If you are a homeowner and want to give your home a new look, painting your home exterior may help. Exterior painting can deal with old and damaged outer walls. But if you have a tight budget, it might feel expensive. However, you can paint your home exterior by following some basic and easy guidelines. Hiring an exterior painting expert would cost you dollars, but with this DIY approach, you can save money. You just need the right tool and equipment, and you are ready to paint your home.
Step-by-Step Home Exterior Painting Guide With Pro Tips
Painting your home exterior is not a difficult task if you can handle it well. It can save labour costs for exterior painting. Follow the instructions and expert tips to paint seamlessly.
Here is the easy step-by-step breakdown:
Choose the Right Exterior Paint
Selecting the best paint color and type is the first step in exterior painting. For beginners, water-based acrylic latex paint is best. It is much easier to apply as compared to other paints. But for a professional touch, you should use oil-based paints. Oil-based paints are more durable and long-lasting than latex paints.
Choose the right color scheme to complement the interior of your home. Check colors in swatches to get an idea of the exact shade. Keep the color contrasts in mind and think about the areas you are not going to paint, and how they would look with the new color.
| Quality paints last longer as they are resistant to different weather conditions. Also, they look more vibrant as compared to cheap paints. Consult an exterior painting expert who can recommend an affordable option without compromising on quality. |
Test the Lead Paint
Removing lead paint can spread airborne lead particles. Examine and test your paint before starting the preparation, as it may harm you or your neighbours. Buy a test kit from any paint or hardware store. If the test is positive, use the precautionary measures for safety. If overwhelming to remove lead paints, go for professional help for the best Exterior painting services.
Gather the Paint Equipment
Gather the necessary equipment like gloves, paints, and brushes. Don’t forget to bring a ladder or scaffolding to reach the higher points. Make an estimate of how much paint you would need for exterior painting. In general, a paint gallon covers 250 to 350 square feet. Always put an extra bucket to compensate, in case your estimate is wrong and you need more paint.
Clean the exterior Surface.
Paint never stays on dusty, mildewy walls. Wash your home exterior before painting. Make a mixture of water and phosphate-free cleanser for best results. You can also hire experts for a pressure wash. Let the surface dry before moving to the next step.
| Avoid painting in rainy seasons. Paint doesn’t stick on wet walls. Also, in hot weather, it’s difficult to paint due to direct sunlight. Choose a suitable weather for flawless exterior painting. |
Remove Old Flaky Paint
Use a hand scraper and scrape off the old paint flakes. Exterior painting experts use professional devices like a hot-air gun or an infrared paint stripper. If you are doing it yourself, don’t forget to wear a mask and Tyvek suit for safety. If you are dealing with lead paints, follow the precautionary measures and avoid using an open-flame torch.
Fill and Repair the Rough Spots
Sand the rough spots using sandpaper. It helps to smooth the surface. But avoid rubbing too hard so that it leaves sander marks on the wood. In case of lead paints, use HEPA filters. Inspect your home exterior to figure out any holes or damaged areas. Fill the holes and repair the broken wood. If the wood is rotten, call the carpenter to replace it. Also, fix the drainage system or any other reasons for rotting.
Layer Primer and Caulk the Joints
Apply a layer of primer before the paint coat. Use white, gray, or tinted primer for a clear base. Fill the gaps and spaces in joints near windows or doors with caulk. A siliconized or polyurethane acrylic caulk works best for all types of paints.
| Expert Tip: Before starting exterior painting, cover your car, lighting, or plants in the garden area to avoid any damage. |
Apply Paint in Multiple Coats
Start painting your home exterior from top to bottom in a side-by-side motion. Paint in sections and never leave the final touch-up for the end. Cover the spots for a uniform, flawless look. Don’t apply extra layers of paint. It will lead to flaking of paint with time. Keep in mind that less is more. Once you are done, you can leave the paint to dry. Congrats, you have a freshly painted exterior.
Conclusion
Achieving professional results in exterior painting is a little bit difficult. If you are doing it for the first time. However, proper preparation before starting the paint is key to achieving the best possible results. But still, if you feel that you are not ready for the task, you can seek professional help. Hire a trusted paint company for the best exterior painting services.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does exterior paint last?
A reliable, good-quality paint lasts for at least 5 to 10 years.
Can I use the same interior paint for the exterior?
Exterior paint is formulated to adhere to different weather conditions. So, interior paint is not suitable for exterior use.
How much time does exterior paint need to dry?
It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to dry.
What is the best direction to apply exterior paint?
Start painting in a left-to-right motion from upward to downward using the right brush.
What is meant by boxing in exterior painting?
Mix different cans of the same color in a larger container to get a uniform color.
