Honorable Mention "Home Decorating Store"		- Select a page - Select other Hints and How to for Paint How to prepare the interior walls How to prime the interior surface for painting How to paint the interior walls How to faux finish How to clean up when working with interior paints How to prepare the exterior surface How to paint with exterior paint How to clean up when working with exterior paints House painting tips House Painting Tips Painting the exterior of your home? You don't have to be a professional painter to achieve professional-looking results -- you just need some sound advice. The following tips offered by Benjamin Moore & Co. should get you off to the right start: 1. Never paint the outside of your home under the following conditions: (1) in direct, hot summer sun; (2) when air and surface temperatures are below 50 degrees F; (3) on damp surfaces; or (4) during foggy weather. 2. Before applying paint, be sure to (1) clean all dust and dirt off surfaces to be painted, (2) scrape away old damaged paint and smooth rough spots with sandpaper, and (3) sink all nailheads below wood surfaces, spot prime, and fill with putty when dry. 3. Always mix paint thoroughly by stirring well both before using and occasionally during use. After using three-fourths of paint in a can, stir up a new gallon and add it to the used can. Pour paint back and forth a few times to ensure color uniformity. 4. Always paint from the top down to prevent drips and spatters from spoiling previously painted areas. Paint gutters and eaves first if they are to match siding color. 5. Work from side to side by coating four or five boards completely across the house until completed. This will minimize lapping. 6. Finish with the trim. Trim and shutters are usually painted last, and often in a contrasting color. If shutters can be removed, paint them separately and replace them when the rest of the job is finished. Resource: Benjamin Moore Whitman Wallpaper and Paint Co., Inc. 242 Bedford St. Whitman, MA 02382 Phone: 781-447-4469 ~ Fax: 781-447-4516 2007 Copyright Whitman Wallpaper and Paint Co., Inc.