How To Paint The Exterior Of A House?

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for painting a house exterior, including choosing exterior paint colors, planning for the weather, and preparing for the project. The first step is to clean all exterior surfaces, as paint won’t bond with vertical surfaces if obstructions are present. The guide also includes expert advice on improvements to your home, including design tips and the expected cost.

The first step is to plan for the weather, as it may not be ideal for every outdoor painting day to be 77°F with no humidity. To prepare, plan based on the weather, such as rain or rainy days. HGTV.com offers a step-by-step guide on how to paint the exterior of a house, from prep work to finishing touches.

Using brushes, rollers, and paint sprayers, prepare the area by pressure washing the house, caulking any cracks or holes, tape/mask off windows, and tape off the siding. Paint the siding first, starting at the top and working horizontally as you work your way down. Use a scaffold if possible or move the ladder regularly.

The project involves scraping loose paint, removing bad shakes, installing new shakes, and installing new corners. Walk around the entire house and apply crack filler to cracks or holes. To complete the project, plan during good weather, prepare and clean the area, wash the exterior, test for lead and scrape the paint, sand, and apply crack filler to cracks or holes.

Can I paint the exterior of my house myself?

Painting your house yourself is possible, but it requires a significant amount of preparation and time. It takes about two weeks to prepare and paint both the woodwork and exterior walls. It’s essential not to leave woodwork exposed for too long, and proper weather is crucial for the paint to dry properly. To increase curb appeal, consider limiting the painting to easily-reached woodwork or front doors, which is less expensive and less of an undertaking. It’s essential to avoid stripping woodwork and leaving it exposed for too long.

Do I need to wash outside of house before painting?

Pressure washing is crucial before painting a house to ensure a thorough bond between the exterior materials and the new paint. If the surface is dirty, it can cause cracks and peels over time, requiring costly and inconvenient redone jobs. Exterior paint in Ohio lasts from five to twenty years, depending on the substrate. Wood siding lasts for five years, while aluminum and vinyl last up to twenty.

Regular soft washing protects the paint and helps it last longer. Power washing is not recommended for freshly painted houses, as it can cause bubbles, cracks, or peels. Instead, soft washing is the safest, easiest, and most effective way to keep the house clean.

Is it better to roll or spray exterior house paint?

Textbook Painting typically uses rolling for most jobs due to its higher quality finish and thicker paint application. This method provides better coverage and is easier to be precise, eliminating the risk of overspray. Spraying is also used for speed and cost savings, as it allows for faster work and production of large areas. The cost of fewer labor hours is lower, which is passed on to homeowners. An estimate typically includes a price for sprayed and an option for rolling, with most homeowners opting for the roll price due to the higher quality of the job.

How much does it cost to change the exterior color of a house?

The mean expenditure for exterior painting services is $3, 000, with costs oscillating between $1, 800 and $13, 000 contingent on variables such as home dimensions, siding material, preparatory work, and other factors.

What is the quickest way to remove old paint?

Modern paints are designed to adhere tightly to surfaces, resist moisture and chemicals, and withstand extreme temperatures, making them valuable but also causing challenges when removing old paint. To remove old paint, there are five methods: sanding and scraping, pressure washing, heat tools, and chemical strippers. Hand sanding and scraping are low-tech methods, while power sanders can make the process easier. Sandpaper is better for flat surfaces and can be used with water or solvent to keep dust down. Wearing a filter mask when using a power sander is recommended.

Pressure washing is a quick and effective method for removing paint from exterior wood surfaces. Pressurized water physically disrupts the paint’s adhesion and helps re-dissolve water-based paint components, reducing the pressure needed to remove the paint. Use the manufacturer’s recommendations for pressure and nozzle profile, as too much pressure can damage the wood. Prepare for substantial runoff to avoid flooding your spouse’s rose bed.

Can I change the exterior color of my house?

When painting your house, it’s crucial to consider the constant parts of the house, such as the brick siding and roof, to ensure the new colors match well with these elements. The color of the roof and brick siding will remain constant throughout the house’s life, so it’s essential to choose a color that contrasts well with these elements. Choosing the right color is a significant decision, and if you’re not satisfied with the color, you may need to invest more time and money in fixing it. Local exterior paint stores can provide advice on popular colors and help match color schemes. If you schedule a free estimate, you can also receive a complimentary color consultation.

Is it worth painting the outside of a house?

Exterior paint can significantly improve home value, with a well-done job potentially increasing a home’s value by 2-5. Factors such as paint quality, color choice, and home condition can also impact the value. A survey from Homelight found an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 51 to 55 for exterior painting. Curb appeal plays a crucial role in determining a home’s value, as a well-maintained, modern, and cohesive exterior can attract more interest and command higher prices in the real estate market.

Paint color choices also have a significant impact on home sales, with homes with attractive curb appeal selling for an average of 7 more than similar houses with less appealing exteriors. Some appealing color combinations include:

Can I paint over existing exterior paint?

Before painting over old exterior paint, it’s crucial to assess the condition and type of the existing paint. If the paint is in good condition and adheres properly, a prime may not be necessary. However, if the paint is peeling, chalking, or flaking, it’s best to prime it before applying a new coat. Primer creates a smooth surface, promotes better adhesion between the old and new paint layers, and can block stains, especially if the old paint has water or rust stains.

Do I need to sand before painting the exterior?

Sanding is a common exterior and interior maintenance process to remove peeling paint edges and limit unsightly imperfections. It smooths out plaster, joint compound, or spackling, allows for “bite” between coatings, and reduces glossiness. However, it is advised to avoid sanding on homes built before 1978 with lead paint, as it should be done by a certified professional with the appropriate equipment. This is especially important for homes built before 1978.

Do I need to remove all exterior paint before repainting?

Before applying new paint to your home’s exterior, it’s crucial to remove any existing paint or stain. If the old paint is failing, the new coat will also fail. The undercoat or primer attached to the siding substrate is as important as the top coat. Clean the surface to remove chalky buildup from deteriorating paint, dirt, and pollution. If the surface isn’t clean and mold-free, the new paint won’t adhere properly.

To prevent paint failure, identify the causes of the peeling paint. Factors such as interior moisture migrating through walls and poor flashing installation around windows and doors can cause the paint bond to break. Addressing these issues is essential before deciding on a restoration process, as it’s not worth spending thousands on a new paint job if other issues are at play.

Is it better to paint over or remove old paint?

Repainting old paint is generally acceptable, but it requires careful preparations and considerations. The National Association of Home Builders reports that nearly 35 percent of homeowners repaint their homes every 3-5 years, making understanding the process of painting over existing paint essential.

To ensure a successful outcome, it is crucial to assess the condition of the existing paint. If the paint is flaking, bubbling, or peeling off, it may not be suitable for painting over it directly, as the new layer may not adhere properly, leading to an uneven finish and premature peeling. Thorough inspection of every inch of the wall is necessary to address any issues before proceeding.

To prepare the surface for repainting, start by cleaning the walls with a sponge and mild detergent to remove dirt, grime, or dust. Sanding is then used to create a rough surface for the new paint to grip onto better. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the entire surface area before wiping down the wall with a damp cloth to remove any dust particles.

In summary, understanding and mastering the process of painting over old paint is essential for a successful outcome.