Quick Guide: Painting Your House Exterior

1. Choose Colors: Select colors that complement your home’s existing features.
2. Weather Considerations: Paint on dry days with moderate temperatures.
3. Equipment Needs: Gather ladders, brushes, rollers, and safety gear.

Painting the exterior of your house can completely transform its appearance, making it stand out in your neighborhood or giving it a much-needed refresh. Whether the facade of your home looks worn or you’re just craving a change, the right approach to painting can significantly add to your home’s curb appeal.

When tackling this project, the first step is choosing the right colors. This means considering the parts of your home that won’t be painted, like the roof and gutters, and selecting colors that complement these elements. Next up, weather plays a crucial role. Paint doesn’t fare well with extreme heat, cold, or moisture, so you’ll want to aim for a stretch of dry, moderate days.

Lastly, don’t overlook your equipment needs. From securing the right ladders or scaffolding to choosing brushes, rollers, and safety gear, having the correct tools at your disposal is essential for a smooth and successful project.

In just these few steps, you’re on your way to giving your home a beautiful, durable new look. While painting your house’s exterior is a significant commitment of time and effort, the rewarding transformation will be well worth it.

Assessing Your Home’s Exterior

Before diving into the task of painting your house exterior, a thorough assessment is critical. This step ensures that the surface is primed and ready for a fresh coat of paint, which not only enhances the appearance but also protects your home.

Pressure Washing

Start with pressure washing your home’s exterior. It’s like giving your house a deep clean, removing all the dirt, dust, and grime that’s built up over the years. A clean surface ensures better paint adhesion, which means your paint job will last longer. Remember to use a low-pressure spray tip for siding to avoid damage.

Lead Paint Testing

If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance it might have lead-based paint. Testing for lead paint is crucial for your safety and health. Lead paint can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, so knowing whether it’s present can determine the next steps in your painting process. If lead paint is found, it’s best to consult with professionals who are trained in safe lead paint removal.

Repairing Surfaces

Inspect your home for any damaged surfaces. This could include wood rot, cracks in stucco, or rust on metal. Use epoxy filler for cracks and holes, and once it’s dry, sand the area lightly. This step is essential for a smooth finish and prevents future damage from water and pests.

Caulking Gaps

Caulking is your next step. Fill any gaps between the house and trim, as well as where different materials meet. This not only gives your paint job a cleaner look but also prevents water from seeping behind the trim, which could lead to damage. Use a quality exterior caulk and a caulk gun for this task. Don’t caulk the horizontal edges between clapboards; this traps moisture.

By following these steps, you’re ensuring that your home’s exterior is in the best possible condition for a new coat of paint. This preparation work might seem time-consuming, but it’s the foundation of a durable and beautiful paint job.

Next, we’ll dive into choosing the right paint and tools for your project. This is where you can get creative with colors while also making sure you have everything you need for a smooth painting process.

Choosing the Right Paint and Tools

When it comes to painting your house exterior, the choices you make in paint and tools can make a big difference in the outcome. Let’s break down what you need to know.

Lick Exterior Paint

For a paint that promises durability and excellent coverage, Lick exterior paint is a solid choice. It’s designed to last up to 10 years, making it a wise investment for your home’s exterior. Remember to pick a paint that suits the surface of your home and the weather conditions in your area. Lick paint is versatile, but it’s not recommended for all surfaces, especially those with lime or certain types of brick.

Paint Roller

A 9” paint roller is ideal for most exterior surfaces. It covers a good amount of area with each pass, making your painting process more efficient. Don’t forget to grab a paint roller extension pole as well. It’ll save you a lot of time and effort, especially when painting higher areas without the need for a ladder for every stroke.

Masking Tape

Painters masking tape is essential for getting clean lines and protecting areas you don’t want painted, like window frames and door edges. Take your time applying the tape properly to ensure it seals off areas effectively.

Step Ladder

Safety first! A step ladder is indispensable for reaching those higher spots safely. Make sure you have one that’s sturdy and the right height for your needs. It’s not just about reaching higher places; it’s also about doing so safely.

Choosing the Right Tools

Selecting the right tools is just as crucial as choosing the right paint. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Biodegradable dust sheet or a decorator’s canvas to protect floors and surrounding areas from paint splatters.
• Paintbrush for detailed work around edges, corners, and hard-to-reach places.
• Pressure washer or wire brush for prepping surfaces by removing loose paint and debris.

The proper tools not only make the job easier but also help achieve a more professional finish. The goal is not just to change the color of your house but to protect it and improve its appearance in a lasting way.

