Weekend Painting Projects Made Easy

Weekend Painting Projects Made Easy

(ARA) - Outdoor painting projects can be intimidating. But now that the weather is warm, why not take them head on? In fact, with the right tools and planning, you could complete a project in just one weekend.

Here are some examples to get you started, so you can paint quickly and easily, leaving you the rest of your weekend to enjoy your yard.

Project 1:
Painting Outdoor Furniture

Patio and lawn furniture are frequently used during the warmer months, but over time, these pieces show wear and tear. Wicker and wood furniture become faded and iron and metal start to rust. A new coat of paint will make them look like new.

Step 1 - Prepare the surface with steel wool or sandpaper to remove any rust. Try using an electronic paint remover to save a lot of time and frustration. For example, the Wagner PaintEater removes paint from all sorts of surfaces easily and in much less time than by hand.

"The PaintEater is a quick and easy solution for all your painting prep needs," says Denis Tierney, product manager at Wagner Spray Tech. Finish by removing soil, grit and dust with a mild detergent and water. Let surface thoroughly dry before you start painting.

Step 2 - The first coat of paint should be a metal or wood primer. This prepares the surface for the next coats of paint and helps the paint job last much longer.

Step 3 - Apply paint. Use paint specified for outdoor use because it is formulated to last longer under a harsher environment. Any chips or scratches can be immediately touched up without having to do an entire paint job again.

Project 2:
Doors, Shutters and Trim

You can spruce up the look of your entire home and add to its curb appeal simply by giving the doors, shutters and trim a fresh coat of paint. Maybe the current color is faded and a new coat will brighten the look. Maybe you want to try a new look without repainting the whole house. This easy weekend project can bring big visual results.

Step 1 - Decide the areas you want to focus on. Most of these surfaces will be wood, although some doors are metal. Use sandpaper or an electric paint remover to remove any paint and ensure a clean surface.

Step 2 - Tape areas that border spaces you do not plan to paint. Apply primer to ensure the longevity of the paint job. One coat of primer should be adequate, let dry overnight.

Step 3 - After choosing paint that is made for outdoors, begin to apply coats. For trim and other small areas, use a small paintbrush for all the hard-to-reach areas and wood grooves. For large items, such as the door, consider using an electric paint sprayer like the Wagner Paint Crew. This tool provides professional results at home and features a reversible spray tip and 25-foot hose.

Project 3:
Kids Play Sets and Toys

Kids love to be outside. Many parents have a play set or toys in the yard for their children. Wear and tear from the kids and weather can take their toll, but with a new coat of paint, stain or sealer, these items don't have to be an eyesore.

Step 1 - Use sandpaper, steel wool or an electric paint remover to sand down metal or wood to reveal the surface material.

Step 2 - Try having your child come with you to the store to pick out paint, stain or sealer for the new look of their play set. Remember to choose a heavy duty paint that can stand up to children's play and various types of weather.

Step 3 - Use an electric paint sprayer to spray paint the whole play set fast, getting to all those hard-to-reach areas easier than with a brush.

These simple weekend outdoor paint projects will make your house and yard look brand new. While you're at it, why not repaint accessories like the mailbox, bird feeder and flower planters? To learn more about tools that make painting quick and easy, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent