As property stylists, we know that first impressions are everything when preparing a home for sale. While we often focus on interior spaces, the exterior—particularly fencing—can significantly impact a potential buyer's perception. Rusty, peeling fences send the wrong message before buyers even step through the front door. Here's how you can guide your clients through the process of revitalising their metal fencing to maximise kerb appeal and property value.
Explain the Importance
Always emphasise to your clients that their property styling journey begins at the kerb. A freshly painted fence frames the entire property and creates that crucial positive first impression. When advising clients on pre-sale preparations, highlight that exterior improvements typically offer excellent return on investment.
Help Them Prepare: Scrub and Sand
Guide your clients through the proper preparation process:
1. Clean thoroughly: Advise them to hose down the fence to remove cobwebs and debris, then allow it to dry completely. For heavily soiled fences, suggest a pressure cleaner.
2. Remove loose paint and rust: Recommend using a wire brush to scrape away flaking paint and surface rust. Remind them to wear appropriate protection, especially a mask to avoid inhaling particles.
3. Sand for smoothness: Suggest medium sandpaper or a sand blaster for stubborn areas, followed by a thorough dusting. Reassure clients they don't need to remove all existing paint—just the loose bits.
Image Credit: http://www.fixsproject.com/metal-fence-rails/beautiful-metal-fence-panels-peiranos-fences-good-metal-fence-metal-fence-rails/
Assist with Planning: Paint Calculations
Help your clients avoid costly overbuying or frustrating underbuying with this simple formula:
1. Multiply the fence's total length by its height
2. Double this figure (accounting for both sides)
3. Divide by fourteen to determine the number of paint tins required
This practical assistance demonstrates your expertise and attention to detail as a property stylist.
Recommend Protection Methods
Suggest practical mess-prevention techniques:
- Using drop sheets or tarps to protect surrounding areas
- Applying masking or painter's tape for clean edges
- Covering nearby plants and garden features
Guide Them Through Rust Treatment
Explain that thorough preparation is crucial for longevity:
1. After scraping and sanding, recommend applying a quality rust converter
2. Show them how to apply it correctly: pour into a separate container, brush onto the fence, and wipe away drips immediately
3. Advise allowing at least two hours for proper curing
Stylist's Tip: Mention that rust converters provide an excellent foundation for primers and topcoats, ensuring a professional finish that will impress potential buyers.
Advise on Priming
Help clients determine whether priming is necessary:
- For newer fences with minimal rust, priming may be optional
- For older or heavily rusted fences, emphasise that priming is essential for a professional result
Recommend appropriate metal primers like White Knight's Rust Guard, and provide application guidance:
- Stir thoroughly before use
- Apply with a roller for large areas and a brush for details
- Never paint directly from the tin
Stylist's Tip: For dark topcoats, suggest using a dark primer for better coverage and a more polished appearance.
Finish Strong: Perfect Painting
Guide your clients through the final steps:
1. Select a quality epoxy enamel suitable for outdoor metal
2. Apply using the same technique as the primer
3. Recommend light sanding between coats for a smooth finish
4. Allow at least sixteen hours between coats
Stylist's Tip: Remind clients to clean brushes and rollers with the appropriate solvent to preserve these tools for future touch-ups or projects.
Present It as Added Value
As a professional property stylist, position this guidance as part of your comprehensive service. By helping clients understand how these seemingly small exterior details significantly impact buyer perception, you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to maximising their property's appeal and value.
Remember, a well-presented exterior creates the perfect canvas for your interior styling work to shine. When both work in harmony, you've created the complete package that helps properties sell faster and for better prices.
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