In summary, choosing high-quality paint like Lick exterior paint and equipping yourself with the right tools are vital steps in painting your house exterior the right way. With these choices, you’re setting yourself up for a successful painting project that will look great and stand the test of time.

We’ll explore the actual painting process, including techniques and tips to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Stay tuned for practical advice on how to bring your home’s exterior to life.

Preparing to Paint

Getting ready is key. Before you dive into painting your house exterior, a bit of prep work can make all the difference. Let’s break it down into simple steps:

Cleaning Surfaces

First things first, clean the outside of your house. A pressure washer is your best friend here. It’ll help you get rid of dirt, dust, and any mildew clinging to your home’s surface. Make sure the surface is completely dry before moving on. This step ensures the paint will stick better and last longer.

Removing Loose Paint

Next up, you need to deal with any old, peeling paint. A scraper will be your go-to tool. Be gentle but thorough. After scraping, run your fingernail along the edges of the scraped areas. If no paint lifts away, you’re good to go. If it does, scrape a bit more until you’re left with only sound, stable paint.

Sanding

Once the loose paint is gone, it’s sanding time. Grab a random orbital sander with 80-grit sandpaper. Your goal is to smooth out the edges where you’ve scraped away the old paint. This is called feathering the edge. It creates a smooth transition between the old paint and the bare surface. The smoother the surface, the better the final paint job will look.

Repairing Wood

In your prep journey, you might find some wood that’s seen better days. If it’s spongy or cracked, it’s time for a fix. Use a wire brush to remove the rotted parts until you hit solid wood. Then, fill in the gaps with an exterior-grade wood filler or a two-part epoxy. Once it’s dry, sand it down to a smooth finish. For larger damaged areas, consider replacing the wood altogether.

Reglazing Windows

Old windows might have cracked or missing glazing putty. Carefully remove the old putty with a putty knife, taking care not to break the glass. Reinstall any loose glazing points and apply new glazing compound as directed by the manufacturer. This step not only improves the look but also the insulation of your windows.

Remember, preparation is half the battle in painting your house exterior. Taking the time to clean, scrape, sand, repair, and reglaze will set you up for a painting project that’s not only easier but will yield results that are more professional and long-lasting. Now, with the surface prepped and ready, you’re all set to move on to the actual painting process. Let’s dive into the techniques and tips that will bring your home’s exterior to life in the next section.

Painting Techniques and Tips

Painting your house exterior is not just about slapping on a coat of paint. It’s about doing it the right way to ensure it looks great and lasts long. Here, we’ll cover some essential techniques and tips, including priming, the debate between spraying vs. brushing, the importance of back-brushing, applying multiple coats, and tips on avoiding direct sun during application.

Priming:
Before you even think about your final color, start with a primer. Primer is your friend. It ensures that your topcoat adheres properly and lasts longer. If you’re switching from a dark to a light color or vice versa, priming is crucial. It can also help to seal and protect the exterior surface from moisture and fading. A little time spent on priming can save you a lot of hassle later.

Spraying vs. Brushing:
When it comes to applying paint, you have two main choices: spraying or brushing. Spraying is fast and can give you a smooth, even coat, making it ideal for large, unobstructed areas. However, it requires more prep work to protect areas you don’t want to paint. Brushing, on the other hand, offers more control, especially around tricky spots like windows and doors. It might be slower, but it ensures that you get paint exactly where you want it.

Back-brushing:
No matter which method you choose, back-brushing is a step you shouldn’t skip. This technique involves going over the sprayed or initially brushed paint with a dry brush to ensure even coverage and better adhesion. It’s especially important for porous surfaces where you want the paint to penetrate deeply for a lasting finish.

Applying Multiple Coats:
One coat of paint is rarely enough. For durability and the best look, plan on applying at least two coats of paint. The first coat acts as a base, providing coverage and adhesion. The second coat gives you that rich color and finish you’re after. Make sure the first coat is completely dry before applying the second to avoid any issues.

Avoiding Direct Sun:
It might seem like a sunny day is perfect for painting, but direct sunlight can cause the paint to dry too quickly. This can lead to uneven coverage and visible lap marks. Instead, aim to paint on a cloudy day or when the sun isn’t directly hitting the surface you’re working on. If you must paint on a sunny day, start early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is less intense.

By following these techniques and tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful exterior paint job. Taking your time and doing it right will always give you better results than rushing through the process. Next, we’ll tackle some common challenges you might face when painting your house exterior.

Addressing Common Challenges

When painting your house exterior, you’re bound to run into a few hurdles. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some common challenges and how to overcome them.

