Exterior painting: A guide for painting the outside of your house

The decision to paint the exterior of a home is not to be taken lightly. A fresh, clean paint application can increase the value of the property and make it easier to sell. It also provides weather proofing from the elements.

First and foremost, calculate how long it will take to complete the job. Make sure there is ample time to complete the job without rushing. Also, check the extended weather forecast to ensure the paint job will not be interrupted or postponed. There are also specific weather requirements that accompany each brand of paint. If no excess moisture is permitted for 72 hours, be sure this need can be met. Remember that if the home has several windows, the job will take longer. It requires more preperation to paint around windows and their sills.

Begin by looking for any cracks or holes in the exterior material. There may be holes that need to be filled or shingles that need repair. Caulk should be used to fill any holes or cracks. Flaking or peeling paint will also need to be scraped off before a new coat can be applied. There are tools for scraping so the old putty knife method can be eliminated. Always place a drop cloth below the work space so paint chips and drips can be caught and removed with no risk of ingestion or splattering paint onto porches, eaves or the landscaping.

Select a high quality primer to apply before painting. A good primer will ensure a solid finish as well as provide something for the paint to cling to. It might appear that just painting will do the job but in a couple of years, the paint will have peeled off because it cannot adhere to the bare wood of the exterior.

Begin painting in a left to right direction. Since this is how people read, it will be easier for the eye to catch any flaws or drips. The exterior should be painted first and the trim and gutters last. A mini paint roller will quickly complete the trim and there is no need to change colours or brushes between jobs.

Use caution when painting sills or windows on the second floor. A ladder that has been used in other jobs might seem sturdy and good for a painting job but scaffolding should be hung to ensure safety.

Finally, if it all seems to much work, there is no shame in hiring a professional. Painting the outside of your house can be hard work!

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