Painting Tips
One of the quickest, easiest and least expensive ways to make a significant impact on the appearance and value of a house is to paint. Nothing revives weatherworn siding, perks-up tired walls or adds a touch of style and distinction better than a new coat of paint. Painting can be like instant renovation.
Repainting the exterior of a house is something that the average homeowners has to do to  every 6-8 years to protect the exterior of the house. The frequency any house needs to be painted depends on the house and the siding that is used.
 
How to pick a can of paint:
There are two main types of paint, oil based and latex based. There are also stains that can be used on wood and masonry.
 
Advantages of Latex based paints:
Usually cheaper than oil based paint, resists fading, does not chalk, flexible, breathable (allows moisture to pass through), faster drying than oil based paint, and it is easy clean to up, it requires no chemical solvents. Preferred for walls, ceilings and primed woodwork.
 
Advantages of oil based:
Flows out during application, protects metal, washes well, resist smearing and marking, penetrates into chalky surfaces, after drying it will not become stuck to rubber weather stripping from contact, strong initial bond to most surfaces. Preferred for wood trim, cabinets, metal surfaces .
 
Gloss:
Choosing the right gloss in a paint is as important as choosing the right color in a paint. A shiny surface sends out a different effect than a non-shiny surface and so the degree of gloss will most certainly influence the final outcome of entire project. There are standard degrees of gloss, from dull to shiny they are: flat, eggshell, pearl, satin, semi-gloss and gloss.
The glossier a finish, the more durable and washable it tends to be. Flat paint is great at hiding irregularities and surface imperfections, important for both exterior and interior walls. Pearl and eggshell paints are a compromise; they partially hide imperfections and are more washable than flat paints.
For painting interiors, the best choices are often flat paint for ceilings, flat or eggshell for walls and semi-gloss or gloss on doors and trim. Exteriors typically call for flat or satin wall paints and semi-gloss on trim.
 
Staining:
 
Exterior stain requires no primer and is easier to apply than paint. Stain can be applied to new wood, wood sanded clear of paint, and surfaces previously stained. A disadvantage of stain is that it fades more quickly than paint and so requires more frequent re-coating. But if you apply two or more coats at one application, you can extend the life of the finish considerably. Another downside is that lap marks are more difficult to eliminate because stain dries more quickly than paint. You can minimize them by applying a second coat, but this may darken the finish, so be sure to test it out first.
 
Paint by hand vs. by spray?
Spraying because is faster and easier, and thus cheaper. However, with an older house, wood siding, or if it has been a while since the last painting you may want to consider asking for a quote that includes painting by hand. The hand brushing application gets the paint deeper into the wood and crevasses, ensuring that you have protection from water penetration. Keep in mind that hand brushing is more time consuming and will cost more money.
 
Getting ready to paint the exterior of your house?
Here or some tips on things to think about and who to hire.
 
First, determine if there is any prep work that needs to be done prior to painting. Do you have any rotted siding, window sills, hand railing, or window and door trim? Make sure you take this opportunity to correct this issue prior to painting. Often times paint companies have experience in this field and can provide a quote that includes replacing your siding and trim. However, if your project involves replacing a significant amount of siding you may want to call a siding pro. Make sure the painter or carpenter replacing your siding is using the same style and size you currently have.
 
Second, decide if you want to take this opportunity to change the color of your house. Updating the color can add new spice to your house. When determining what colors to use make sure that they fit into your neighborhood as well as colors that already exist. For instance you already have a roof, plants, landscaping, a foundation, and a driveway present. These all have colors that need to be taken into consideration when trying to compliment your house to its surroundings. Also note that if you are changing your house's color your price for painting will go up. You may not be able to get away with just 1 or 2 coats to cover your old color. Each coat will cost more money.
 
Third, decide if you want your house hand brushed or sprayed. If you leave it to the paint company to decide you will most likely have it sprayed because it is faster and easier. However, if you have an older house, wood siding, or it has been a while since your last painting you may want to consider asking for a quote that includes painting by hand. The hand brushing application gets the paint deeper into the wood and crevasses, ensuring that you have protection from water penetration. Keep in mind that hand brushing is more time consuming and will cost more money.
 
Finally, select the paint company to do your exterior work. There is a lot of price variation for large exterior jobs, so shop your job around. However, you shouldn't always decide based only on price. You need to consider the quality of company and your comfort level with that company. For instance do they ask for a lot of money up front?
(they shouldn't ask for more than one-third of the total price) Do they leave you a professional detailed estimate? (they
should) Are they hard to get a hold of on the phone? (if they don't answer the phone or return messages be careful) Do they have business cards? (if they are running a good business they should) These are all signs to look for to determine whether or not you are getting a professional and someone that will be easy to work with.