1. Take the time to prepare the surface properly. Next to using quality paint, this is the most important rule of all. Proper preparation!
2. Start by washing the entire surface of your house. Even on new homes, this is very important. (We recommend using a power washer, available for rent from Hirshfieldís.)
3. Scrape all loose, peeling or blistered paint off the surface.
4. Be certain to sand all scraped areas. Start with extra coarse sandpaper, them medium, until the old paint blends into the bare wood.
5. Fill all holes and indentations in bare wood with exterior spackle. If holes are large, spackle in several steps and allow extra dry time. Sand spackled areas smooth.
6. Wash residue off all sanded areas with a sponge and a mild solution of tri-sodium phosphate and rinse well. Or dust off with a dry brush. (If washing, allow two days drying time.)
7. Caulk all joints between siding and window and door trim. (We recommend Hirshfield's
35-year caulk which is paintable.) Allow sufficient drying time.
8. Prime all bare spots. Let dry overnight.
9. When your house and your primed areas are completely dry, apply your topcoat.
10. Be sure the paint you buy is of a high quality. (We recommend our 100% acrylic latex Housecoat II Low Lustre.) Properly applied, a high quality paint will last up to twice as long as "bargain" paint. Also, be sure to read the directions on the can.
11. Use the correct type of brush. For siding, we usually recommend a 4-inch brush. For sashes we think that a 2î-3î angle brush works best.
12. If you thin your paint, be sure to follow the manufacturerís exact recommendations, do not over-thin.
13. In the hot summer, do not paint in the sun. Stay in the shade, if possible. In the cool spring or fall, do just the opposite. Work in the sun and follow it around.
14. Don't paint if the temperature is 50ƒ F or less, unless you use Hirshfieldís Housecoat II Low Lustre which is good for temperatures down to 35ƒ F.
15. Rule of thumb. The best time to paint exteriors is starting the latter part of May up through the middle of October.
16. If you are in doubt about any portion of the job, ask directions from the paint experts at Hirshfieldís. Theyíll give you all the right information so youíll end up with a job youíll be proud of.