Painting the exterior of your house is a huge task, especially if you’ve got a multi-story home. The good news is with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of expert advice, your home exterior painting project can be a learning and rewarding experience that can give you transferable skills for future home projects that you might have in mind.

But before you crack open a can of paint, make sure you assess the current condition of your home’s exterior and determine if any repairs or preparations are needed before painting. This may include pressure washing, scraping away loose paint, filling cracks or holes with putty or caulk, and sanding rough surfaces. Once you’ve addressed all of these issues, you’re ready to start painting.

Expert Home Exterior Painting Advice

paint roller

Choose the Right Paint and Tools

Every painter will tell you that preparation is the key to a successful painting project. But did you know that choosing the right paint and tools comes in a close second? Each home is relatively unique, and made up of a variety of materials. Depending on the type of material your exterior surfaces are made from, you need to select the right type to ensure adhesion and long-lasting results. Not only that, but the tools that you use to apply the paint also matter. Most of the lower price range tools are okay, but they aren’t made from premium materials that guarantee a smooth and quality finish. 

Protect the Surrounding Area

Before you start painting, take time to protect the surrounding area. Now that you’re improving the current condition and appearance of your exterior surfaces, make sure that this endeavor won’t damage or harm any nearby areas or features. Cover bushes, trees, and other landscaping with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. You can also use painter’s tape to mask off areas that you don’t want to paint, such as windows and door frames. 

Start with a Primer

Primer is an essential step when painting exteriors. Its purpose is to provide a barrier between the surfaces and the paint to ensure adhesion. Without it, the paint might not adhere properly or give you a patchy and uneven finish. Primer is designed to seal porous surfaces, preventing moisture from penetrating the surface. Creating a strong barrier between the surface and the paint will improve the durability of your newly painted surfaces and protect them from the elements.

Work from the Top Down

Another piece of expert painting advice is to work from the top down. After you’ve painted the edges with a paintbrush, you need to start painting from the top, gradually moving downward. This will help you catch any drips or runs from occurring, helping you to avoid repainting areas that you’ve already covered. In addition to this, painting from the top down allows you to work with gravity. It’ll help you control the paint easier for a smooth coat. 

Use Proper Techniques

Now that you know what direction to paint in, the next tip is to use the right painting technique. When painting large areas, use a roller to apply the paint in a “W” or “M” pattern. It might not seem like a big deal, but it will ensure a quality coat because this will help to distribute the paint evenly and avoid lap marks. On the flip side, if you are working on smaller areas, use a brush to apply the paint in smooth, even strokes. These simple, yet effective techniques, can make all the difference in the final outcome of your project. 

Take Your Time

Painting your home’s exterior is going to be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to be patient and take your time. Rushing the task can lead to mistakes and an uneven finish, which can actually cost you more time in the long run. Another area where you need to practice patience is during the curing period. Allow each coat of paint to dry thoroughly before applying the next one.

Clean Up Properly

Once you’ve finished painting, clean up the area thoroughly. Remove all of the plastic sheeting and drop cloths, and dispose of any leftover paint and other materials according to local regulations. This is even more important if you have pets who might think the cans of paint or plastic sheets are toys, get paint on their coats, or ingest the paint.

All in all, painting the exterior of your house on your own is a challenge, but it can be a rewarding experience. With our advice on exterior painting, we hope you achieve a professional-looking finish that will protect your home for years to come.

About Kieser’s Painting

If you decide that you’d like professional help to update the paint on your exteriors, our crew at Kieser’s Painting is here for you. We offer extensive residential painting services, including exterior painting, interior painting, and cabinet painting. 

At Kieser’s Painting, we have the right skills, knowledge, and tools to complete your home exterior painting project with as little stress as possible. Our exterior house painters are highly skilled and experienced in managing residential painting projects.

If you are in Omaha, Elkhorn, Gretna, Bennington, or Papillion, call us today for a FREE ESTIMATE. You can reach us at 402-866-8260.