Transforming the exterior of your home with a fresh coat of paint can dramatically enhance its curb appeal and protect it from the elements. Professional-grade exterior painting techniques can increase your home's value and refresh its appearance.
In this blog, let's explore a flawless exterior paint job that looks great and lasts for years. From preparation to the finishing touches, let’s dive into the steps you should follow to paint your home’s exterior like a pro!
Step-by-Step Exterior Paint Process
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
One should clean the outside surface of the substrate to shine properly before sanding. Wash the walls with clean water and mild detergent then use a pressure washer if there is hard enshrined dirt and mold. This
Step 2: Inspect and Repair
This is because some exteriors may have cracks, holes, or even some sections that may have been slightly damaged. Caulk gaps and seams that cannot be filled with brick mold, and repair any loose siding or trim areas with appropriate pieces.
Step 3: Mask and Protect
It is important to mask areas that should not be coated with paint using painter’s tape. Lay plastic sheets over floor areas, such as pathways and gardens, to prevent contamination from paint drops.
Step 4: Prime the Surface
High-quality exterior primer ensures better paint adhesion and helps the finish last longer. Select the appropriate primer for the surface material you want to paint (wood, stucco, masonry, etc.) and apply it accordingly.
Step 5: Choose the Right Paint
Choose an exterior paint that is resistant to weather conditions and should match your house’s architectural design, the finish could be satin, semi-gloss, or matte.
Step 6: Apply the Paint
Begin with the top and paint downwards. For the walls paint with brush primarily or roller for the large surfaces and small brush for the corners and the edges of the painting.
Step 7: Let It Dry
Make sure that the first layer of paint dries up before going on with the other layer if needed. Drying may take several hours, however, in extreme conditions, this may extend to a full day.”
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the paint is dry, inspect the surface for imperfections and make touch-ups. Remove painter’s tape carefully and clean up your workspace.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Paint
- Durability: The exterior paint you choose must withstand harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and moisture. High-quality paints provide superior durability, resisting fading, cracking, and peeling for long-lasting, vibrant results.
- Climate Consideration: Your choice of exterior paint should be tailored to the climate in your area. In regions with severe weather, such as heavy rain or strong sun, it's best to use paint built to endure these elements. Some types of paint offer additional flexibility and protection from extreme temperatures.
- Color and Finish: The color of your exterior paint can dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Choose a color that complements your home’s architectural style and blends well with the surrounding environment. Additionally, consider the finish whether you prefer a matte, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish based on the desired look and maintenance level.
- Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is essential before painting. This includes cleaning the surface, repairing damage, and priming when necessary. A well-prepared surface ensures better adhesion and longer-lasting results.
- Quality of Paint: Investing in high-quality exterior paint pays off in the long run. Quality paints offer better coverage, easier application, and superior longevity. They also often come with warranties, giving you peace of mind.
- Budget Considerations: It's tempting to select the most affordable paint, but balancing your budget with quality is key. While higher-quality paints might be pricier upfront, they ultimately save money on upkeep and replacements in the long term.
Top Exterior Paint Recommendations for 2024
Highly Recommended Exterior Paint
Liquid Rubber Concrete Foundation and Basement Sealant: This easy-to-apply sealant provides long-lasting protection for concrete surfaces, ensuring superior waterproofing and durability. Ideal for foundations, basements, and other concrete areas, it forms a flexible, seamless barrier that resists water, moisture, and cracking.
Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Topside Paint: This high-quality enamel paint delivers a glossy finish with excellent adhesion, weather resistance, and UV protection. It is designed to withstand harsh marine environments, offering superior durability against water, rust, and abrasion. With a 1-quart (32 fl oz) size, this single pack covers a substantial area, ensuring smooth and long-lasting results.
Top Exterior Paint Picks For Durability
Iron Gate (Black), Heirloom Traditions All-In-One Paint: This 32 fl oz quart provides a complete solution with built-in primer and top coat, eliminating the need for sanding. Perfect for refreshing cabinets, furniture, and outdoor metal surfaces, it offers excellent adhesion, long-lasting protection, and a sleek, professional finish.
FIXALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Coating: This slate-colored coating is ideal for pavement, cement, and concrete areas. Exceeding ADA standards provides a slip-resistant finish that enhances safety in residential and commercial spaces. Easy to apply, Skid Grip creates a long-lasting, textured surface that helps prevent accidents, making it perfect for high-traffic areas and safety-conscious environments.
