is a time when it’s best to put your paintbrush aside – namely, when the weather gets extremely hot (typically, anything north of 90 degrees). This type of excessive heat may keep your paint from “curing” properly, and that’s something to avoid. Check the paint can label for specific advice on the temperature-sensitivity of the paint that you’re using.
Zimmer offers one other bit of advice: “When doing exterior painting, you should always favor top quality 100% acrylic latex paint to get the best-looking, longest lasting paint job.”
Once you are acclimated to hot weather painting, you may find it a hard habit to break. Painting early in the morning, in the shade, or as the sun is setting can be downright pleasant. . .and a great way to do all kinds of projects that will add summertime sizzle to your home!
For more information about exterior painting, visit the Paint Quality Institute blog at blog.paintquality.com, or go to www.paintquality.com.
THE PAINT QUALITY INSTITUTE (SM)
Since 1989, The Paint Quality Institute (SM) has been educating people on the advantages of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute's goal is to help educate consumers, contractors and designers by providing information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of instructional platforms and conferences, and traditional and new media vehicles. More information can be found at www.paintquality.com.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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