Revitalizing Jacksonville Homes: Exterior Painting Tips

Are you looking for a way to boost the value and appearance of your home in Jacksonville? One of the most effective and affordable ways to do that is by painting the exterior of your house. A fresh coat of paint can transform your home’s curb appeal and protect it from the harsh weather conditions of Florida.

But exterior painting is not a simple DIY project. It requires careful planning, preparation, and execution to achieve the best results. You also need to consider the local factors that affect the performance and durability of your paint, such as the climate, the sun exposure, and the humidity.

In this article, we will share some tips and techniques for exterior painting in Jacksonville, focusing on selecting paint types and colors that withstand the local climate and enhance curb appeal. We will also provide some resources and recommendations for finding the best exterior painting contractors in Jacksonville, in case you prefer to hire a professional for the job.

Choosing the Right Paint Types for Jacksonville Homes
Choosing the Right Paint Colors for Jacksonville Homes
The Exterior Painting Process: Steps and Tips
Finding the Best Exterior Painting Contractors in Jacksonville
Conclusion

Choosing the Right Paint Types for Jacksonville Homes

The first step in exterior painting is choosing the right paint types for your home. There are two main types of paint: oil-based and water-based (also known as latex or acrylic). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the surface, the weather, and the desired finish.

Oil-based paints are more durable, resistant to cracking, and adhere well to wood and metal surfaces. However, they are also more prone to fading, chalking, and yellowing over time, especially under the intense sun and heat of Jacksonville. They also take longer to dry, emit more fumes, and require solvents for cleanup.

Water-based paints are more flexible, breathable, and eco-friendly. They dry faster, have less odor, and can be cleaned with water. They are also more resistant to mildew and mold, which are common problems in humid areas like Jacksonville. However, they are also less resistant to stains, abrasion, and peeling, and may not adhere well to chalky or glossy surfaces.

So, which type of paint should you choose for your Jacksonville home? The answer depends on several factors, such as the condition of your existing paint, the type of siding material, and the level of sun exposure. Generally speaking, water-based paints are more suitable for most Jacksonville homes, as they can withstand the climate better and offer more color options. However, oil-based paints may be a better choice for some surfaces, such as metal roofs, doors, and railings, or if you want a more glossy and durable finish.

Whichever type of paint you choose, make sure to buy the best quality you can afford. Good-quality paint is easier to apply, covers better, and lasts longer. We recommend buying paint with a slight sheen, such as satin or eggshell. It’s more fade-resistant and easier to clean than flat paint.

Another factor to consider when choosing paint types is the primer. Primer is a base coat that prepares the surface for the top coat, improving the adhesion, coverage, and durability of the paint. Primer is especially important for exterior painting, as it can seal and protect the surface from moisture, stains, and peeling. Primer can be either oil-based or water-based, depending on the type of paint you use. Generally, you should use the same type of primer and paint, unless the surface is very glossy or stained, in which case you may need an oil-based primer for better adhesion.

To summarize, here are some tips for choosing the right paint types for your Jacksonville home:

Choose water-based paints for most surfaces, as they are more resistant to fading, mildew, and mold.
Choose oil-based paints for metal surfaces, or if you want a more glossy and durable finish.
Choose paint with a slight sheen, such as satin or eggshell, for better fade-resistance and ease of cleaning.
Choose the same type of primer and paint, unless the surface is very glossy or stained, in which case you may need an oil-based primer.
Buy the best quality paint you can afford, as it will last longer and look better.

Choosing the Right Paint Colors for Jacksonville Homes

The second step in exterior painting is choosing the right paint colors for your home. This is a personal and creative decision, but there are some guidelines and factors to consider, such as the style of your home, the neighborhood, and the local climate.

The style of your home can influence the color palette you choose. For example, if you have a colonial, Victorian, or craftsman home, you may want to stick to the traditional colors that match the architectural features and details of your home. On the other hand, if you have a modern, contemporary, or ranch home, you may have more flexibility and freedom to experiment with different colors and contrasts.

The neighborhood can also affect your color choice. You may want to consider the colors of the surrounding homes and the overall vibe of the area. You don’t want to clash with your neighbors or stand out too much, unless that’s your intention. You may also want to check if there are any HOA rules or regulations that limit your color options.

The local climate is another important factor to consider when choosing paint colors. Jacksonville has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The sun is also very strong and bright, which can affect how the colors look and fade over time. Here are some tips for choosing paint colors that suit the Jacksonville climate:

Avoid dark colors, especially on large surfaces, as they can absorb more heat and cause the paint to crack and peel faster. They can also make your home look smaller and hotter.
Choose light colors, especially on the roof and the siding, as they can reflect more light and heat and keep your home cooler and more spacious. They can also brighten up your home and make it more inviting.
Use bright colors, such as yellow, orange, or red, sparingly and strategically, such as on the front door, the shutters, or the trim. They can add some personality and contrast to your home, but too much can be overwhelming and garish.
Use cool colors, such as blue, green, or purple, to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. They can also complement the natural landscape and the water views of Jacksonville.
Use neutral colors, such as white, beige, or gray, to create a classic and elegant look. They can also match any style and accent color, and are easy to maintain and update.

