Late summer, early fall good for painting

It's finally time

(NUE)--Ah, the dog days of summer. The sun is warm, the trees are in full bloom and you're planning to relax and enjoy the weather.

But your home needs a paint job.

You said all winter that as soon as the weather turned warm, you finally would paint the outside of your house. With summer in full swing, that's probably the last thing you want to do. So remember, early fall is a good time, too.

Painting the exterior of your home is not as daunting a task as it sounds. All you need to achieve good results is the right tools, the right paint and some time. And when you're done, that fresh coat of paint will add value to your house, highlight positives and hide flaws.

The first step in painting your house is to pick a color scheme. When faced with this task, many people take the easy way out and pick white. But you should try not to limit yourself to white because color can add value and dramatically change the look of your home. Color conveys emotion, mood or personality for your home that you may never knew existed.

Color experts recommend using the Color Key System when selecting a new color scheme for your home. Also keep in mind:

* Consider the style of your house;

* Choosing a lighter color and trim can make your house look bigger;

* Choosing a darker color can make a big house seem cozy and inviting;

* Be aware of any restrictions on color in your area, and consider the colors of your neighbors' homes;

* Darker colors absorb heat and lighter colors reflect heat;

* Landscaping will affect how a particular color will look on your home;

* Drive around the neighborhood and look through magazines to get new ideas.

After you've selected the perfect colors, the fun really begins. To properly apply the paint and make the colors you selected look their best, you'll need the right tools. These include: ladders, drop cloths, synthetic angled trim brushes (l/2 inch and 2 inch), synthetic Broadway brush (3 to 4 inches), rollers (7 to 9 inches), edging roller (for windows and door frames) and painters tape.

The surface to be painted must be thoroughly cleaned before you begin painting. New wood surfaces should be clean and free of oil, dirt and grease. Paint should be applied within two weeks to protect the wood fibers.

Previously painted surfaces should be free of dirt, mildew and loose paint. Loose paint should be scraped away before you begin, and a latex or oil primer should be used on bare spots before applying the main coat.

Metal surfaces should be sanded lightly or dulled with a deglosser cleaner. If you have a brick or stucco home, power wash the surface to remove any loose dirt. A power washer can also be used on siding to remove dirt and chalk.

After you've selected your colors and tools and finished the prep work, you're ready to begin painting. For best results, paint the house in this order: gables, siding, windows. (When painting the windows, use an angled sash brush and work from the inside out. Begin with the mullions and sashes and finish with the frame and sill.)

Trim (Use an angled trim brush for best results), doors (again, work from the inside out. Paint the molded edges and panels first and then finish with the outside edges).

Some final things to consider include painting when the temperature is between 60 degrees and 85 degrees with moderate humidity. Also, avoid painting in direct sunlight or if the temperature is forecast to fall below 50 F within 24 hours after painting. Look for a paint that can be applied at lower temperatures if the forecast calls for low temperatures. And if it's a hot day, remember to drink plenty of fluids and take a few breaks. After all, just because it's the dog days of summer doesn't mean you have to work like a dog.

Sheriff's Report

Home sale prices

Wedding: Valerie Bowlin and Eric Shaw marry at the Chapel at Yosemite

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

Saratoga & Lynbrook football preview

Westmont & Prospect football preview

West Valley Community College football preview

High School Football Schedule

Saratoga's Hazen a close 2nd in Catfish Swim

SCVAL coaches win national crown at Corporate Relays