Welcome spring with a fresh coat of paint
Don’t skip the primer if you want a lasting, professional-looking finish
After a seemingly endless winter, spring has finally sprung in the GTA. At last my favourite time of year is upon us — patio season! I love spending time in my backyard — relaxing, eating, entertaining and even working. However, our harsh Canadian winters wreak havoc on everything left outside.
A fresh coat of paint can update outdoor decor with the latest colours and protect against the elements. With the right preparation paint can give practically anything new life.
For good adhesion, make sure the painting surface is clean, dry and free of mould and mildew. If required, there are many commercial and environmentally-friendly mildewcides available. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and use outside or in a well-ventilated area, then thoroughly rinse and allow to dry completely prior to applying primer, paint or stain.
Remove any loose paint with a scraper or wire brush. Sanding the surface to be painted ensures a better grip. You don’t have to go crazy here, a light sanding with a fine grit is usually sufficient. Wipe the dust off the surface with a dry cloth (I like using a tack cloth, found at hardware stores, to ensure I have all the little particles).
When painting outdoors, be sure to check the weather. Don’t paint if the temperature is or will drop below 10 C as the paint will not cure properly. Rain and foggy weather will also ruin a fresh paint job — best to wait for a few days of nice weather.
If painting your house, I recommend testing the paint in an inconspicuous area. After the specified drying time, check for any adhesion or compatibility issues. If there are no issues, begin full-scale application with the side of the house in the shade. Direct sunlight can dry the paint too quickly, and cause blistering and lap marks. (This goes for anything else you may be painting outside — paint in the shade.)
For a lasting, professional-looking finish, don’t skip the primer. Primers do more than ensure a superior bond between the sub-straight and final coat. They help prevent peeling, block stains and odours, and help achieve a smooth finish.
As with indoor painting, begin at the top and work your way down. Drips, splatter and spills happen — better for it not to be on your freshly painted surface. Ceilings first, then walls, trim and floors.
When painting horizontal siding, work your way from one end to the other, four to five boards at a time to avoid lap marks. For vertical siding, work top to bottom. Depending on the surface, you may use a brush, roller or combination of both. Different surfaces and paints are best applied with specific brushes and roller knaps. The paint store will be able to recommend the right tool for your application and paint type.
For porches and decks, first paint a two-to-three-inch band where the wall meets the floor. Then begin in the corner diagonally opposite the exit, working your way across and maintaining a wet edge.
Paint furniture in a garage if possible. I’m not certain what it is about fresh paint that attracts insects, but little wings stuck to a masterpiece isn’t part of the plan.
Now it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Andrea Colman is a colour consultant and principal designer and owner of Fine Finishes Custom Design Solutions. Send paint shade questions to info@finefinishes.ca