Expert Tips for Painting Your Home’s Exterior

Depending on the scale of the project, hiring a professional for exterior paint jobs is usually recommended. But if you’re choosing to do the work yourself, consider the following tips from Better Homes and Gardens before you get started.

1. Consider your neighborhood’s style.

Pick colors that complement neighboring facades, but don’t replicate them. “When selecting colors for your exterior, I always recommend starting by looking at which colors your neighbors have chosen and avoid using those same shades,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.  “Instead, choose a color that complements it—this curb appeal trick benefits you and your neighbor!”

2. Be mindful of the weather.

Plan your painting around the weather forecast to avoid extreme temperatures or high humidity. “Avoid painting on days with low temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or in high humidity or rain,” says Nivara Xaykao, color marketing and development associate manager at Benjamin Moore. “These factors can easily ruin a fresh coat of paint or significantly delay dry times.”

3. Invest in quality exterior paint products.

Pick high-quality tools, including the applicators, primer, and paint. According to Xaykao, this ensures an easier, more professional paint job. “When selecting your tools, consider the surfaces you are painting and choose those specifically designed for those applications,” she says.

4. Do proper prep work.

Surface preparation is critical for every successful paint job. “Make sure the surface is completely clean—which, for exteriors, often means power-washing,” Xaykao says. “Then, a fully dry surface is imperative. To ensure proper adhesion, the surface should also be dull and smooth.”

5. Start in the shade.

Be strategic about where you start. After priming and patching, begin painting on the side of the house that will remain in the shade until you finish. “Work from the top down and be prepared to apply two coats of premium exterior paint,” Xaykao says.

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