How I did it: First I started using a roller and brushes.  Then the light came on and I went and got a professional paint sprayer.

I had some trouble getting the pressure right.  Too much paint  was coming out and causing drips down the wall.
I tried adjusting the speed of each pass, I checked the wand for problems, and I adjusted the pressure knob.  Still had a problem.  I called the rental place and after quite a while the guy asked me if I was letting go of the trigger after each pass.  I was not.  The painting went much better after that though there were still occasional drips.  Using a paint sprayer takes some time to master so that the end product is up to snuff.

Lessons & tips: Rent a sprayer!  Ask questions about the sprayer...read the instructions...have the rental person walk you through the usage and cleaning of the unit.

Pressure wash the house first,  Make sure it is dry before you start painting, decide if you need to use a primer first, use the right paint for the job and your environment.

Research how colors appear to the onlooker.  Light colors make a house look bigger, but they also draw attention to any flaws.

Our house is  very small cabin, but it also has some building flaws.  I choose a dark green with a dark red trim.  I am happy with how things turned out.

Cover your windows, plants, propane tanks...anything you don't want paint on.  Don't try to skinny by thinking you can paint carefully...It does not work...you will get paint on it.

Resources: The internet was my main source of information as well as the folks at the paint store.

Dec 25, 2008, 01:45PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer