Exterior House Paint [17 House Painting Facts Before You Get Started]

Reading Time: 23 minutes

For the majority of individuals, homeownership is the realization of a dream. To many, obtaining ownership of a home is a fundamental start and endpoint in life. But while it’s a wonderful and praiseworthy accomplishment, the majority of individuals are not quite ready for the obligations that homeownership entails.

Whether you purchase a new or pre-owned house, you will have to work hard to maintain it and keep it in tip-top shape. And painting the exterior is part of it. The exterior is the one thing that most people (friends, frenemies, and acquaintances) will notice first. Heck, when you were house hunting, it’s probably the first thing that caught your eye as well.

Because of this, you ought to keep your exterior vibrant. But this is easier said than done. So to help you package your home nicely to the community, we’ve put together a list of 17 facts you should know about external painting before you immerse yourself in the project.

Let’s dive into it.

1. Cost to paint the exterior of the house

Before we dig deeper into this, you should know that many factors affect the cost of painting the exterior of your house. The costs can range between $3,000 and $6,500 for the same home, depending on the detailing and options you choose. For instance, if you do minimal prep work, opt for low-end paint, and only apply a single coat of paint, the costs will be on the lower end. But if you prefer to have high-end paint, do elaborate prepping and apply two coats of paint, the costs will escalate significantly. But aside from price, you’ll also notice a difference in project quality and longevity of your paint job.

Moreover, if we consider two different houses, the costs will vary depending on the details on the exterior. These details include doors, shutters, windows, trims, accents, and railings. Painting the details takes more time and requires skill and finesse to pull off successfully.

But before we get into the factors, here’s a quick breakdown to give you a cost overview you can build your project estimations on:

For a 1500 sq ft single story home, you should expect to part with between $1500 and $2300

For a 2500 sq ft two-story home you should prepare to part with between $2500 and $3500

For a 4000 sq ft three-story home the exterior painting costs will be between $4000 and $6000

The figures above assume you will do medium prep work, use a standard quality paint, and the house has a standard amount of trims. With the prices, there is minimal use of custom design and products.

And now for the specific paint project, here is a price breakdown from a painting company’s point of view.

Labor – $1650

Paint – $300

Materials – $150

Marketing – $150

Painters Markup – $750

Of course, if you choose to do the painting project yourself, the total price will be lower. But be prepared to go through a learning phase and spend time on the project.

Now here are the factors that affect the cost of exterior house painting

Siding

Stucco – when done right, Stucco looks perfect. However, you should tread carefully since the tiniest of flaws stick out like a sore thumb on the surface. Because of the skill required to pull off an excellent look on this material, painters tend to charge a premium to repaint it.

Stucco needs some patchwork to cover cracks that have developed over time. It also requires quite a bit of cleaning and specific paint.

Vinyl – the biggest work that goes into repainting vinyl surfaces is replacing and repairing damaged vinyl sections and clapboards. Aside from this, working on this surface is simple as it only needs a thorough cleaning and then regular paint application. If no vinyl needs replacement, the project cost reduces significantly since the tie needed to pull off the project reduces as well.

Wood – painting wood is a straightforward process. But even then, it tends to be a tedious process because you need to repair damaged panels and treat the wood to protect it from insects and weather elements.

How old is the house? When was the last exterior paint job?

If you have an old house, there’s a lot of prep work needed. Also, the longer you wait before revamping the paint job, the more prep work you’ll need to do.

Lead-based paint

If your home was constructed before 1978, there’s a big chance it features lead paint. And though lead paint was okay in the ’70s, research and studies have since linked it to adverse health effects on children, including behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Exposure to high levels can cause brain impairment, breakdown of nervous functions, and anemia.

When it’s intact, lead paint is no threat. But once it chips, flakes or is removed (like you will during prepping) it becomes a big problem. Because of the risk involved in handling lead-based paint, you need special equipment for prepping and disposing of the lead paint debris. Moreover, you’ll need to get a license from the local authorities to approve the project and a professional to handle the project according to set regulations.

If your house paint is lead-based, expect to incur 3x the normal exterior painting costs.

Front doors

Large front doors are a beauty – a work of art. But like Stucco, they need skill to be done right. And honestly, skill does not come cheap.

Windows

The painting cost will depend on the trim around your windows. Do you have vinyl windows without a wooden trim around them? Or are do your vinyl windows have beautiful wooden trims?

Generally, no trim will favor your pocket. Also, note that wooden windows are time-consuming as they need a lot more time to prep. The number of windows you have also increase the cost of painting.

Details

Railings, shutters, and accent colors affect the price – obviously. Details take more time to get right, which translates into higher costs.

Trim

Some homes have a lot of trim than others. Like windows, the more the trims, the more time one needs to complete the project; hence the costs skyrocket.

Other factors that can affect the cost of painting your exterior include:

Obstructions close to the house. These include bushes, trees, steep roofs, and sloped sides

Color changes also affect costs. For instance, light green and yellow are difficult to cover in a single coat. Getting it right with even two coats is usually a gamble. As such, if you are working on a budget, you should also consider the paint you choose.

Lastly, and going with the above point, the number of coats needed also affects the cost of the exterior painting project.

