The Florida key to a successful exterior paint job is proper homework . These step - by - stone’s throw program line will show you how to paint your house effectively and efficiently .
Whether your frontage looks a little worn or you want to give your rest home acolorful makeover , you may add lots of curb appeal if you know how to paint a family exterior . The task involves a significant time commitment , specialized equipment , and basic DIY accomplishment , but the out-of-door update is well worth the effort .
Before you bound into painting your house , you ’ll want todecide on a colouring scheme , explore the best character of rouge for your home plate ’s stuff and climate circumstance , secure staging or extended height ladder , sweep up on your condom knowledge , adequately and exhaustively prepare your open , and possibly even recruit a few friends to help with the project . See how to paint the exterior of your house with these stair .

Credit: Brian McWeeney
Step 1: Choose Exterior Paint Colors
Deciding on a colour outline is one of the first pace to undertake . Start by choosing a semblance family for the siding , follow bycolors for other portions of the facade , such as shutter , well-kept , and the front doorway . Pay care to the constituent you wo n’t be paint , such as the roof and gutters , and consider how these surfaces will look with your chosen colors . Once you ’ve make up one’s mind on a color family , prize thespecific exterior paint colorsyou want for each surface .
try out colours , just like you do for upcountry paint jobs . If you do n’t want to paint many color swatches directly on your house , apply the key to big pieces of foam gist . Observe how the colors look during different times of the solar day . Also , observe the colour on all sides of your home . A color that looks perfect in a shaded post might look dissimilar on a sunnier rampart .
break up a rouge ( as well as a primer ) formulated for exterior practical software and appropriate for how to paint a domicile exterior surface . paint your home is an investment of time and money . For a project that pays off , choose eminent - quality paint that will last and stand up to the elements .
" When looking for exterior paint , be sure to get a high - timbre primer that will coincide with your surface material , like wood or stucco , " tell Travis Nolan , founder ofOld Crow Painting , " For top coat , always go exchange premium for a long - lasting finish that will secure your investment . "
Step 2: Prep for Painting
Clean Exterior Surfaces
Sharp also says to bleach any mould because the paint wo n’t bond properly tomildewed surfaces . let the whitener to continue on the airfoil for 10 - 20 minutes to down the mildew .
Test for Lead Paint
When painting a home built before 1978 , testing for the presence of lead blusher is an all important step , say Sharp . Lead paint can become a hazard when disturbed during scrape and picture . Test kits ( uncommitted at home melioration stores ) can notice the presence of lead . If your house harbors lead blusher , consult theEnvironmental Protection Agency ’s guidelinesand call on an expert . The EPA maintain alist of lead overhaul , repair , and paint ( RRP ) firmstrained to deal with lead - based pigment safely .
Check the Weather
Consult the conditions forecastbefore diving into your rouge undertaking , too . " For exterior paint projects , the beneficial temperature for latex paint fall between 50 - 70 ° F , while the best temperature for oil - based blusher fall between 45 - 90 ° farad , " says Matt Kunz , president ofFive Star Painting , aNeighborly company . " Any colder and you chance the paint taking too long to cure , which attracts insect , dirt , grime , and other debris to the wet surface . fossil oil - ground paints will also thicken in low temperatures , causing stiffer brushing , heavier software , and less reportage per congius . "
Gather Equipment
Equip yourself withadequate and safe equipmentfor reach high spot on your home plate ’s exterior . Use a ravel or scaffolding designed to remain firm securely against a star sign . The run or scaffolding should also reach high enough to safely paint the highest peaks without stretching or climbing above the meridian recommended by the manufacturer .
Right before you crack open up your paint john , take the clip tomask offand tarp any surface you wo n’t be paint , including landscaping .
Step 3: Take Time to Prime
It ’s tantalizing to bound right into getting thatnew colour on your dwelling ’s exteriorso you could see the results . But you ’ll hump yournew paint jobeven more if you take the time to understand how to paint a family exterior , includingapplying a primerfirst . Primer not only helps the blusher adhere good to the surface , but it also works as a protectant . count for an exterior priming that acts as a sealer and dries to a mold , mould , and fungi - resistant refinement . priming can also be tinted for better color coverage .
Step 4: Paint Your Home’s Exterior
While a paintbrush will undoubtedly get the job done , apaint sprayerwill make the job more efficient . " If you do n’t have a sprayer , consider renting one . This will make your job significantly easier and produce a better result , " says Nolan . practice a respirator and other safety equipment the sprayer manufacturer recommends .
When using a sprayer , it ’s essential to go back over the surface with a brush or roller toensure even insurance coverage . Nolan recommends back - brushing for Ellen Price Wood open and back - pealing for cementitious surface .
design to apply two coating of paint , which will also aid advance even insurance coverage . " The first coat , squall the radical coat , will give you the first cinema of protection and absorb into the surface , " says Sharp . " The 2nd coat call up the top coating , will give you a unvarying appearance and check that the sometime color is totally covered . "
Once you ’ve finished the 2d pelage , inspect your exterior for any spots that necessitate to be touched up , clean your brushes , crimper , and equipment , and admire your new facade .