How to Properly Paint Your Home's Exterior
Give your house a fresh, updated look with exterior paint.
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Materials Needed:
- exterior flat or eggshell paint
- exterior semigloss paint
- pressure washer
- paint sprayer
- paintbrush
- painter's tape
- drop cloths
- ladder
- paint scraper
- stain-blocking primer
- epoxy filler
- medium-grit sanding block
- spackle knife
- exterior caulk
- caulk gun
- plastic sheeting
Step 1: Pressure-Wash Walls
To ensure best coverage, remove dirt and dust buildup from house using a pressure washer. TIP: Work your way from top to bottom of house in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by 8 inches.
Step 2: Repair Damaged Surfaces
Walk around entire perimeter of house taking note of damaged surfaces such as: wood, masonry, metal, siding or stucco. Apply epoxy filler to cracks or holes using spackle knife. Once dry, lightly sand using medium-grit sanding block.
Step 3: Remove Loose Paint
Once exterior is dry, walk around perimeter of house taking note of any loose or chipped paint. Place drop cloths along ground, then remove chipped and loose paint using paint scraper or medium-grit sanding block.
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