Painting the exteriors is not similar to painting the interiors and requires careful planning, preparation, and precision. The exterior paint bears the brunt of the weather and other outdoor elements year-round. Doing it correctly, would mean a paint job that will last for years. 

Here are a few things you should know if you are painting the home’s exterior yourself to achieve high-quality and durable results:

Quality matters more than the price

Never compromise with the paint quality. A premium paint job cannot be achieved without a quality paint. A high-quality paint means better coverage, higher resistance to the elements, and longer gaps between two paint jobs. Buying cheaper paints will save money upfront, but it will mean painting the exterior more frequently. Besides quality, choosing the correct paint type, color, and finish is crucial. Apply a sample to the wall to see how it looks.

Avoid painting during extreme weather

Planning is essential while painting the house exteriors. Local climatic conditions and temperatures decide the most suitable time to paint. Painting the house in Favorable weather plays a critical role in paint curing and longevity. Dry and warmer months are considered ideal for exterior painting. It is always advisable to check the weather forecast before finalizing the painting day. Temperatures between 50- and 90-degree Fahrenheit are recommended for proper paint adherence. 

Do not forget to cover everything

Exterior painting can get messy. Cover anything below the area to be painted, including shrubs, vegetation, furniture, and grills, using a drop cloth. Use painter’s tape to cover doors, windows, and other hardware and plastic for lighting fixtures. 

Use the right tools

A successful and lasting paint job requires using proper tools and equipment. Ladders, rollers, brushes, coverings, caulk gun, scraper, sandpaper, roller screen and tray, paint sprayer, drop cloths, painter’s tape, bucket, and painting clothes are the basic tools required to paint the exteriors. 

Prepare the surface before painting

The key to a successful paint job is how well the surface is prepared. A clean, dry, and smooth surface is needed for the paint to adhere well. Paint fails to stick well to dirty, rough, or rotten surfaces. Begin by pressure washing the surface to remove mold, dirt, and grime. Use a scraper to remove loose and flaking paint and smoothen the surface with sandpaper. Inspect the condition of the walls, siding, and trim and remove or replace any rotten wood for a lasting paint job. Use exterior caulk to fill gaps and cracks to prevent moisture and air entry into the home. Always apply the recommended primer on the surface before painting it. Newer paints already have primer, which cuts down the number of coats to be applied.

Choose the correct painting technique

While painting, start from the top and work your way down. It helps in controlling streaks. Start painting with the overhang to avoid dripping and spoiling newly painted surfaces. After painting all the areas, touch-ups were required.

Store the paint carefully

After finishing the painting for the day, properly seal the container to prevent the paint from drying. Wash and wrap the brushes in plastic and tie the rollers and roller covers tightly after putting them in a plastic bag. 

A DIY exterior paint job is exciting but demanding. If you need assistance, contact a local exterior painting company. Professional painters know all the vital aspects of exterior painting and have experience painting different surfaces with perfection. Several preparatory steps are required before painting, which pros can handle best.