Tips for Painting the Exterior of Your Home
Color Store • April 1, 2022
The following suggestions will help make any exterior painting project easier.
Preparation Tips
- Place drop cloths under areas being painted to protect plants, patio furniture, etc.
- Check surfaces to be painted for cracks, depressions, and other imperfections and correct the problems as needed.
- Clean off dust, dirt, chalk residue, and mildew from surfaces to be painted.
- Prime surfaces.
Preparation Tips
- You can paint at surface temperatures as low as 40º F (5º C).
- Begin painting on the side of the house that will remain in the shade until you are done, as direct sun causes rapid drying.
- Work from the top down when painting shingle surfaces.
- Work from side to side for clapboard surfaces.
- Paint trim and window frames last.
- Allow paint to dry completely before touching up or re-coating.
- When you need to take a break, wrap brushes, rollers, and paint trays with plastic wrap to keep paint from hardening or developing a skin, and put the lids on open cans of paint.
Cleanup Tips
- Soaking brushes and rollers in soapy water loosens the paint and makes them easier to rinse clean.
- If there is a little paint left in the can once you’ve finished painting, let it dry in the can before disposing of it in your local can recycling center.
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