Painting tips: when to repaint your basecoat

With television shows, magazine articles, and even commercials focusing on the interiors of our homes, it's no wonder that many of us have overlooked some of the basics of exterior home maintenance.

Have you noticed that some of the paint above your front door is peeling, or that the paint near your storm drains is becoming discolored or faded? You may need to repaint your basecoat. Great paint can change and freshen an interior room almost instantly. It can lift and brighten the exterior of your home, too.

How often should you repaint your basecoat? If your paint is peeling or discolored, it could definitely use a pick-me-up. Otherwise, you may simply choose to repaint every five to 10 years. The most important thing to remember is quality. If you use low-quality paint in order to cut down on costs, you'll find that you need to repaint more often.

Once you have determined that your home could use a facelift, you need a plan of action. Here are a few easy steps:

1. Get rid of any chipped edges or heavy peeling. In order to do this, plan to put into use at least two putty knives of varying widths. You will also need different sizes and types of sandpaper.

2. Once you have achieved a smooth surface, use a mildew and dirt cleaner to clean your painting environment. This is perhaps the most important part of the process. Starting out with a dirty painting environment will only cause you heartache later on. Don't skip this step!

3. If you're repainting your basecoat, you should use a primer that is water-based. Allow the primer to dry completely before taking any further action.

4. When your primer has dried, pick a gorgeous high-quality paint and get to brushing!

Not sure which products to use? Your nearby home and garden store is a great place to ask questions. Cleaners, primers and paints are available at nearly every major home and garden retail store.

If you're concerned that weather may become a problem during the painting process, try painting in the spring, when weather is at its mildest. Those who live in generally mild climates may decide to paint during other times of the year.

Also, don't forget to take safety measures. If you have a one-story home, you may only need to use a stepladder in order to reach out-of-the-way places. However, if you have a two-story home, you may need to use an extension ladder. Whatever the case, be sure that the ladder is stable, and that you keep a spotter on hand in case you require assistance. In addition, wear disposable breathing masks when cleaning, priming and painting. They are relatively inexpensive, and can save you from having allergic reactions to chemicals.

Repainting your basecoat may seem like an overwhelming task, but by sticking to a plan of action and keeping a few other key elements in mind, you can ensure that the process will go smoothly.