10 Things You Must Know When Painting a House Exterior

Prep is the key to a successful paint job. Read these 10 tips before you begin painting the outside of your home.

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July 08, 2019

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Go for Quality Over Price

Better quality paint means you will paint fewer times over the years, and you'll get better coverage when you do paint. Paint technology has improved dramatically in the past few years, with colors guaranteed to last longer than ever before. You may be tempted to save money up front with a cheaper brand, but you're bound to have trouble and eventually pay more in the long run.

From: MARK IV Builders, Inc.

Check the Weather Forecast

Plan ahead when painting. The time of year is key, so consider seasonal weather patterns. Select a dry time of year when there is little rain, low humidity and is not extremely cold. Paint needs time to dry and will not adhere to surfaces that are damp.

Paint Doesn't Stick to Dirt

Paint won't adhere very well to dirty or rough surfaces, so be sure to thoroughly clean the siding and trim, allow it to dry and then sand the rough surfaces. Be sure to sand (or scrape as needed) any peeling paint to create a solid surface for the paint to adhere.

Paint Also Won't Stick to Rotten Siding

Rotten wood and siding material are nearly worthless to paint, as they will do nothing but continue to deteriorate. You have a couple of options. Replace the siding or wood trim with new components, or in the case of small areas, use a wood hardener and match with an exterior filler product, such as a wood filler. Be sure to prep and sand either one prior to painting.

Protect the Landscape

It's easy to forget how messy painting can be, so be sure to cover the ground, shrubs and any other vegetation below the area you are painting. Also, move or cover up any outdoor furniture, hoses, grills, etc. Use drop cloths and weigh them down on the corners or securely wrap them around the items you are protecting.

Use Primer

The rule of thumb has always been to apply a good coat of primer, sand, then apply paint. This is still a good rule to follow, but new paint technologies have combined primer and paint into one product, which manufacturers assert will cut down on the number of coats you will have to apply. This newer paint is more expensive, but may be comparable to the purchase of primer plus paint. Look at reviews of these newer paints, particularly from folks in your area who have used them.

Combine Cans of Paint

Buy more paint than you think you'll need and mix multiple cans of the same color into a larger container, such as a five-gallon bucket; this will help ensure a uniform color is applied to your home's exterior. This step, called "boxing" the paint, is a method the pros follow. This step is important if, for example, you initially didn't buy enough paint and must pick up more at a later time. You run the risk of the colors not being an exact match.

Paint From Top to Bottom

Starting at the top and working your way down while painting helps control streaks, as you will be working with gravity rather than against it. Drips are inevitable, but this method will allow you to feather out mishaps in the direction you are working.

Seal It Off

Properly close your paint containers with their lids after you finish for the day to keep the paint from drying out. Use a rubber mallet to lightly hammer the lid shut. You can also add a plastic wrap film over the opening to ensure a tight seal. If your painting project will last consecutive days, you don't need to completely clean up at the end of each day. Place rollers and roller covers in a plastic supermarket bag and tie them tight so they don't dry out. Paintbrushes can also go in plastic bags or be wrapped in plastic wrap.

Add Grit

Painted porches (particularly steps) and other painted floors can become slick with a coat of paint alone, so add a little bit of fine sand to the paint to add traction. You can use play sand or additives that manufacturers have begun producing to provide this extra texture.

10 Things You Must Know When Painting a House Exterior

Related To:

Shop This Look

Go for Quality Over Price

Check the Weather Forecast

Paint Doesn't Stick to Dirt

Paint Also Won't Stick to Rotten Siding

Protect the Landscape

Use Primer

Combine Cans of Paint

Paint From Top to Bottom

Seal It Off

Add Grit

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