10 Tips for Painting Your House Exterior

Painting the exterior of your house can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right preparation and techniques, it can be done efficiently. Here are 10 tips to help you successfully paint the outside of your home.

Choose the Right Paint

Choosing the right type of paint is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Consider these factors:

Paint Type

Latex paint is ideal for most exteriors. It applies easily, dries quickly, and provides great coverage. Latex is also more flexible and breathable than oil-based paints.
Oil-based/alkyd paint is more durable and glossy than latex. It may be preferred for trim and doors. Oil-based paints have strong fumes and require mineral spirits for cleanup.
Primer creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. Use latex primer under latex paint and oil-based primer for glossy surfaces.

Paint Finish

Flat has no shine and hides imperfections well. It’s ideal for siding.
Satin has a low sheen. It’s easy to clean and also hides flaws. Good for siding, doors, and trim.
Semi-gloss has some shine and is most durable. Best for doors and trim.
Gloss has a high-gloss shine. It’s the most durable but shows imperfections.

Paint Quality

Higher quality paints have more pigments for better coverage and durability. Buy the best quality paint you can afford.

Color

Choose a color that complements your home’s style and exterior materials. Neutral earth tones are classic and tranquil. Darker shades can highlight architectural details. Bold colors make a dramatic statement.

Prepare the Surface

Proper surface preparation ensures maximum paint adhesion:

Inspect for cracks, peeling paint, rotting wood, etc. Repair any issues prior to painting.
Clean surfaces with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly. Remove mildew with bleach and water.
Sand glossy surfaces lightly to degloss. Scuff sand previously painted surfaces.
Spot prime bare wood, metal, and patched areas with appropriate primer.
Caulk gaps between trim, windows, and siding with paintable caulk. Smooth the beads with a wet finger.

Pick the Right Tools

Investing in quality tools makes the painting process much easier:

Paintbrush: Angled sash brush for trim; wider brushes for siding. Natural bristle is best.
Paint roller: Choose rollers with the appropriate nap thickness for your surface type.
Paint tray: Provides an easy way to load and distribute paint onto rollers and brushes.
Drop cloths: Protect floors and landscaping from paint drips and spills.
Paint pole: Extends your reach for painting high areas like the second story.
Ladder or scaffold: Allows you to safely access all areas of your home’s exterior.
Power washer: Removes loose paint and provides a clean surface to paint.

Prepare the Paint

Take steps when mixing and pouring paint to prevent messes and accidents:

Before opening cans, clean rim so paint doesn’t dry and seal the lid shut.
Stir paint thoroughly before and occasionally during use. Mix cans of same color together for uniformity.
Fill your tray or bucket no more than halfway to allow room for your tool.
Pour carefully and slowly. Wipe up any drips or spills immediately with a rag.
Use paint strainers when pouring paint into tray or roller pan to catch clumps.

Plan Your Approach

Careful planning ensures you get clean lines and use paint efficiently:

Paint top down, starting with trim and working your way to the foundation. This avoids drips.
Paint walls in continuous sections, maintaining a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
Paint all trim first, then come back to walls and siding. Doing trim later risks messy edges.
Work your way around the house systematically, completing one wall before moving on.
Use painter’s tape for clean lines where siding and trim meet. Remove tape immediately after painting.

Use Proper Painting Technique

Apply paint smoothly and evenly for a professional-looking finish:

When using a brush, load it evenly and tap off excess paint before applying to the surface.
Brush walls using broad V or W strokes from top to bottom. End each stroke away from newly painted areas.
Use controlled overlapping strokes with a roller and avoid pressing too hard, which causes splattering.
Maintain a wet edge by painting a few feet into freshly painted areas. Work quickly and don’t stop mid-wall.
Feather out paint on either side of trim for a smooth transition between differing colors.

Observe Proper Drying Times

Letting paint dry properly results in a hardier finish:

Don’t allow dew or rain to fall on fresh paint. Water can permanently damage the paint.
Follow recoat times on the paint can. Typically 4-6 hours between coats.
Oil-based paints and darker colors take longer to dry. Allow 24 hours between coats.
Let paint cure fully before cleaning or replacing fixtures against the surface.
Improper drying can cause bubbling, cracking, and loss of adhesion.

