Painting the exterior of your home is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it acts as a protective barrier for your house. While this can be a daunting task, our step-by-step guide will walk you through this job if you choose to do it yourself. Below, we’ll tackle each step involved in this DIY project, including preparation, choosing the right paint, and working with ladders.
The Benefits of Exterior Painting
Exterior painting shields your home’s siding from weather damage, prevents wood rot, and can even improve energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight. A well-executed paint job can also significantly boost your home’s value and curb appeal.
Why It Lasts: Though not much thicker than a human hair, two coats of quality exterior paint can protect your home’s siding from sun, wind, and rain for many years. That thin skin of resin and pigment shields your investment — but only when applied to a clean, smooth surface. Properly applied with top-quality materials and thorough prep, a new paint job should last a good 15 years.
Conducting an Inspection of Your Exterior
Start by performing a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, peeling paint, or rotting wood. Pay special attention to areas prone to moisture, like under eaves or near the ground. A simple test can help determine the extent of work needed:
- Choose an inconspicuous area where the paint is in poor condition.
- Clean the surface and let it dry completely.
- Paint a small patch and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- Press a piece of tape firmly onto the painted area and quickly pull it off.
Pro Tip: TOH master carpenter Norm Abram stresses the importance of sealing every gap: “Those openings look small, but that’s where water gets in and heat goes out.” He recommends cleaning out old caulk and filling gaps with 30-year acrylic caulk for a lasting seal.
Key Areas to Examine: When inspecting your siding, probe wood with a screwdriver, looking for soft, flaking, crumbling, or damp spots. Pay close attention to where dissimilar materials meet — such as where wood meets brick — and caulk any gaps you find. Also examine joints between siding boards and areas around doors, windows, and trim, where small openings can let water in and allow heat to escape.
If the tape comes away clean, you can paint after proper preparation. However, if the tape pulls off paint down to bare wood, you may need to strip the entire surface before repainting.
Reading the Warning Signs: When examining old paint, look for numerous horizontal and vertical fissures — these signal that oil-based paint is losing its grip and must be removed. Also watch for gray, weathered wood beneath peeling paint. Because sunlight degrades the lignin that holds wood cells together, surface fibers no longer bond to the wood underneath, meaning new paint will stick only to a surface that’s about to slough off, and peeling will quickly reappear. If the paint buildup is more than 1/16 inch thick, the sheer weight of accumulated layers may itself be part of the problem.
Identifying Paint Types and Issues
Determine whether your home’s current paint is oil-based or latex. Then, look for common paint problems such as:
- Peeling or flaking
- Blistering
- Chalking
- Alligatoring (a pattern of deep cracks)
- Fading
Understanding the Causes: Each type of paint failure has distinct causes that inform the right fix. Alligatoring occurs when oil paint ages naturally or when the top coat is harder than the base—such as alkyd enamel over latex. Blistering often signals a moisture problem behind the wall or that the surface was painted in direct sun. Cracking and flaking can result from low-quality or excessively thinned paint, poor surface preparation, or latex that dried too fast in cool temperatures or high wind. If cracks affect only the surface layer, scraping, sanding, priming, and repainting may suffice; if they go deeper, you’ll need to strip down to bare wood.
Preparing Your Home for Exterior Painting
Proper preparation is the key to a long-lasting paint job. This stage involves cleaning, repairing, and priming the surfaces.
Cleaning and Repairing Surfaces
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the exterior using a pressure washer—you can usually rent these as well–or a garden hose and a stiff-bristled brush. Remove all dirt, dust, and loose paint. For areas with mold or mildew, use a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of trisodium phosphate in 2 gallons of water. Apply this mixture and scrub with a brush, then rinse thoroughly.
Next, repair any damaged areas:
- Use a scraper or wire brush to remove loose paint.
- Sand rough edges to create a smooth transition between painted and bare areas.
- Fill holes and cracks with exterior filler or epoxy.
- Replace any rotted wood or siding.
Technique: When using a pressure washer, angle the spray downward to prevent water from getting underneath clapboards or siding. Keep pressure below 2,000 psi to avoid gouging wood or breaking windows. If you’re less experienced with pressure washers, a hose, pump sprayer, and scrub brush is slower but safer and just as effective. Before washing, protect nearby plants by misting their leaves, saturating the surrounding soil with water, and covering them with fabric drop cloths—never plastic, which can cook plants. Let surfaces dry for a couple of days before moving on to sanding and priming.
Pro Tip: Rich O’Neil, of Masterwork Painting in Bedford, Massachusetts, patches shallow holes and divots with Ready Patch because it dries fast, sands smooth, and stays flexible. For deep cracks and rotten spots, he recommends two-step epoxies, such as those made by Advanced Repair Technology. When siding is too fragile for a total strip job, O’Neil has successfully hidden rough, well-adhered paint under Peel Bond, a thick primer designed to bridge imperfections.
Addressing Moisture and Mold Problems
Excess moisture can quickly ruin a new paint job. Identify and fix any sources of moisture, such as leaky gutters or poor drainage. For areas prone to mold, consider using a mold-resistant primer before painting.
