10 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job

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Published: March 11, 2011
By: Joseph D'Agnese
2Comments

Painting the exterior of your home is a big job that costs thousands in the hands of a professional. But you can save money if you invest the time to do it yourself correctly.

Effort: High 2 wks
Investment: Med $4,000-$6,000 (hire a pro)

Old wood siding, fast becoming a dinosaur in new construction, regularly needs the protection of a new coat of paint.

A professional will charge you between $4,000 and $6,000 to paint a 2,000-square foot, two-story house. But you can do it yourself in a few weekends for the cost of paint and supplies.

A good paint job can last 10 years. The key is proper preparation. Here are 10 steps to take to make sure your exterior paint job looks great, adds value to your home, and lasts a long time.

Step 1: Get the lead out

Do-it-yourselfers are not obligated to follow EPA regulations for lead-safe practices, as professional paint contractors must. But if your home was built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use, you should protect yourself and your neighbors from airborne lead particles.

The first step is to test for lead paint: Kits are available for $10 to $35 online, and at paint and hardware stores. If tests prove positive for lead, keep paint dust to a minimum by taking the following precautions.

Lay plastic drop cloths and collect scrapings.

Clean area with a HEPA vacuum.

Wear masks and Tyvek suits.

Dispose of all materials at an approved hazardous materials site.

Read on to learn more:

2. Wash the exterior
3. Scrape off loose paint
4. Sand rough spots
5. Fill and repair
6. Apply primer
7. Caulk all joints
8. Choose the right paint
9. Apply top coat(s)
10. Practice good maintenance

Next: Step 2: Wash the exterior

Joseph D'Agnese

is a journalist and book author who has written numerous articles on home improvement. He lives in North Carolina.

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Brad, you’re right about weather. Check your paint brand’s recommendation for optimal outdoor painting temps. Generally, it’s best to paint when it’s between 50 and 80 degrees. Humidity and rain can cause drying paint to blister. Consider temperature fluctuations, too. Your paint might not like it if temps fall or rise precipitously while it’s drying.
Posted by HouseLogic on January 24, 2013

What about when to paint, such as temperature range, avoiding freezing, avoiding high humidity, etc.?
Posted by Brad on January 21, 2013

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