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Are you considering painting your home’s exterior? Maybe the current coat of paint looks a little tired, or perhaps you’re getting ready to put the house on the market. If you’re considering doing the job yourself, you might find these tips and techniques on how to prep a house for painting helpful, ensuring you are primed and ready for the project!
Table of Contents
How To Prepare Your Home Exterior
Check the Quality of Existing Exterior House Paint
If the surface has peeling paint or loose paint can be lifted by masking tape, you might need to sand the old paint back before adding a fresh coat of new paint. Paint that is lifting away will not allow for good adhesion.
Before adding new paint, you should also check for any holes or cracks in the exterior. If so, use a high-quality filler to repair any cracks or other damage. Then, sand everything back with medium-coarse sandpaper to create an even and smooth paint surface.
Lead Paint Hazards
It is also important to be aware of hazards that may exist within or around our homes when taking on home renovation projects ourselves. For example, Australian houses built prior to 1970 used lead-based paint on the exteriors as it stood up to the harsh conditions quite well. Make sure you do your homework and engage the pros if you find any possible signs of lead paint.
Ensure the House Is Properly Cleaned Before You Start
One of the most important things to do to prepare a house for an exterior paint job is to adequately clean the outside surfaces before you start.
Any dirt, mould, or other contaminants allowed to remain on a surface before it is painted over can cause adhesion problems with the new coat of paint. Ensure you’re using a quality high-pressure power washer and not your standard garden hose, as the latter simply does not have enough power to adequately strip the dirt from the surfaces. You may also need a scrub brush for stubborn grime or old paint spots.
Check the Weather Forecast Before You Start Painting
When it comes to painting outdoors, nothing will halt your project quicker than adverse weather. If you’re preparing to paint the exterior of your home, be sure to check the forecast.
Ideally, you are looking for a period of fine weather over several consecutive days, with minimal winds and moderate cloud cover, to give the paint time to adhere and thoroughly dry.
Rain is also obviously not ideal for exterior painting, as your hard work will simply be washed away. However, working in extreme heat can be almost as difficult as working in the rain.
Whilst heat is physically uncomfortable, it can actually cause the paint to dry too quickly, making it difficult for you to get an even coat and you can end up using more paint than intended. High winds can also be a big problem, also causing the paint to dry too quickly, but it can also blow away your drop cloths or cause dirt and other debris to become lodged in the paint.
Make Sure You Choose the Right Paint and Primers
Your choice of paint colour and primers can make or break a DIY painting project. When undertaking preparations to paint the outside of your home, take a moment to step outside and really look at the house itself.
Do you want to match the colour to your surroundings, or do you want to be bold and make a statement? What type of paint and primers will you need? What materials do you need to paint? Bare wood, roof tiles, metal pipes, decorative features?
Choosing the wrong paint and primers can be costly and devalue your home at worst.
Use a High-Quality Masking Tape to Cover Windows and Trims
Painter’s tape can be one of the best tools to keep handy when preparing the outside of your home to be painted. Ensure you use one that is high quality to avoid leaving behind a sticky residue on surfaces and windows.
Know When to Call the Professionals
There’s no doubt about it: exterior house painting can be tricky. When you’re making your preparations, ensure you are realistic in your expectations of what you can do yourself and don’t be afraid to call in the professionals if it looks like it might be too big of a task. Hiring a pro will allow you to sit back and relax, knowing that the job will be done promptly, safely, and professionally. Plus, your home will come out looking great!
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize safety and use proper equipment, including ladders and protective gear.
- Address lead paint hazards, especially in homes built before 1970.
- Prepare the surface by cleaning, repairing, and sanding for optimal paint adhesion.
- Check the weather forecast to choose the right time for painting, avoiding rain or extreme heat.
- Select appropriate paint and primers based on the home's exterior and desired finish.
- Use high-quality masking tape for clean lines around windows and trims.
- Consider hiring professionals for a high-quality, efficient painting job.
Ready to Paint?
Every DIY project is made that little bit easier when you properly prepare for it and house painting is no exception. If you’ve decided it’s time your house got an aesthetic upgrade, be sure to refer to this list of tips before you start. Remember to take the time to think things through and plan accordingly and you’re sure to end up with a great quality paint job that will last until you feel like a refreshed aesthetic again.
If you’re looking for a professional exterior house painter to complete the project for you or require any further advice, contact our friendly team today!
Gavin, is the founder and director of Hunter Coast Painting who are experienced Newcastle Painters. Combining 10 years experience in the industry and having worked on multi-million dollar homes in Europe and Australia, Gavin is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Gavin Kane
Gavin, is the founder and director of Hunter Coast Painting.
Combining 10 years experience in the industry and having worked on multi-million dollar homes in Europe and Australia, Gavin is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and experience.