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Prep Like a Pro

Get Your Home Paint Ready Using These Tips

Painting the exterior or interior of your home can be a big undertaking, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why Greg Chileen, owner of Chileen Painting, is here to help. Consider his tips and tricks for your next home project.

Exterior

Painting the exterior of your home should be your number one painting priority.  Painting seasons are short in Minnesota and keeping up the exterior of your home is very important as it helps prevent any future damages down the road.  Get bids from local painters, and ask friends and local hardware stores for referrals.

Other tips include:

  • Let the painters know if there are any shrubs, flowers, trees, etc., that need special care.  Ladders are used and while the painters try to prevent any damage, mishaps can happen.

  • Declutter exterior wires, such as old cable lines and window hardware that are no longer needed.

  • If you’re painting yourself, make sure your house is dry. Invest in a moisture meter to check the surfaces that you are painting to help prevent peeling.

Interior

Most painting companies will help you move the big items out of your rooms in preparation. What you can do is remove any personal items or something of great value ahead of time.  Accidents happen and professionals dislike them as much as you do. 

Other tips include:

  • Pick out color swatches and put them on the walls to make sure that is what you want with the lighting you have.

  • Remove light switch and outlet covers.

  • If you’re doing the painting, wash and clean all walls with TSP cleaner, such as kitchen areas where grease accumulates. Also, prime all patched areas with Latex All Purpose Primer.

chileenpainting.com | 612-850-0325