Painting the exterior of your house can transform its look and boost its kerb appeal, but it’s not a task to rush into without careful preparation. Proper prep work ensures that your paint job looks good and lasts for years. To help you get the best results, this guide will walk you through each step in preparing your home’s exterior for painting.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Preparing your home’s exterior for painting is essential for achieving long-lasting, professional results. Start by assessing the areas to be painted and selecting high-quality latex paint in colours that complement your home. Properly clean the exterior using a pressure washer, then remove loose or peeling paint by scraping and sanding. Apply primer to exposed areas and fill gaps with caulk to prevent moisture damage. Protect surrounding plants and pets, and set up ladders or scaffolding safely.
Tape around windows and fixtures to ensure clean lines, and check weather conditions before painting. Testing paint colours and preparing for spills will further smooth the process. Lastly, make any final repairs, cover nearby landscaping, and take your time for the best results. Careful prep now will ensure your home looks great and the paint job lasts for years.
Step 1: Assessing The Areas To Be Painted
Before starting your painting project, the first step is to assess the areas of your home that require painting. Depending on your house’s condition, you might only need to paint the trim, shutters, or other specific sections rather than the entire exterior. Knowing exactly what needs to be painted will help you estimate the project’s time, materials, and cost.
Key steps to assess:
- Measure the surfaces that need painting to ensure you purchase the correct amount of paint.
- Determine if any repairs are needed before you begin painting.
- Decide whether to paint the entire house or just certain sections.
Step 2: Choosing The Best Paint And Colours
Choosing the right paint and colours is one of the most crucial steps in your painting preparation. High-quality latex paint is commonly preferred for exteriors due to its durability and easy maintenance. Additionally, take the time to choose a colour that complements the architectural style of your home and the overall look of your neighbourhood.
Key considerations when selecting paint:
- Latex paint is easier to clean and maintain, making it ideal for most homes.
- Purchase small samples of the colours you’re considering and test them on a small part of the house before making a final decision.
- Ensure the paint is suitable for exterior use and can withstand weather conditions in your region.
Step 3: Preparing The Surface For Painting
Before you start painting, it’s essential to ensure your home’s surface is clean, dry, and debris-free. Proper surface preparation is vital to achieving a smooth and long-lasting paint job.
Cleaning The Surface
Dirt, dust, mildew, and old paint affect how well the new paint adheres to the exterior. The easiest and most efficient way to clean the house’s exterior is by using a pressure washer. This tool can quickly remove grime, dust, and even tough stains. If mould is present, consider using a cleaning solution designed to kill mildew.
How to clean:
- Use a pressure washer to clean the walls and other surfaces thoroughly.
- For areas with mould or heavy stains, apply a cleaning solution and scrub the area by hand if necessary.
- Allow the house to dry for at least 24 hours after cleaning before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Scraping And Sanding
Once the exterior is clean and dry, you’ll need to inspect it for any loose or peeling paint. Any damaged or flaking paint should be removed to create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to.
- Scraping: Use a paint scraper to remove any peeling or flaking paint from the surface.
- Sanding: After scraping, use a sanding block or electric sander to smooth the edges and rough patches. Sanding helps the new paint bond better to the surface.
Step 5: Priming The Surface
Priming the surface before painting is a step that should be considered, especially in areas where you’ve removed old paint or exposed raw wood. A primer helps seal the surface and ensure the new paint adheres properly.
Why primer is essential:
- The primer creates a smooth base to which the new paint can adhere.
- It seals any exposed wood, preventing moisture damage in the future.
- Primer also helps the new paint colour appear more vibrant and even.
Step 6: Caulking And Sealing Gaps
Caulking any gaps, cracks, or seams in the exterior is critical to preparing the house for painting. Caulk acts as a sealant to prevent moisture from entering the home and causing damage over time.
Key steps for caulking:
- Apply caulk to all cracks and gaps, particularly around windows, doors, and where different materials meet.
- After applying caulk, wipe away excess with a damp rag to ensure a smooth finish.
- Do not caulk areas that require ventilation, such as soffits or behind gutters.
Step 7: Protecting Plants, Pets, And Other Areas
While preparing your house for painting, you must ensure that surrounding plants, pets, and outdoor fixtures are well protected from paint spills and splatters.
Covering Plants And Landscaping
Use canvas drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover plants, shrubs, or flower beds near your home. This will protect them from paint drips and overspray.
Tips for protecting plants:
- Cover plants during the painting process, but remember to uncover them at night to prevent suffocating the foliage.
- If some plants are particularly delicate, consider temporarily moving them to a different location.
Protecting Pets
Ensure your pets are kept away from the painting area. Not only can they knock over paint cans or tools, but exposure to paint fumes could also harm them. It’s best to keep pets indoors or in a safe, designated yard area while you paint.
