Is your house in desperate need of a new paint job but want to save money? If you’re thinking of painting your home yourself, do some research first. You can certainly save money by painting your house’s exterior yourself, but make sure you’re prepared for the job. Check out these 6 exterior house painting tips to make sure you’re ready to take on this DIY project. An exterior paint job changes the look of your home, adds major curb appeal, and even increases the value.
1. Gather All Materials
Having all necessary materials prior to starting the job is absolutely essential. It’s a frustrating roadblock when you’ve dug into a project only to realize you need to run back to the hardware store. Assess the job and organize the following materials for your project:
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrushes and rollers
- Ladder
- Pressure washer
- Paint sprayer
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths / plastic sheets
- Paint scraper
- Epoxy filler for repairs (filling gaps, etc)
- Sander or sanding block (medium grit)
- Putty knife
- Caulk and caulk gun
It seems obvious to include paint and primer in the list, but make sure you have all the colors that you will need beforehand. If you don’t have or can’t afford some of these items, many hardware stores rent out tools at affordable prices for your weekend DIY projects. Save money using this method.
2. Fix Any Needed Repairs First
Before exterior house painting, use a putty knife to fill all cracks and holes with epoxy filler before painting. Any major repairs to the outside of the house should be addressed during this stage, as well. After the epoxy has dried, sand down the rough spots so that they are flush with the wall.
3. Preparation for Exterior House Painting
Apply painter’s tape to all doors, windows, and trim. Use plastic drop sheets to cover porches, decks, landscaping, outdoor furniture, or any other surface that risks getting unwanted paint on it.
Scrape and sand any loose or chipping paint from your home’s exterior. Skipping this step will lead to uneven surfaces underneath your fresh coat of paint, which is quite unsightly. After the old paint has been removed and smoothed down, caulk any gaps between the siding and doors, windows, or trim.
4. Applying Exterior Paint Primer
If the color you have chosen for exterior house painting is the same or lighter than the one before, you will first need to add primer. If you are using a paint sprayer, keep in mind that primer is often much thicker than paint. You may need to thin the product to make application easier with the sprayer. Read the instructions on the can to do this.
5. Tips for Painting
Start by painting the siding first. Start from the top and go down, making sure to overlap brush strokes for the best coverage. It’s recommended to paint two coats, but this is also dependant on the paint you selected. Make sure you let it fully dry between coats. After the main portion of the exterior has been painted, paint the trim, shudders, doors, and any other features next.
6. Cleanup After Exterior House Painting
After exterior house painting is complete, it’s time to remove any painter’s tape, drop cloths, and materials from around your home. Inspect for any spills or messes that may need to be cleaned.
Gulf Sand Home Inspection provides inspection services in Sarasota, FL. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request an appointment.