MISTAKE #11: NOT Letting Mother-Nature Help You Paint
When possible try to paint in the shade. Paint applied in direct sunlight during hot weather will dry too quickly. Paint won’t adhere as firmly and will not weather as well.
We strongly recommend never to paint in temperatures greater than 90°F. Painting at to high of a temperature can cause the paint to dry too quickly and not bond correctly to the surface. Painting at low temperatures can cause troubles too. Cool temperatures make brushing and rolling much more difficult, slowing drying, and leaving wet paint spots open to airborne dirt, insects and pollen to rest on. Wait for a day when the temperature will be above 50°F (10°C) for a full 24 hours. These temperatures also include the surface temperature of the area being painted.
When you find a good painting day, the best strategy is to paint by following the sun around the building. Start by painting the north side, then the east side of the building late in the morning, followed by the south side in the middle of the afternoon and finally the west side late in the afternoon. Let the fresh paint dry for at least two hours before weather conditions cool to the point where dew forms. If you find blistering happening on the wood surface, allow the paint to dry for 2 to 4 days. Once the paint is completely dry, scrape off the blisters and smooth the edges with sandpaper, then repaint.
If you apply two finish coats, they should each be applied within two weeks of each other. This helps to avoid the formation of a chalky substance or slick soap-like film on the surface. If more than two weeks pass you by then scrub the newly painted surface with water and a stiff bristled brush before adding the next coat.
Paint the trim only after you’ve painted the complete body of the house. The key to good looking trim work is in how one handles the brush. Smaller brush gives you much greater control in these small and sometimes tight areas.
Common sense tells us to always start at the top and work down so that any drips are erased as you paint to the bottom. With latex, it will generally level itself out. On the other hand, paint sprayers provide coverage four to five times faster than brushes. The major challenge with spraying is the finish tends to be uneven. Plus half the paint can drift away even with the airless sprayers. If you decide to use a sprayer, it is better to apply two thin coats of paint than one thick one.
MISTAKE #12: Being Quick with a Ladder:
Falls are the leading cause of deaths in and around the home. National Safety Council reports more than 30,000 people are injured each year by falls involving ladders and over 6,000 people die from falls. Most of these accidents occur because the individuals overlooked the basic rules of ladder safety.
The two most popular ladders found at a home are the stepladders and straight ladders (single or extension). Be sure the ladder has a label certifying that it complies with specifications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and that it is listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Be sure the ladder is long enough to work from comfortably and sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. Aluminum is a good choice since it is lightweight and is not affected by weather as much as wood. However, wood or fiberglass ladders are not as “shaky” as aluminum ladders.
RULE 2: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD SAFE LADDER
It is a good idea to take a look at your ladder each time you use it. Inspect it for loose or damaged rungs, steps, rails or braces. Also check for loose screws, bolts, hinges and other hardware. Make certain the spreaders on stepladders can be locked in place. The ladder should have safety feet. This provides for more stability and reduces the chances of the ladder slipping.
Repair any defects. Never use a ladder that is unsafe. A painted wood ladder may have defects that are hidden by the old paint.
RULE 3: WALK UP THE LADDER WITH CARE
If a ladder is placed in a dangerous location or set up improperly, an accident is bound to happen. If you must set the ladder in a traffic area, use some type of a barricade to prevent collisions. Also block or lock any nearby door that could open and cause problems while you are on the ladder. The ladder should be set on a solid, level surface.
If you plan to climb onto a roof or platform from a ladder, be sure the ladder extends above the edge at least three feet. If possible, secure a straight ladder as close to the point of support as possible to prevent shifting. Never lean a ladder against an unstable surface.
Stepladders should be fully opened with the spreaders locked. Straight ladders should be placed at a four-to-one ratio. This means the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall or other vertical surface for every four feet of height to the point of support.
RULE 4: DESCEND AND CLIMB LADDERS CAREFULLY
Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands while climbing a ladder. If you have tools we recommend that you carry them in a tool belt or use a hand line. Always check the rungs and the bottoms of your shoes for slippery substances. A slip-resistant material added to the steps of a metal ladder would give you better footing.
Keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails to maintain your balance. Climbing too high will lead to accidents. It is wise to never climb higher than the second step from the top on a stepladder or the third step from the top on a straight ladder. Hold on with one hand and never reach too far to either side or to the rear.