Sunlight and UV Radiation

The Problem: Sunlight can fade paint colors over time and UV radiation can cause paint to crack and peel.

The Solution: Choose high-quality exterior paint specifically designed to withstand UV radiation. Lighter colors tend to fare better in direct sunlight, as they reflect more light and heat than darker shades.

Water and Moisture

The Problem: Water can seep into cracks and under the paint, causing blistering, peeling, and mold.

The Solution: Ensure your home’s exterior is properly sealed and caulked. Use paints that are designed to be permeable, allowing moisture to escape from the walls without causing damage to the paint.

Temperature Changes

The Problem: Extreme temperature changes can cause the paint to expand and contract, leading to cracks and peeling.

The Solution: Paint during mild weather conditions. Opt for high-quality acrylic latex paint, which offers excellent flexibility and can better withstand the stress of temperature changes.

Siding Considerations

The Problem: Different siding materials require different painting approaches. Vinyl siding, for example, can warp if painted with a darker color than the original siding. Aluminum siding may show dents and imperfections more easily.

The Solution: For aluminum siding, clean thoroughly and choose satin or low-luster paint to minimize the appearance of dents. When painting vinyl siding, select a color no darker than the original to avoid warping from heat absorption. Always use paint formulated for the type of siding you have to ensure the best adhesion and durability.

By keeping these challenges in mind and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a smoother painting process and a more durable finish. The key to overcoming these obstacles is to plan ahead and choose the right products for your specific situation. Next up, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about painting your house exterior, providing you with even more insights to tackle your project with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Painting Your House Exterior

Can I paint the exterior of my house myself?

Yes, you can! Painting your house exterior is a big project, but with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, it’s definitely doable for a DIY enthusiast. It’s not just about slapping on a coat of paint. You need to clean and prep the surface, choose the right paint, and apply it carefully. It’s a time-consuming process, but many homeowners find it rewarding and a great way to save money.

How much should it cost to paint the exterior of a 2000 square foot house?

The cost can vary widely depending on several factors like the type of paint you choose, the condition of your home’s exterior, and whether you need to rent equipment. On average, you might expect to spend around $5,200. However, this is just a ballpark figure. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll mainly be paying for paint and supplies. Hiring professionals can increase the cost significantly, but they bring expertise and efficiency to the project.

What order do you paint the exterior of a house?

1. Start with the trim. It’s easier to tape off and protect the trim than to paint it last and try to avoid getting paint on your freshly painted siding.
2. Move on to the siding. This is the largest area and will take the most time. Use a methodical approach to ensure even coverage and to make sure you don’t miss any spots.
3. Finish with the doors and windows. These details can make or break the look of your paint job, so give them the attention they deserve.

Painting your house exterior is a big commitment, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it’s a project that can dramatically improve the curb appeal and value of your home. Whether you decide to tackle it yourself or hire professionals like Earthly Matters Contracting, Inc., the key is to ensure the job is done right.

Conclusion

Painting your house exterior is more than just a weekend task; it’s an investment in your home’s future. At Earthly Matters Contracting, Inc., we understand the magnitude of this project and the trust you place in us to enhance your home’s beauty and protect it from the elements. Our commitment to quality service is not just a promise—it’s a guarantee.

Why Choose Us?

• Expertise: With years of experience, we’ve mastered the art of exterior painting. We know exactly what it takes to deliver a flawless finish that not only looks great but also withstands the test of time.
• Quality Materials: We use only the best paints and tools to ensure your home’s exterior looks stunning and provides maximum protection against weather, UV radiation, and moisture.
• Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We listen to your needs, respect your home, and work diligently to capture your vision. Our team is polite, professional, and dedicated to exceeding your expectations.
• Comprehensive Service: From selecting the right colors and materials to the final touch-up, we provide a comprehensive service. We handle all the challenges, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Ready to Transform Your Home?

If you’re considering painting your house exterior, let us help you make it a reality. Our team at Earthly Matters Contracting, Inc. is ready to bring your vision to life with professionalism and care. With our expertise, your home will not only look its best but also have the protection it needs to endure year after year.

For more information on our services or to schedule a consultation, visit our residential exterior painting page. Let’s work together to make your home the envy of the neighborhood.

Painting your house exterior is a big commitment, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it’s a project that can dramatically improve the curb appeal and value of your home. Whether you decide to tackle it yourself or hire professionals like Earthly Matters Contracting, Inc., the key is to ensure the job is done right. With Earthly Matters Contracting, Inc., you’re not just painting your house; you’re ensuring its beauty and durability for years to come.

Happy painting!