On Sun, 6 Mar 2011 00:23:39 -0500, "benick" wrote:

wrote in message
.. .
On Fri, 4 Mar 2011 11:58:55 -0800 (PST), kansascats
wrote:

I have a 1.5 story home,
http://www.dongardner.com/plan_details.aspx?pid=163

that has original paint from 2000. I'm pretty sure it's ready for
another as the caulking is cracking and the coverage looks thin.

I live in a somewhat humid area -- NE KS.

What would be the best time of the year to paint? What weather
conditions?

I've always found that clear days with moderate humidity and 50F to 70F
works
best, when it doesn't get down below freezing for 24 hours, or so. The
idea
is to pick a day when the paint dries completely but not too fast. You
want
to maintain a "wet line".

What would be the best paint? I hope this lasts another 10 minimum.

I like Benjamin Moore, but Sherwin Williams has a good rep, too. Spend
real
money on paint. It'll pay in the long run.

Should I hire a pro? How do I select?

Your choice. I do it myself. I can't see spending thousand$ on a pro.
I'd
rather spend that money on toys. ;-)

Should I do it myself --- seems like a 4" brush is my most likely
choice.

My choice. That and a 2" or 2-1/2" brush for trim and edging. I prefer
angled bristles rather than straight cut.

Do I recaulk over the old caulk/paint? Or dig it all out and start
new?

Anything that's loose has to come out. There is no reason to pry out good
caulk, though.

What sort of prep should I do?

Depends on the condition of the surface. Roughing up the old paint with a
wire brush (will help find loose paint, too) and a good bath is a minimum.

Feel free to direct me to links, etc

I've always had good luck with answers from the people staffing a *real*
paint
store.



The only thing I would add is , taking on a WHOLE house as your FIRST real
exterior paint project could be a costly mistake and leave you very
discouraged..If you also work a regular job you will be lucky to finish it
this summer....

On my Vermont house I painted one side a summer. I also sided one side a
summer, but that's a different story.

Oh , one more thing...You're gonna need ALOT more than a 4
inch brush and caulking gun..That is unless the whole house is less than 6
feet tall....

Ladders are cheap, too. ...even good ones. Buy nothing else.