Top Picks For Easy to Apply
DWIL Frosted Glass Paint for Windows: This paint provides ample coverage for windows, bathroom glass, kitchens, and sliding doors. It is waterproof and UV-resistant, ensuring long-lasting durability and protection against sun exposure and moisture. Easy to apply, the included tools make the process simple and mess-free.
Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint for Brick and Fireplaces- 16 oz Pint: This 16 oz pint provides a beautiful, soft whitewashed look that enhances the natural texture of bricks while giving them a clean, timeless appearance. Its water-based, low-odor formula is safe for indoor use and easy to apply with minimal prep work. Ideal for updating fireplaces, accent walls, and exposed brick surfaces, this paint delivers a durable finish that resists chipping and cracking.
Top Picks For Finish Quality
1 qt Rust-Oleum Brands 285140 Linen White Chalked Ultra Matte Paint: This single-pack offers ample coverage for furniture, cabinets, walls, and more. Its chalked formula creates a smooth, matte surface with a soft, sophisticated look, making it perfect for rustic or modern decor. The durable finish is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, with excellent adhesion and resistance to wear.
DWIL Multi Surface Touch-Up Paint - White Touch-Up Paint Pen: This 1.5 fl oz pen features semi-gloss Perfect White paint, making it ideal for touch-ups on walls, doors, kitchen cabinets, wood, furniture, and more. Its tip allows for precise application, ensuring a seamless and professional finish.
Top Picks For Gloss Level
Giani Wood Look Paint Kit for Front & Interior Doors (Honey Oak): This kit includes everything needed to achieve a realistic, natural wood look with minimal effort. The water-based, low-odor formula ensures a smooth, durable finish that enhances the beauty of both exterior and interior doors. Perfect for updating the look of your front or interior doors, the Giani Wood Look Paint Kit delivers professional-quality results with a warm, timeless Honey Oak finish.
Rust-Oleum 241168 Specialty Appliance Epoxy Paint: This 32 fl oz quart offers excellent coverage and protection against scratches, stains, and wear, making it ideal for refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, and other household appliances. Its epoxy-based formula ensures long-lasting durability and resists chipping, fading, and corrosion. Easy to apply, this appliance paint creates a smooth, shiny surface that rejuvenates and updates the look of your appliances.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What is the Best Exterior Paint for High Humidity Areas?
Acrylic latex paint is a top choice, as it allows moisture to escape and resists mildew and mold. Mold-resistant paints, formulated with antimicrobial agents, also help prevent mold and algae growth.
Elastomeric paint offers a flexible, waterproof barrier, ideal for humid climates. While oil-based paints are less commonly used today, they still provide strong moisture resistance, though they require more prep and take longer to dry. Lastly, exterior enamel paints offer a durable finish that resists moisture and fading. Selecting the right paint for your climate ensures long-lasting protection.
2. Can I Paint Over Old Exterior Paint Without Stripping?
You can paint over old exterior paint without stripping it but follow a few steps for the best results. First, check that the existing paint is in good condition, ensuring no signs of peeling, chipping, or cracking. If any areas are damaged, scrape and sand them to create a smooth surface.
Then, cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, or mildew, will help the new paint adhere better. A high-quality primer is crucial, as it promotes better adhesion and provides an even finish. Once primed, you can apply the new paint. However, if the old paint is lead-based or in poor condition, it’s safer to consult a professional or strip the paint for a more durable result.
3. What’s the Difference Between Exterior Acrylic and Latex Paint?
Exterior acrylic paint and latex paint differ primarily in composition and performance. While acrylic paint is a type of latex paint made with 100% acrylic resins, latex paint may use a blend of resins. Acrylic paint is more durable, flexible, and resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling, making it ideal for extreme weather conditions.
It also offers better water resistance and protects against moisture, mildew, and mold. Acrylic paint provides smoother coverage, dries faster, and is more flexible, allowing it to expand and contract with temperature changes. In contrast, latex paint is less flexible and durable but still suitable for many exterior projects.
4. How Often Should Exterior Paint be Reapplied?
The frequency of reapplying exterior paint depends on factors like paint type, climate, and surface condition. Typically, exterior paint should be reapplied every 5 to 7 years, but areas exposed to harsh weather, such as heavy rain or intense sun, may need reapplication every 3 to 5 years.
High humidity or coastal areas often require frequent maintenance due to mold, mildew, and saltwater exposure. If you notice peeling, cracking, or fading, it’s best to repaint sooner. Regular maintenance protects your home and keeps its exterior looking fresh.