Exterior Paint FAQs for Home Painting

1. What is the best time for the exterior painting of the house?

The best time for exterior painting of your house is during the dry and mild weather seasons. This usually means the early spring or late autumn months are ideal. During these times, the weather is not too hot or too cold, which is perfect for paint to dry and adhere properly to your home's exterior.

In Pakistan, it's important to avoid exterior painting during the monsoon season due to the high humidity and rain, which can affect the quality of the paint job. Similarly, the peak summer months can be too hot, causing the paint to dry too quickly and not settle well.

You can choose Dulux's high-quality exterior paints for your project as they are formulated to withstand varied climate conditions, ensuring a durable and lasting finish.

2. How to prepare the outside and inside surfaces of the house before painting it?

For the Outside Surface:
 

• Clean Up: Start by washing the exterior walls to remove dirt, dust, and grime. A pressure washer can do the job efficiently, but a hose and a scrub brush work well too.
  
  
• Repair: Look for any cracks, holes, or damages in the walls. Use a suitable filler to patch these up and let them dry completely.
  
  
• Sand: Once the filler is dry, sand the area smoothly. This helps the new paint stick better.
  
  
• Prime: Applying a primer is essential, especially if you're making a big colour change or there are patched-up areas. It ensures better paint adhesion and a uniform colour finish.

For the Inside Surface:
 

• Clean the Walls: Use a damp cloth to wipe down your walls. This removes dust and ensures the paint will adhere properly.
  
  
• Fill and Repair: Similar to the outside, fill any nail holes or cracks with spackle. Once dry, sand these areas until smooth.
  
  
• Tape and Cover: Protect your floors, furniture, and fixtures by covering them with drop cloths or plastic sheets. Use painter's tape to cover trims, window sills, and door frames.
  
  
• Prime: Interior walls also benefit from a layer of primer, especially for new walls, stained areas, or when changing from a dark to a light colour.

And remember, whether you're working on the outside surface or the interior, choosing the right paint and tools for the job is crucial. High-quality paints and primers, like those from Dulux, can make the application smoother and the finish more durable.

3. How long will my exterior painting job last?

The lifespan of your exterior painting job can vary, depending on several factors like the quality of the paint used, the preparation work done before painting, and the climate you live in. Generally, a well-done exterior painting can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.

Using high-quality paint is key to ensuring your paint job stands the test of time. For example, if you choose Dulux Weathershield paints for your exterior, you're not just getting vibrant colours and excellent coverage. You're also getting a paint that's specially formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions, from blazing sun to pouring rain. Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx comes with a promise of a 12-year Performance Warranty, which means you can trust your home's exterior to look great and stay protected for longer.

To maximize the longevity of your exterior painting, it's important to properly prepare the surface before painting. This includes cleaning, repairing any damages, and applying a good primer. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the walls and touching up any chips or cracks, can also help extend the life of your paint job.

4. What are the products used for exterior walls and what are its functionality?
 

• Exterior Paints: These are specially formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, sun, and temperature changes. They come in various finishes, allowing you to choose the look that best suits your home. Exterior paints help protect the walls from moisture, prevent mould and algae growth, and keep colours vibrant for longer. For example, Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx is a great paint for your exterior walls that comes with the added benefit of covering wider cracks and providing extra protection.
  
  
• Primers: Primers are applied before painting to ensure better adhesion of paint to the surface, increase paint durability, and provide additional protection against elements. They're essential for preparing new surfaces or those previously painted with a contrasting colour.
  
  
• Sealants: Used to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and other openings, sealants prevent water and air from entering, which can lead to moisture problems inside the walls.
  
  
• Waterproofing Coatings: These coatings are applied to exterior walls to create a waterproof barrier. They're especially useful in areas that experience heavy rain, protecting walls from water penetration and damage. The Dulux Aquashield Flexible Waterproof Basecoat, for instance, offers excellent waterproof protection while also being flexible.

Each of these products plays an important role in maintaining the exterior walls of your home, ensuring they not only look good but are also well-protected against the environment. By choosing the right combination of these products, you can extend the life of your exterior walls and keep your home looking its best.

5. Difference between Powerflexx and all-weather protection paint?

When choosing between Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx and Dulux Weathershield for your home, it's helpful to know the key differences to make the best choice for your exterior walls.

• Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx is all about extreme flexibility and crack coverage. It's designed to stretch over larger cracks, making it great for walls that experience more movement or have visible cracks. This paint is also built to withstand tough weather, keeping your home's exterior looking fresh and protected from rain, sun, and changes in temperature. Plus, it comes with a technology that helps keep your house cooler and offers a long-lasting warranty of 12 years.
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield, on the other hand, focuses on fighting against algae and fungus growth, which is a common issue in wet and humid climates. It has a technology that helps it release protective agents over time, giving your walls continuous protection. It also helps reduce your home's temperature and provides a solid 7-year warranty for weather protection.

In simple terms, if you're worried about cracks and looking for paint that can move with your walls and last longer, Powerflexx might be the way to go. But if your main concern is algae and fungus due to rain and sun, then Weathershield could be the better option. Both choices offer great protection but cater to slightly different needs.