You just have to make sure that the varnish never dulls to a flat. If that happens and there is some discoloration in the wood, repairing the problem requires you to completely strip the old varnish off, sand it thoroughly, and refinish the wood. You can now see why varnishing exterior wood can be very costly, both to initially apply it, and to maintain it. Remember to never wait longer than a year before recoating an exterior varnish. The power of the sun will damage the bond of the finish where it meets the wood, causing it to crack.

For more information on exterior varnishing, call Five Star Painting 1-866-965-STAR.

Weather is probably the biggest factor when deciding the right time to begin an exterior painting project. When the temperature is too cold (below 35°F) paint will not flow and go on smoothly, and it will not dry or be absorbed properly into the surface. You will not get the best results if the temperature is too hot (over 100°) because the paint can end up “baking” rather than drying. To prevent temperature blisters, avoid painting surfaces that will soon be heated. If you must paint in hot weather, plan your work so that you paint in shaded areas rather than in direct sunlight – this procedure is called “follow the sun around the house.” Preferably, paint earlier in the day when the heat isn’t so drastic.

High humidity will impact drying time. Water cannot evaporate and the solvents may evaporate first, causing the paint to cure while still in a water-filled state. This can cause streaks, fading, or poor adhesion to the surface. You cannot recover from this type of disaster. High humidity can also decrease drying time on interior projects that don’t have air conditioning. Oil-based paints will also fail if conditions are too humid.

It is important to drink lots of water prior and when you are painting outside. If you are in the sun, watch the paint as it may dry quicker than normal and you will have less time to work with it. Be aware that you’re sweat can fall into the area you are working on – this can mess up your finish.

Understand that painting in high temperatures requires professional help. If you plan on DIY, prepare for the heat and be aware of your conditions. For more questions, call Five Star Painting 1-866-965-STAR and schedule for a FREE estimate.

For a FREE estimate, give Five Star Painting a call at 1-866-965-STAR or chat with a local representative on our website for any questions that you have.

Check out these great Before and After examples that have been completed by Five Star Painting franchises.

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From planning to application to clean up, a specialty paint store can help make the project a smooth one with professional tips and expert advice. This type of store can also help with color selection, choosing products that will last for years to come and determining the right tools needed for the job.

When preparing to paint your home’s exterior, one of the first tasks at hand is to select color, and there are a variety of tools available to help you choose just the right hue. For example, Sherwin-Williams offers an online color visualizer that allows you to experiment with hundreds of shades before you even leave your house. Once at the store, to inspire your creativity, the company has idea cards available to help you visualize how to use a particular color, be it on the front door, shutters or main facade. You can also refer to generously sized 3 X 5-inch take-home samples, available with suggestions for complementary colors noted on the back of each paint chip.

Once you’ve chosen your colors, it is important to buy exceptional quality paint products. When it comes to paint, you definitely get what you pay for, and when you put a lot of energy into an exterior painting project, you want it to look fabulous for decades.

A specialty paint store can offer advice on choosing the right product needed for the job. For example, Sherwin-Williams innovative paint, Resilience, allows you to get the job done even if rain is in the forecast. And with just two coats, it’s guaranteed to last for as long as you own your home. Resilience is made with MoistureGuard technology to provide superior moisture resistance—and it cures in about half the time of most conventional exterior paints. Resilience ensures you will not have to forfeit a weekend paint job due to impending bad weather.

After you’ve made your color and product choices, a specialty paint store is your one-stop shop for purchasing tools to help you complete the project. Ask about quality exterior brushes and rollers, which are sturdier than their interior counterparts and will give you better results. After the colors and products have been chosen, the tools have been prepped and you have your game-face on, the fun begins! For more tips, tools and techniques for exterior painting, visit the Sherwin-Williams website or your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint store. To receive a FREE estimate for any paint job, please call Five Star Painting at 1-866-965-STAR or visit our website.