4 Tips for Painting Your Home's Exterior

Most homeowners turn to professional painters when updating their home’s exterior. However, with the right know-how and proper equipment, painting your home is easy and affordable. 

Your paint job will be infinitely easier with better results if you follow a few key painting tips. From selecting the right paint to applying primer and even adding the right number of coats, these seven tips will help you perfectly paint your home’s exterior.

1. Consider the Type of Paint

Painting your home’s exterior requires paint that’s thick and durable. So, you should choose between the two most popular paint types for exterior surfaces: latex and oil-based paint.

These paints are water-resistant, long-lasting, and a reliable way to guarantee the house’s exterior stays fresh for years to come.

Latex paint dries quickly, is easy to apply, and resists direct sunlight and age. Acrylic latex is the most common exterior house paint. It offers the best balance of durability, application, and affordability.

Oil-based paints provide excellent adhesion and durability. However, they take longer to dry, have a strong odor, and require mineral spirits for cleanup. I recommend oil-based paints for areas that see a lot of wear and tear, such as trim and railings.

When reviewing paint options, check the label to ensure the paint is suitable for exterior surfaces. A paint and primer combination for interior walls won’t properly protect and adhere to your exterior siding.

2. Determine How Much Paint You Need

Before buying exterior paint, you need to calculate your home's square footage. This determines how many gallons of paint to purchase.

You can find the square footage by measuring the height and width of each exterior wall surface and calculating the area. Be sure to include all sides of the home. As a rule of thumb, one gallon of exterior paint covers 300 to 400 square feet. However, the manufacturer's instructions should provide coverage specifics based on the surface type.

3. Prepare the Surface

When undertaking an exterior painting project, it's important to select the proper painting method for your home's specific needs. Proper surface prep is key for achieving beautiful, long-lasting results. 

Start by washing your exterior walls with a power washer. This removes dirt, mildew, chalky paint, and other debris. Power washing requires the proper pounds-per-square-inch level to avoid damaging the surfaces. I recommend following the manufacturer's recommendations to do this right.

Check your exterior walls for any cracks, holes, or damage that require patching and repairing. Use a sander to smooth any rough areas and prime bare wood or metal with the appropriate primer. Primers like peel-bonding primer help aged, peeling paint adhere better.

Finish prepping by masking off any areas you don’t intend to paint, such as brick, stone, glass, and landscaping. Use painter's tape to create clean lines and protect these surfaces.

If you belong to a homeowners association, verify with them first before painting. Some require submitting a formal request if you want to change colors.

4. Choose Your Painting Method

Consider your home's size, features, and location when deciding on your painting method.

For small, single-story homes, an exterior paint sprayer allows you to coat all sides quickly. I recommend practicing first on cardboard to get comfortable with the feel of the spray gun. Load the paint into the hopper and adjust the flow and spray width.

Larger homes may require renting a boom lift or scaffolding. These tools provide safe access when painting second stories and high exterior walls. Set up drop cloths below the area you’re painting to protect landscaping.

5. Apply Primer and Paint

Now that the surface is ready, it’s time to apply primer and paint. Use these application tips for the best results.

Always start by applying a coat of high-quality primer to the prepared exterior surface. The primer coat helps the paint adhere properly. For best results, use a primer and paint combo from the same manufacturer.

Once the primer dries completely, apply the exterior paint. Use a brush for edges and a roller for larger wall expanses. Apply the paint in sections, starting at the top and working your way down. Paint sections in the shade whenever possible.

Apply at least two coats of exterior paint, allowing proper dry time between coats. The paint will appear more opaque and vivid after the second coat. Touch up any spots as needed once the final coat is dry. Properly clean brushes and any other painting tools when finished.

6. Practice Proper Cleanup and Storage

At the end of the job, you’ll have brushes, rollers, trays, and maybe hoppers to clean. For water-based paint, rinse thoroughly with warm, soapy water until the water runs clear. For oil-based paint, clean tools with mineral spirits or paint thinner.

Once clean, wrap brushes and rollers in plastic wrap or seal in airtight bags. Store any leftover paint properly for future touch-ups. Keep it covered in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temps. The storage instructions depend on the paint type.

Proper cleanup and storage keep your paint quality high for future exterior paint jobs and touch-ups. Always check manufacturer guidelines for the recommended methods. 

7. Make Safety a Priority

Exterior painting requires caution. Make safety a priority throughout the project to avoid accidents or injury. While painting your home's exterior, keep these tips in mind:

So, Should I Paint My Home’s Exterior?

Painting your own home offers savings over hiring a professional painting contractor. And with proper planning and preparation, you can achieve beautiful results.

However, for extremely large homes or challenging surfaces like stucco, a professional may do a better job. They have specialized sprayers, lifts, and manpower that can easily tackle big projects.

Evaluate your DIY skills, equipment, and schedule before deciding. While doable, exterior painting requires significant physical effort and time. Factor in cleanup and learning curves if you’re attempting to spray paint for the first time.

If you prefer to go the professional route, get quotes from at least three companies. Ask about their prep process, paint brand, number of coats, warranties, and what cleanup and protection they provide.