Painting the outside of your home can greatly boost curb appeal and protect siding, trim, and other exterior materials from damage.
Related reading; How Much Does it Cost to Paint The Exterior of a House?
While exterior painting may seem straightforward, there are some important factors to consider for getting professional-looking results.
Follow these 7 key tips to ensure your exterior house painting project goes smoothly and successfully.
1. Pick the Right Time of the Year
Weather plays a huge role in exterior paint job success. For ideal conditions, plan to paint between spring and early fall when temperatures are consistently moderate. Avoid painting in winter cold, summer heat, or wet weather.
The best time to paint is when daytime temps range from 10°C to 25°C and humidity is low. The surface being painted should also be dry and free of moisture. Follow weather forecasts and allow 1-2 days of dry weather for new paint to cure fully.
2. Prepare Surfaces Properly
Proper surface prep is crucial for long-lasting paint adhesion. Start by cleaning the exterior fully with a high-pressure washer. Scrape and sand areas with peeling or cracking paint. Patch holes, cracks, and other flaws with caulk or repair compounds.
Paint won’t stick to glossy surfaces, so sand or degloss slick areas—Prime any unpainted surfaces before applying topcoats. Remove fixtures like shutters, lights, and downspouts before painting. Mask off areas like windows, trim, and landscaping.
3. Select Quality Exterior Paint
Invest in premium exterior paints that are formulated to withstand sun, rain, wind and temperature swings. Latex paints provide good versatility for exterior use on wood, stucco, masonry, and other surfaces.
Choose exterior paint with an appropriate sheen level from flat to high-gloss. Flat or matte paints disguise flaws best, while higher sheens like satin are more durable. Get paint tinted to a lighter shade than your existing color to avoid discoloration from the sun.
4. Paint systematically in Small Sections
Don’t attempt to paint the entire house in one go. Systematically work in smaller manageable sections. Paint from top to bottom, trim first, then walls from upper to lower levels. Use high-quality brushes for trim and edges, and use rollers for larger flat areas.
Apply paint in smooth, even strokes and coats. Follow the spread rate directions on the can for proper coverage. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another. Change the roller cover frequently to avoid leaving texture in the paint.
5. Deal Properly with Caulking and Repairs
Pay special attention to caulked areas and surface repairs when painting. Prime patched areas before painting so the new paint sticks. Apply caulk after priming but before painting for clean finished edges.
Use siliconized acrylic latex caulks for exterior use. Tool the caulk with a moistened finger before it fully dries for a smooth seal. Only apply caulk when temperatures are between 4°C and 35°C. Wipe away excess caulk with a wet cloth before it cures.
6. Watch the Weather and Protect Fresh Paint
Even with proper prep and application, exterior paint jobs can fail due to inclement weather. Wait to start painting if rain or heavy dew is expected within the next 48 hours. Stop painting early enough in the day to allow paint to dry before evening moisture sets in.
When temperatures heat up, paint shaded north and east-facing sides, which get less direct sunlight. Avoid having the sun hit freshly painted surfaces until fully cured. Keep tarps on hand to protect newly painted areas if sudden rain pops up.
Also read; Considering the Weather & Temperature Factor
7. Allow Proper Curing Time
Depending on weather conditions, most exterior paints take 14-30 days to cure fully. Avoid exposing freshly painted surfaces to rain, sprinklers, or moisture during this time. While curing, don’t place furniture, outdoor decor, or other items against newly painted walls.
Curing paint gives off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) dissipated outdoors. Keep indoor windows closed for a few days after exterior painting—proper curing results in a tougher, more durable paint finish.
Exterior House Painting Tips – The Closing Note
Following these exterior house painting tips will ensure attractive, long-lasting results. Pay attention to the weather, thoroughly prep and repair surfaces, use quality paints and tools, work systematically yet flexibly, and protect curing paint. With the right planning and procedures, you can achieve a fresh, professional-grade paint job on your home’s exterior surfaces.