To summarize, here are some tips for choosing the right paint colors for your Jacksonville home:

Consider the style of your home and the neighborhood, and check for any HOA rules or regulations.
Avoid dark colors, especially on large surfaces, as they can absorb more heat and cause the paint to crack and peel faster.
Choose light colors, especially on the roof and the siding, as they can reflect more light and heat and keep your home cooler and more spacious.
Use bright colors sparingly and strategically, such as on the front door, the shutters, or the trim.
Use cool colors to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, and to complement the natural landscape and the water views.
Use neutral colors to create a classic and elegant look, and to match any style and accent color.

The Exterior Painting Process: Steps and Tips

The third step in exterior painting is following the painting process. This is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming part of the project, but also the most rewarding. If you decide to do it yourself, you will need to have the right tools, materials, and skills to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. Alternatively, you can hire a professional exterior painting contractor to do the job for you, saving you time and hassle.

Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, the exterior painting process involves the following steps:

Planning and preparation. This is where you choose the paint types and colors, estimate the amount of paint and materials you need, and check the weather forecast. You also need to prepare the surface by cleaning, scraping, sanding, caulking, and repairing any cracks, holes, or damages. You also need to protect the windows, doors, lights, plants, and other areas that you don’t want to paint with masking tape, plastic sheets, or drop cloths.
Priming. This is where you apply the primer to the surface, using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Primer is essential for exterior painting, as it improves the adhesion, coverage, and durability of the paint. You need to let the primer dry completely before applying the top coat.
Painting. This is where you apply the top coat of paint to the surface, using the same method as the primer. You need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results, such as mixing, stirring, thinning, and applying the paint. You also need to work in sections, from top to bottom, and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks and unevenness. You may need to apply two or more coats of paint, depending on the color and the coverage. You need to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.
Finishing and cleanup. This is where you remove the masking tape, plastic sheets, and drop cloths, and inspect the final result. You may need to touch up any spots or areas that you missed or that need more coverage. You also need to clean up the tools, materials, and the site, and dispose of any leftover paint or waste properly.

To summarize, here are some tips for following the exterior painting process:

Plan and prepare the surface by choosing the paint types and colors, estimating the amount of paint and materials, checking the weather, and cleaning, scraping, sanding, caulking, and repairing the surface.
Prime the surface by applying the primer, using a brush, roller, or sprayer, and letting it dry completely.
Paint the surface by applying the top coat of paint, using the same method as the primer, and working in sections, from top to bottom, and maintaining a wet edge. Apply two or more coats of paint, letting each coat dry completely.
Finish and clean up by removing the masking tape, plastic sheets, and drop cloths, inspecting the final result, touching up any spots or areas, and cleaning up the tools, materials, and the site.

Finding the Best Exterior Painting Contractors in Jacksonville

The fourth and final step in exterior painting is finding the best exterior painting contractors in Jacksonville, if you decide to hire a professional for the job. Hiring a pro can save you time, hassle, and money, as they have the experience, skills, and equipment to handle any exterior painting project. However, not all exterior painting contractors are created equal, and you need to do some research and comparison to find the best one for your needs.

Here are some tips for finding the best exterior painting contractors in Jacksonville:

Ask for recommendations. One of the best ways to find a reliable and reputable exterior painting contractor is to ask for recommendations from your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who have had similar projects done. They can share their experiences, opinions, and feedback with you, and help you narrow down your options.
Check online reviews and ratings. Another way to find a trustworthy and qualified exterior painting contractor is to check online reviews and ratings from previous customers. You can use Bing.com to search for exterior painting contractors in Jacksonville, and read the reviews and ratings from other homeowners. You can also check the contractor’s website, social media, or portfolio to see their work samples and testimonials.
Get multiple quotes. Once you have a shortlist of potential exterior painting contractors, you should contact them and request a free estimate for your project. You should get at least three quotes from different contractors, and compare them based on the price, scope, timeline, and quality of the work. You should also ask for a written contract that details the terms and conditions of the project, such as the materials, labor, warranty, and payment schedule.
Verify credentials and references. Before you hire an exterior painting contractor, you should verify their credentials and references. You should check if they have the proper license, insurance, and bonding to operate in Jacksonville, and if they have any complaints or disputes with the Better Business Bureau or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You should also ask for references from previous customers, and contact them to ask about their satisfaction and experience with the contractor.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you are ready to revitalize your Jacksonville home with exterior painting, we have a special offer for you. For a limited time, you can get a 10% discount on any exterior painting project with Handyman Jax FL, the best exterior painting contractor in Jacksonville.

Handyman Jax FL is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the Jacksonville area for over 20 years. We have the experience, skills, and equipment to handle any exterior painting project, big or small. We use only the highest quality paints and materials, and we guarantee your satisfaction with our work. We are licensed, insured, and bonded, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your home’s curb appeal and protect it from the Florida weather. Contact us today to get a free estimate and schedule your exterior painting project. You can call us at (904) 867-4667 or visit our website at https://handymanjaxfl.com/. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you on your exterior painting project.