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Pro Painting Exterior Trim Tips - Paint Your Exterior Trim Like a Pro

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Use these pro painting exterior trim tips to add beauty and value to your home.

The first step in painting the exterior of your home is to choose your color scheme. You'll want to use colors for the trim that complements the rest of your exterior. One favorite choice is to choose a lighter or darker shade of the color of the remainder of your home. For a more dramatic effect, choose a completely different accent color for your trim.

The following pro painting exterior trim tips will help your project flow smoothly and give you professional looking results.

Before you begin to paint, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials available. Ladders, drop cloths, brushes, cloths for wiping drips, spills and spots, and your paint. Your local paint store can help you determine the amount of paint you'll need for your home.

It is important to make sure you use the same type of paint that is currently on your trim. Don't use different types of primer and topcoat. Don't use an oil-based primer with a latex topcoat or vice versa. If your current paint is oil-based, you can use latex topcoat if you first sand or use a dulling chemical before you apply the latex paint.

It is important to note, some areas have restrictions on using oil-based paints. Oil-based paint contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Pro Painting Exterior Trim Tips

You will need to mask areas that will not be painted. Areas like the glass in windows, siding next to the trim, and surfaces under the area to be painted all need to be masked.

If there are areas of bare wood you will need to paint, make sure to apply a coat of primer before you apply the topcoat of paint. This is very important for the finished appearance. The topcoat will adhere better and last longer.

The weather will determine your painting schedule. Never paint when it is raining or the humidity is extremely high. Wait two to three days after a rain before you paint. Painting in direct sun will sometimes cause the paint to dry quickly.

If you are using latex paint, choose nylon or polyester brushes. For oil-based paint use natural bristle brushes.

Two layers of paint are usually recommended. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly before applying the second coat.

San Antonio, TX

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