I'm in a bit of a bind with my 1910 two-story farmhouse. The paint's looking pretty rough, and with the recent insulation work, we've got white primer splotches all over. I've received quotes for getting it professionally painted, but they're seriously out of our budget right now. I've started scraping some of the old paint, and I don't mind doing the prep work. My spouse is on board too, willing to replace some rotten fascia and trim. I'm thinking of priming the scraped spots with oil-based primer and tackling one side at a time, painting a color similar to what's already there. Do you think we're crazy for wanting to do this ourselves? Will we regret it later?
3 Answers
You definitely can do it yourself! It’s very doable, especially if you're both handy and patient. I painted a similar-sized house a while back, and while it took about a month, breaking it down into chunks made it manageable. Just focus on one side at a time, and don't forget that prep work is key! Get good quality paint and a sprayer if you can, it'll make the job much easier.
Honestly, even if it’s a bit of a challenge, you’re better off just going for it. My neighbor recently tackled his house, and even though it took him a while, it turned out great! Just remember to keep safety in mind while working with ladders and other equipment. Plus, renting scaffolding can save a lot of stress if you’ve got high spots to reach.
Yes, definitely don’t skimp on ladders or safety gear! My dad built a makeshift scaffolding when he painted our house, and it made things way easier.
You can totally take this on! Just make sure you give yourself enough time for prep; that's really where the magic happens. I’ve done similar projects before, and while it can be a lot of work, you’ll feel proud when it’s done! Just keep in mind, it might take you longer than expected, but the results will be worth it. Get into a good rhythm, and take breaks when needed!
So true! The prep can easily take four times longer than you think. I ended up painting a friend's house, and I thought it would be smooth sailing, but we underprepared a bit, and it took ages.
For sure, and don’t skip the pressure washing step! I learned the hard way that it makes a big difference. Just be cautious, too much pressure can mess up the wood.