Choosing the Right Exterior Paint and Tools
Selecting high-quality paint and the proper tools is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish that will stand the test of time.
Selecting Quality Exterior Paint
Choose a paint specifically formulated for exterior use. Consider factors such as:
- Climate: Select a paint that can withstand your local weather conditions
- Surface type: Different paints work better on wood, metal, or masonry
- Sheen: Higher sheens are more durable but show imperfections more readily
- Color: Lighter colors reflect heat, while darker colors absorb it
High-quality acrylic latex paint is a great choice for most exterior painting projects. It offers good coverage, durability, and easy cleanup.
Essential Painting Tools and Equipment
Gather the following tools for your painting project:
- Brushes: A 3-inch straight-edge siding brush and a 2-inch angled sash brush
- Rollers: For large, flat surfaces
- Paint sprayer: For faster coverage on large areas–optional
- Drop cloths and painter’s tape
- Ladder or scaffolding
- Safety equipment: Goggles, gloves, and a dust mask
Invest in high-quality brushes with long, tapered bristles for the best results.
Brush Basics: Most exterior paint jobs can be handled with just three brushes: a 3-inch straight-edge siding brush, a 2-inch angled sash brush, and a 2½-inch straight-edge trim brush. Look for brushes with long bristles that have chiseled (tapered) ends and flagged (split) tips. Match bristle type to your paint: natural bristle (hog’s hair) should be used only for oil-based paints, as it can absorb water from latex and ruin the brush. Nylon and polyester brushes work best with latex paints.
Timing Your Exterior Painting Project
Choosing the right time to paint can impact the quality and longevity of your paint job.
Ideal Weather Conditions
The best conditions for exterior painting are:
- Temperature between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low humidity
- Overcast but not rainy
- Minimal wind
Avoid painting in direct sunlight, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly and affect adhesion.
Seasonal Considerations
While summer might seem ideal for painting, extreme heat can be problematic. Spring and fall often offer the best conditions for exterior painting. Check the extended forecast in any season to make sure you’ll have several dry days for the paint to cure properly.
Step-By-Step Exterior Painting Process
With proper preparation and materials, you’re ready to begin painting your home’s exterior.
Priming the Surface
Apply a coat of exterior primer to ensure better paint adhesion and coverage. Use an oil-based primer for previously painted surfaces or bare wood and a multi-surface primer for masonry. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting.
Applying the Paint
Start at the top of the house and work your way down, painting one section at a time:
- Cut in around windows, doors, and corners with a brush.
- Use a roller or sprayer for large, flat areas.
- Apply thin, even coats, allowing each to dry before applying the next.
Painting Trim and Details
After painting the main surfaces, move on to the trim:
- Remove any painter’s tape carefully.
- Use a smaller brush for precise control around windows and doors.
- Consider using a contrasting color to make the trim stand out.
- Personalize your front door with paint colors that complement your home’s palette.
Best Practices for a Professional Exterior Paint Finish
To achieve a polished look, follow these professional painting techniques.
Proper Brushing Techniques
When using a brush:
- Dip the brush about one-third of the way into the paint.
- Tap the brush gently against the side of the can to remove excess.
- Apply paint in long, smooth strokes, working the paint into the surface.
- Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
Using Paint Sprayers Effectively
If using a paint sprayer:
- Practice on a piece of scrap material first.
- Keep the sprayer moving at a consistent speed and distance from the surface.
- Overlap each pass slightly to ensure even coverage.
- Back-brush or back-roll immediately after spraying to work the paint into the surface.
Tackling Common Exterior Painting Challenges
Even with careful preparation, you may encounter some common painting issues.
Dealing with Peeling and Blistering
To address peeling or blistering paint:
- Scrape away all loose paint.
- Sand the edges to create a smooth transition.
- Prime any bare spots before repainting.
- Investigate and resolve any underlying moisture issues.
Addressing Fading and Chalking
For faded or chalking paint:
- Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any chalky residue.
- Apply a high-quality primer designed to bind to chalky surfaces.
- Choose a fade-resistant paint for the topcoat.
Tips To Maintain Your Newly Painted Exterior
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your paint job and keep your home looking fresh.
Regular Cleaning and Inspections
Perform these maintenance tasks annually:
- Wash the exterior with a gentle detergent and water solution.
- Inspect for signs of paint failure or damage.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
Touch-ups and Minor Repairs
Address minor issues promptly:
- Keep extra paint on hand for touch-ups.
- Repair any cracks or holes as soon as you notice them.
- Repaint small areas as needed to prevent more significant problems.
Safety Considerations for Exterior Painting
Safety should be your top priority when painting your home’s exterior.
Working with Ladders and Scaffolding
When using ladders or scaffolding:
- Ensure they are on stable, level ground.
- Maintain three points of contact at all times.
- Never overreach—move the ladder instead.
- Use a safety harness when working at heights.
Handling Lead-Based Paint
If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint. Do not attempt to remove this paint yourself. Contact a certified lead abatement professional for safe removal and disposal.
Our Conclusion
Painting your home’s exterior is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will protect your home and enhance its appearance for many years.