Practice Careful Cutting In

Cutting in is hand-painting trim where the brush meets another surface:

Use angled brush to cut in crisply along edges where walls meet trim and ceilings.
Cut in around obstacles like gutters, lights, and outlets before rolling larger areas.
When cutting in, apply paint using the brush’s outer angled edge with light, even pressure.
Start by cutting in the corners and outer edges, working your way toward the middle.
For straight edges, guide brush by resting hand or a straightedge against the trim.

Apply Caulk Strategically

Caulk fills gaps for a seamless look:

Use paintable caulk where siding, windows, trim and corners meet. This seals gaps.
Apply caulk in a continuous smooth bead, then use fingertip or tool to smooth it out.
Allow fresh caulk to fully cure per manufacturer’s directions before painting over it.
Don’t caulk over existing cracked or damaged caulk—remove it first.
For larger gaps, use backing rod before caulking to provide proper support.

Clean Up Thoroughly

Follow these tips for easy cleanup:

Clean brushes and rollers with soap and water after each use to keep them fresh.
For oil-based paint, clean tools with mineral spirits. Dispose of properly.
Place used paint trays and can lids upside down to dry, then reseal cans.
Promptly remove paint from unintended surfaces using appropriate thinner.
Remove painter’s tape before the paint fully dries. Peel slowly at a 45° angle.
Pick up drop cloths carefully to avoid spilling paint that has collected on them.

Apply a Protective Coating

For added protection:

On exterior wood, apply clear water-seal after paint has cured to protect from moisture.
Seal decks and exterior concrete with waterproofing sealant. This prevents slipping and stains.
Use anti-graffiti clear coat on easily accessible or commonly vandalized areas.
Reseal chimneys, vents, and masonry with appropriate waterproof sealer.

Following these 10 tips will help ensure you get professional-looking, long-lasting results painting your home’s exterior! Let the paint fully cure before placing furniture or playing near the house after finishing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior House Painting

What time of year is best for exterior house painting?

The ideal time to paint your home’s exterior is during moderate spring and fall temperatures when humidity levels are low. Avoid extreme heat in summer or cold winter temps.

How long does exterior paint last?

With proper surface prep and application, quality exterior latex paint can last up to 10 years before needing to be redone, while oil-based may last up to 15. Factors like weather and sun exposure impact lifespan.

How much paint do I need to buy?

Measure the total square footage of your home’s exterior walls, subtracting door and window areas. Gallon coverage is 300-400 sq ft for smooth surfaces, less for textured or porous surfaces. Buy accordingly.

Should I use primer before painting the exterior?

Primer provides excellent prep for new or previously painted surfaces. Use latex primer under latex paint, or oil-based primer for glossy surfaces. Spot prime bare wood and metal.

What precautions should I take when using ladders and scaffolds?

Always follow manufacturer’s safety instructions. Use accessories like ladder jacks and scaffold planks properly. Place ladders on stable, even ground. Have someone support the ladder base when painting high areas.

How do I avoid lap marks when painting siding?

Maintain a wet edge by brushing back into newly painted areas before the paint dries. Work quickly in shaded areas to complete full sections at a time, and plan your approach to avoid stopping mid-wall.

Why does my new paint have uneven gloss?

If some areas appear shinier, the paint may not have been applied uniformly. Ensure proper surface prep and apply paint in a controlled manner without overlapping too much.

How long should I let paint dry before the next coat?

Follow manufacturer’s instructions, usually 4-6 hours between coats for latex and 24 hours for oil-based. Test readiness by touching the surface gently with your knuckle.

Can I apply latex paint over oil-based?

No, latex should not go directly over oil-based paint. The latex will not adhere properly. You must first apply a coat of oil-based primer if switching from oil to latex paint.

How should I maintain my freshly painted exterior?

Allow paint to fully cure for a few weeks before cleaning with gentle soap and water. Be careful placing ladders and equipment against newly painted surfaces. Apply protective sealants.

Conclusion

Painting your home’s exterior can seem intimidating, but following these tips will ensure you get the job done efficiently and acheive beautiful, long-lasting results. Prepare surfaces thoroughly, use quality paint and tools, employ proper techniques, allow for proper dry times, and protect your painted exterior. With some planning and effort, you can give your home a fresh new look with curb appeal that will stand the test of time and weather.