EXTERIOR PAINTING GUIDE

Before you start, be sure to check the condition of the surface you want to paint. There may be various surface problems, like cracks or peeling, and these need to be seen to before you begin your painting project.

In order to determine what needs to be done, carefully examine the existing surface to be painted, especially previously painted surfaces.

If you are unsure whether the surface is loose and needs to be stripped of existing paintwork, test by making a series of small crosses in the paint, using a blade. Apply adhesive tape over the areas and press down firmly. Pull off quickly and if the paint comes away from the surface, it needs to be stripped.

Test whether the paint on the existing surface to be painted is oil based or water based by rubbing the paintwork with a clean cloth soaked in methylated spirits. If the paint is water-based, it will dissolve and soften. If the paint is oil-based, it will remain unaffected.

To ensure that colours are consistent when painting a large area, it is essential that paint from the same batch is used.

 For exterior colours, it is very important to examine colour samples outdoors at different times of the day, as well as your neighbour’s colour scheme and the climate.

 Light and earth-tone colours help make a home appear larger and are very stable for exterior exposure. Lighter colours on a porch will make the home feel more welcoming. Keep in mind however that the sun will wash the colours on the outside and by choosing too light a colour, it may end up looking white, as colours usually need to be more grey or brown than you think.

 Darker colours, such as shades of brown and dark greys, tend to make a home look smaller but more substantial. Dark colours can pose maintenance problems as they absorb heat and will fade faster than lighter colours in warm climates.

 If you are having trouble choosing the trim colours, keep them related to each other by choosing two shades on the same colour strip.

 When choosing the right roof colour, consider what colour the house is going to be painted. If the house if being painted warmer colours, then a brown roof may not be the right choice. If the house is being painted cooler colours, then a dark grey colour would be very suitable.

 Maximum adhesion and durability will only be obtained if the surface being painted has been correctly prepared and primed.

 Primers:

 Bond extremely well to bare surfaces, such as plater and metal, ensuring good adhesion for all subsequent coats of paint applied after priming.

We would recommend the following primers, depending on the surface to be painted:

Hercules Acrylic Plaster Primer has been developed to give excellent penetration and bonding, resulting in a sound surface to apply final finishing coats.

Hercules Alkali Resistant Primer combines good alkali resistance with excellent sealing properties. Recommended for priming porous surfaces such as platers, concrete, hardboard etc.

Hercules Bonding Liquid is a versatile, universal sealer and primer. Excellent penetration into powdery surfaces for both interior and exterior surfaces.

Sealers:

Seal bare porous surfaces. This prevents other subsequent paint coatings from being absorbed into the material being painted.

Undercoats:

Thicker paint coatings with filling characteristics and assists in providing a smooth, uniform surface onto which premium quality top coats can be applied.

We recommend that only Hercules primers and undercoats are used in conjunction with our top coats in order to achieve a professional finish.