Thinking About Painting Your Lincoln Home?
So, you’re looking at your house and thinking it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. Maybe the sun has really done a number on the south-facing side, or you just want a change. I see it all the time here in Lincoln, especially with those older homes out in Sun City Lincoln Hills – the ones that have seen a few decades of our hot summers and occasional wet winters. Exterior painting is a big job, and it’s natural to wonder if you can do it yourself or if you should call in the cavalry. Let's talk about what's involved, what you can realistically handle, and when it just makes sense to hire a professional.
Before You Even Pick Up a Brush
Preparation is king, and I can't stress this enough. If you skip steps here, your paint job won't last, and you'll be doing it again sooner than you'd like. This is where a lot of homeowners decide to throw in the towel, and I get it. It's not glamorous work, but it's crucial.
- Cleaning: You absolutely need to clean the exterior thoroughly. Power washing is usually the way to go. Get rid of all the dirt, grime, mildew, and loose paint flakes. Let it dry completely – and I mean completely – before you do anything else.
- Scraping and Sanding: Any loose or peeling paint has to go. Use a good scraper, then sand the edges smooth so you don't have a visible line under your new paint. This takes patience.
- Repairs: Got cracks in the stucco? Rotted wood trim? Loose siding? You’ve got to fix all that stuff first. Caulking around windows and doors is also a must to seal out moisture. Don't paint over problems; fix them.
- Priming: If you've got bare wood, new patches, or areas where you scraped down to the original surface, you need to prime. Primer gives the new paint something to stick to and helps with uniform color. Don't skimp on primer.
Now, can you do all this yourself? Absolutely. It’s labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it doesn’t require specialized skills beyond a steady hand and a willingness to work. Just be careful with ladders and power washers.
The Painting Part: Rollers, Brushes, and Sprayers
Once the prep is done, it's time for the fun part – or at least, the part where you see the most immediate results. Most homeowners will use rollers and brushes, and that's perfectly fine for a good finish. Just make sure you're using quality brushes and rollers that are appropriate for your paint type and surface.
Here's what you'll need to think about:
- Choosing the Right Paint: This is huge, especially with our climate. You want a high-quality exterior paint that can stand up to the intense sun and temperature swings. Don't just grab the cheapest can. Ask for advice at the paint store.
- Application: Two coats are almost always better than one. Make sure you let the first coat dry completely before applying the second. Overlap your strokes to avoid lap marks.
- Masking and Drop Cloths: Protect everything you don't want painted – windows, light fixtures, plants, concrete. It takes time to mask properly, but it saves a ton of cleanup later.
Where it gets tricky for DIYers is often with sprayers. A professional sprayer can give you a really smooth, even finish, and it's much faster. But it also requires skill to avoid overspray, runs, and uneven application. Plus, you need the right equipment, which isn't cheap to buy for a one-off job. If you've never used one, your house isn't the place to learn.
When to Call a Pro (Like Omega Paint Co.)
Look, I'm all for homeowners tackling projects they can handle. It's satisfying. But there are definitely times when calling in a professional painting company just makes sense. Here’s when I’d say it’s probably time to pick up the phone:
- Height and Safety: If your house is two stories or more, or has tricky architectural features that require serious ladder work, safety becomes a major concern. Falls from ladders are no joke. We've got the right equipment and training to do it safely.
- Time: A full exterior paint job, done right, takes a lot of time. Weeks, sometimes. If you don't have that kind of free time, or you'd rather spend your weekends doing something else, a pro can get it done efficiently.
- Complex Surfaces: Lots of intricate trim, different siding materials, or historical details? These can be very time-consuming and require specific techniques.
- Desired Finish: If you're looking for that absolutely flawless, factory-like finish, especially with a sprayer, a professional is going to deliver it more consistently. We do this every day.
- Warranty: A reputable painting company, like Omega Paint Co., will stand behind their work. If something goes wrong, you're covered. You don't get that with a DIY job.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. A DIY exterior paint job can save you money on labor, but it costs you time, effort, and potentially some frustration. Hiring a pro costs more upfront, but it buys you expertise, speed, safety, and a guaranteed quality finish. Weigh your options, be realistic about your skills and time, and make the best choice for your home and your peace of mind.