Step 8: Setting Up Ladders And Scaffolding Safely
If your home is more than one storey high, you’ll likely need to use ladders or scaffolding to reach all parts of the exterior. Safety should be your top priority when setting up this equipment.
How to safely set up ladders and scaffolding:
- Ensure that ladders are placed on stable ground to prevent them from tipping over.
- If necessary, use scaffolding for more extensive projects or higher areas.
- Stay within reach when on a ladder, as this could cause you to lose balance.
Step 9: Taping And Removing Obstacles
You’ll need to temporarily tape off certain sections or remove small fixtures to achieve crisp, clean lines and protect areas that shouldn’t be painted.
Taping Around Fixtures And Windows
Use painter’s tape to protect areas like windows, doors, light fixtures, and other surfaces that should not be painted. Proper taping ensures a neat and professional-looking finish.
Steps to follow:
- Apply painter’s tape along the edges of windows, doors, and other features that should remain paint-free.
- Remove outdoor light fixtures, mailboxes, or other small items that might obstruct the painting process.
Step 10: Monitoring The Weather
The weather is one of the most important factors to consider when preparing for an exterior paint job. Certain conditions are better suited for painting than others, and painting in unfavourable conditions can lead to poor results.
Ideal weather conditions:
- Paint at 24°C and 30°C for the best results.
- Avoid painting on rainy days or when humidity is high, as this can prevent the paint from drying properly.
- If the forecast predicts rain, delay your painting project to avoid wasting time and materials.
Timing Your Painting
Consider the sun’s path throughout the day and plan your painting accordingly. Areas that receive direct sunlight will dry faster, while shaded sections may take longer.
Tips:
- Paint in the shade when possible to avoid blistering or uneven drying.
- Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next.
Step 11: Testing The Paint Colour
Before committing to a full-house painting project, testing your paint colour on a small section of the house is a good idea. This step ensures you’ve chosen the right shade and finish.
How to test your paint:
- Apply the paint to a small, discreet area and allow it to dry fully before evaluating the colour.
- Test the colour in different lighting conditions to ensure it looks good throughout the day.
- Consider whether you prefer a matte, satin, or glossy finish.
Step 12: Preparing For Paint Spills And Clean-Ups
Even the most careful painters can have accidents, so preparing for paint spills is crucial. Having the right materials on hand will make clean-up much easier.
Clean-Up Tools
- Keep water and clean rags nearby for latex paint to wipe away spills.
- You’ll need mineral spirits or paint thinner for oil-based paint to clean brushes and remove paint from surfaces.
Pro tip: Always check the paint can for specific clean-up instructions, as different paints may require unique cleaning solutions.
Step 13: Making Final Repairs
Before applying the final coat of paint, check the exterior for any repairs that might need attention. Look for damaged siding, rotten wood, or areas affected by insects or weather over time. These areas should be fixed before painting to ensure a smooth and even surface.
Repairs to look for:
- Replace any damaged wood or siding.
- Fix loose shingles or tiles on the roof.
- Repair cracks or holes in stucco or brickwork.
Conclusion
Prepping the exterior of your home for painting requires time, attention, and effort, but the results are well worth it. Following these detailed steps ensures that your paint job looks professional and lasts for years. Every part of the process plays a role in the outcome, from cleaning the surface to selecting the right paint. Take your time with preparation, and your home’s new look will be durable and stunning. Proper preparation now will save you time, effort, and frustration in the long run, ensuring your home looks its best for years to come.
FAQs About Home Painting
Do I Need To Prime Before Painting Exterior?
Prime bare exterior wood before painting it because it seals the grain, stops bleed-through, and improves the paint’s ability to adhere to the surface. Priming other materials such as stucco, metal, and concrete is essential for the same reasons. Although it may appear to be more work, doing so can help you save both time and paint.
Do I Need To Sand Before Painting Exterior?
Sanding must be done to completely remove any peeling that has occurred. Before painting, cracking areas need to have exterior-grade filler applied and then sanded down. Use wire brushing or sanding to remove rust from metal surfaces, then prime those surfaces with Dulux All Metal Primer before applying a top coat.
How Many Coats Of Paint Should You Put On Exterior House?
Two coats are typically needed to paint over a well-prepped, primed surface. This is particularly true if you’re painting a dark colour over a lighter, existing one, as you’re guaranteed good coverage.
How Do You Prepare A Surface For Painting?
Begin surface prep for painting by removing loose, peeling paint with a scraper and sandpaper. Sand all edges to smooth the surface and help the new paint adhere. Scrub all surfaces with a mild detergent and a sponge or rag to remove dirt, grease, oil, etc. Rinse the surface well and allow it to dry.
Why Do Painters Water Down Paint?
An exterior painter typically adds water to the paint bucket to “thin” the paint. This action improves the paint’s workability while reducing its drying rate, which is particularly beneficial in hot climates, particularly during the summertime.
