17 tools to consider to help you transform building exteriors

The Basics

You’ll probably have all of these covered already, but it never hurts to double check, especially when you’re working at heights!

Make sure you have all the basics set and ready to go for any outside job, and take the time to test that everything’s in good working order. We recommend:

• Ladders: You’ll need top quality ladders to keep you safe when you’re 10ft up the front of a house. Consider using a spacer for extra stability and more room when painting, or invest in platforms or even scaffolding where appropriate to give you extra peace of mind.
• Synthetic Bristle Brushes: For easier application and a higher quality finish, you’ll want a good selection of synthetic bristle brushes, especially when using water-based paints.
• Rollers: Microfibre rollers will help you speed up the process and get a good, even finish, especially when using water-based paints.
• Dust sheets: Make sure you have plenty of dust sheets and tarpaulins to go around the exterior of the building and protect paths/paving - definitely opt for polythene dust sheets over cotton, they’re waterproof and easier to use all around.
• Masking tapes: No doubt you have your trusted favourites already, but make sure you have a tape suitable for exterior use (always be prepared for inclement weather).
• Top quality paint: Any job relies on the right paint for the perfect finish, especially exterior projects. The Dulux Trade Weathershield range has everything you’ll need, in over 600 colours. 

The Preparation

As with any project, you’ll need a decent amount of early preparation time to ensure you get the perfect finish later.

With an exterior job, you’ll need more time and more tools.

• Stiff brush: To remove dirt, grime and loose paint across all walls.
• Sponge and cleaning solution: A basic detergent solution (such as washing-up liquid in warm water) is a good place to start, with a large sponge to wipe down every surface. You may need a scrubbing brush too for stubborn stains and mould/algae.
• Fungicidal wash: Exterior walls are often subject to mould and algae, particularly on north facing elevations. Dulux Trade Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash should be an essential addition to your toolkit, to banish existing mould and help prevent future growth.
• Filler and repair tools: You’ll likely need to repair cracks and holes before you can start painting, so make sure you always have a tub of Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Flexible Filler to hand - along with a selection of filling knives. Its superior flexibility makes it suitable for both wood and masonry, and offers excellent resistance to shrinkage and cracking.
• Sander/extractor: To get the exterior surface smooth and ready for painting, you’ll need a good quality powered sander. Of course, you could do this by hand, but we recommend an electric sander that will create a much better surface and extract dust as you go, saving you time cleaning up.

Time-Saving Tools

An electric sander is just one of those essential, time-saving tools that can help increase efficiency on any exterior painting job. Anything you can do to speed up the process will help you avoid bad weather and maximise your profits.

We’d also recommend that you consider…

• Jet washer: Outside walls need a lot of cleaning, and a jet washer will make the task a whole lot quicker (and easier!)
• Power-fed roller: With a lot of surface to cover, a power-fed roller will save you a lot of time and effort on those big walls.
• Spray machine: Similarly, if you’re dealing with uneven surfaces or simply want to speed up application, spray will be a huge asset if you’ve got compatible paint.
• Easy to apply, fast drying paint: Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry will save you a lot of time, both because it can be applied easily with rollers or spray and it has great opacity. On previously painted surfaces, you may only need one coat. It’s also fast drying - shower resistant within 30 minutes - so you don’t need to worry about it washing away should the weather turn. 

Don’t forget the tools to leave your customers satisfied

All the essential tools above will help make sure you complete an exterior building transformation on time and on budget, leaving a high quality finish that will impress your clients.

Tools like electric sanders and extractors will help you keep a clean and tidy workspace, which will further satisfy your customers.

But you might also want to consider what other simple little “tools” can take that satisfaction one step further:

• A Dulux Trade Weathershield Fandeck: To showcase the 600+ colour range and help your clients find the perfect, complementary colours.
  
• The Dulux Trade Colour Sensor: To match a specific colour your client has in mind with an exact shade from the Weathershield range.
  
• A thank you gift: One of the best ways to secure a positive review and future recommendations is to deliver a little thank you gift to your clients when the project is complete. If you’ve just transformed the exterior of their home, why not give them a complimentary plant for the front door that complements the finish?

Make sure you have all the essential tools for an exterior transformation sorted before the spring/summer season, and see the latest on upgraded Dulux Trade Weathershield now.