How to Successfully Paint the Exterior of Your House: A Comprehensive DIY Guide

Nov 17, 2023 | DIY Tips and Tricks, Healthy and Safe Home, Home Buyers, Home Exterior, Home Improvement, Home Inspections, Home Safety

How to Successfully Paint the Exterior of Your House: A Comprehensive DIY Guide

Revitalize your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint, boosting its curb appeal and safeguarding it against the elements. Discover how to embark on this rewarding DIY project.

Essential Tools for the Job

Equip yourself with the necessary tools:

  • Carbide scraper
  • Masking machine
  • Paint gun
  • Pressure washer

Materials You’ll Need

Gather essential materials:

  • Masking tape
  • Paint
  • Plastic masking
  • Primer

The Painting Process Unveiled

Painting an entire house may seem daunting, but with the right approach, anyone can master the art. Avoiding the need for professional help, follow these simple steps to complete the task efficiently.

  1. Scrape Loose Paint

    • After a thorough pressure wash, allow surfaces to dry for 24 hours.
    • Utilize a carbide scraper to remove peeling paint from flat surfaces.
    • Ensure all loose paint is scraped off to ensure proper paint adhesion.

  2. Remove Bad Shakes

    • For cedar shakes with deep grooves, consider replacing those with badly peeling paint.
    • Use an oscillating multitool to cut nails and remove old shakes.
    • Install new shakes by affixing them with siding and galvanized finish nails.

  3. Install New Corners

    • Trim corners with aluminum corners designed for this siding type.
    • Affix corners with nails and ensure they are primed and painted along with the wall.

  4. Mask Off

    • Invest time in thorough paint prep by masking adjacent surfaces using a 3M Masking Machine and masking film.
    • For ladder work, apply film in manageable sections before moving the ladder.

  5. Prime Surfaces

    • Prime soffit, fascia, and wall using Peel Stop Triple Thick Primer from Zinsser.
    • Consider using an airless sprayer like the Graco TrueCoat 360 for efficiency.

  6. Paint the Wall

    • Apply color using the airless sprayer, ensuring a perpendicular nozzle angle.
    • Shield adjacent surfaces from overspray using an old cedar shake.

  7. Paint the Soffit

    • Paint the soffit last for easier masking.
    • Use the sprayer for efficiency, applying paint in a light coat to prevent drips.

Transform your home’s exterior with confidence using these step-by-step instructions. Enjoy the process of giving your house a vibrant and protective new look without the need for professional painters.

AWP Home Inspections offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in West Central and Central Indiana. Contact us to schedule an appointment.