Painting your home can seem like a monstrous task, but with the right tools and a few tricks this project can be very easy. Putting fresh paint on your house will give you home a whole new fresh look that will last for years. Armed with a bit of knowledge you home is sure to look great with paint that will last.

Exterior paint comes in two basic forms: water based latex and oil based alkyd. Latex is easy to clean up, does not have a strong smell and dries quickly where as alkyds are not easily removed from surfaces, smell of solvents and dry slowly. At first glance you would think that choosing between these two types would be a no-brainier, but latex is chosen by many professional painters because it dries with very few brush strokes, is stain resistant and durable. If you are a first time or amateur DIYer, it is probably best to stick with latex paints. Always make sure to read the instructions on the side of the container you choose. The label will give you instructions on prepping the surface area and how to remove any accidents.

Prepping you painting surface is one of the most important steps when undertaking a home project. For the optimal results the paint needs to successfully adhere to the surface you wish to cover without impediments like dirt, mildew or other residues. The quickest, easiest way to prepare an outdoor painting project is to power wash any debris and old covering from the surface. If you do not have a power washer, you can typically rent them from a local hardware store. Always read the safety instructions for your power washer and take all necessary safety precautions. After power washing your home you should take the time to putty fill any small holes you see. If the old paint is in good condition you should be able roll over it without any trouble. Scrape and sand any spots where you see flaking or blistered paint.

After all that prepping your ready to apply the colors of your choice. The best way to apply the paint is to use both a roller and a brush. The roller will help you speed though large areas while you brush can cover the narrow surfaces and edges. Do not wait too long before coering wide and narrow areas because the paint will dry unevenly and you will not like the finished product. Always start from the top of you project down to avoid spill and lap marks.

Painting your home looks like a lot of work, but truly it is a fun and easy project that will leave you with a big change that will last for a few years.

Article originally published at Source by Jennifer LH