Painting house for first time - equipment & safety

tomcon

Just wonder what folks can tell me about equipment and safety and any other tips. A 20' ladder reaches the peaks. Do you recommend i rent scaffolding or should a ladder be good? Any tips on ladder use, especailly stabilizing it. One friend recommended getting a sprayer, another said, don't do it. Any thoughts? Sounds like they might be tricky for an amateur. Going to use latex paint since thats whats there. Two coats definitely worth it vs. one? Is pressure washing the house a good idea, or just wash it down with bleach. Thoughts on power scraper vs. hand scrape? I have some pretty good size woodpecker holes. Any advice on filling them?

Or...about any other good tips you can give me!

Wish me luck!

Thanks,
tom

Matthewt1970

The ladder will work. Any scaffolding will be too hard to move around outside worth a darn. A power washer will be fine. No need for bleach unless you have mold. Use a hand scraper and mayde a power sander. Every minute spend sanding is well worth it. Prime any bare wood with an oil based primer and then topcoat with latex since that is what is already there. If it covers in one coat and looks good then there is no need for a second coat.

Justabottle

Yeah, it sounds like you are all set. I would just brush and ladder,no need to waste time and money on a sprayer and scaffolding.


Plus there is a learning curve that takes 2 or 3 houses before perfection.

bjbatlanta

Scaffolding is really nice in certain situations. I bought (after renting for years) 4 sets with casters, planks, etc. and use them often (about $800.00 investment if I recall). My main usage is inside on high foyers, vaulted ceilings, etc. Outside, unless you're on a concrete slab (driveway), a deck, or similar surface where you can roll around, it takes a lot of time to move. Uneven surfaces require "levelers" (which are another expense) or you spend time stacking blocks of wood which is NOT safe. The pressure washing and painting part, I'll leave to the professional painters. Best of luck....

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