2. Best Exterior House Paint

Exterior paint endures heavy punishments from weather elements, including wind, mud, rain, snow, and the sun. Because of this, there are different types of paints designed for specific use and materials. Understanding paint purpose gets you a step closer to reducing overall painting costs in the long run.

Latex-based paint is by far the best choice for exterior painting. You can use it on trims and walls. The paint dries fast, and any imperfections caught are easy to correct. Also, the paint adjusts well to different seasons, given its ability to contract and expand. But on the other hand, if you paint it over oil-based paint, it will bubble and peel off in a short while.

For the exterior finish, aesthetics are everything. But even then, quality and longevity are paramount. Gloss paint is highly resistant to damage and is easy to clean. However, glossy finishes tend to show imperfections more and look weird when used in large areas. Because of this, the gloss and semi-gloss paints are perfect for window trims and the door frames. Semi-gloss paint is ideal for exterior doors if the door is in good condition or is well-prepped before painting. They also work wonders when used on bricks as they have sealing properties.

Eggshell finishes/satin finishes are perfect for wood planks, fiber cement, and vinyl siding. And last but not least, a flat paint finish is ideal for older homes (or any home with a lot of imperfections and wear and tear). This finish masks imperfections perfectly and convert an otherwise forsaken exterior into a work of art for a short time.

As for paint brands, we know it’s tempting to be frugal with costs and hence quality. But if you choose to skimp on quality, it’ll end up costing you in the future.

Generally, Sherwin Williams is a popular brand. In surveys conducted, professional painters and DIYers argue that it’s the best paint brand to use for an exterior painting project.

SurePaint is a standard choice while Emerald and Duration are an upgrade and therefore cost more. But the upfront paint cost more than pays for itself in durability.

3. How to choose exterior paint colors for your house

On the one hand, painting your house’s exterior is about protecting the house and keeping it in good shape for the long haul. And on the other hand, it’s all about adding style and character to your home, drawing inspiration from personal taste and sense of style.

But unfortunately, picking the right colors for the exterior is easier said than done. With so many options and no professional background, the process can be overwhelming. To stay on top of things below is a mini-guide on choosing the right external paint colors.

Consider your neighborhood

Most homeowners often disregard the colors and designs present in their neighborhoods. Now, we are not saying that you have to copy the colors your neighbor has used. No. But we are saying you don’t have to wildly contrast them, either. You should aim to stand out, but not create a wacky house in the process.

What materials have built your home?

The elements used on the exterior of your home will guide you to the perfect color scheme. It’s easier to work with these permanent elements than change them. The ‘permanent’ elements, in this case, refers to stone, tiles, bricks, and roofing.

Choose colors that blend with the existing undertones. For instance, for a warm brick red, you can choose a cool gray or blue undertone.

The architectural structure is crucial

Yes, this is crucial. Different styles lend themselves to specific color palettes. For instance, Victorian-style architecture works perfectly with bright colors and bold combinations. And as you move towards west coast designs, the colors become more neutral like gray and natural wood tones.

To learn the best color scheme for your home, you should research your architectural design and look up for similar houses. If your research points you towards neutral colors, you can still add some bright colors to make it pop (you need to be smart about the placements). For instance, you can use a bright paint color on the front door to brighten the color scheme.

Natural elements

You should also consider the elements in your immediate environment. If you live in an area surrounded by lush green vegetation, you should choose a different color scheme to break the monotony of green in your surroundings. If you live in a dry area, earthy undertones will help your home stand out and, at the same time, blend with the environment.

The idea is to ensure the color scheme you choose doesn’t disrupt the vibe that your surrounding exudes.

Take advantage of online tools

If you are reading this, it’s safe to assume you are not a color theory expert. And that’s perfectly fine. Most DIYers and some professionals aren’t either. But what helps them pull off creative and exquisite color schemes is the use of design tools.

The most common and essential tool is the color wheel. This wheel lets you know which colors pair nicely. You’ll be shocked at the colors it suggests that you pair. The beauty of this tool is that it’s simple to use and beginner-friendly.

Aside from this, other tools help you play with color matches and build a color palette around a base color of your choice. Some advanced tools can even pull color combinations from favorite images and create a palette for you.

Some of these helpful tools include:

Colormind

Coolors + Skillshare

Adobe

Palleton

Pictaculous

Colorsnap

Colourlovers

EasyRGB

4. Exterior house painting services

Now, so far, you are probably sold on the idea of making the exterior painting a DIY project. But unfortunately, it’s not always the answer. At times, the DIY results are great, and the house looks gorgeous. But after a while, the results deteriorate, leaving the house looking faded, dirty, and in dire need of a repaint.

We understand we live in an era where DIY projects are glorified, and YouTube and the internet are full of videos and guides on how you can get things done yourself and save costs. Sure, you’ll save some money now, but in the long run, you’ll end up spending more.

There’s a reason exterior painting is a professional service. It requires some skill and experience to pull off successfully. And anyone who is keen can always tell the difference between a DIY exterior painting project and one that has been done professionally.

To sell you on professional painting services, below are some benefits you stand to gain.

Cost-effectiveness

If you insist on doing the project yourself and want to achieve professional results, you’ll have to invest in professional painting tools as well. These tools include extension ladders, rollers, scaffold, drop cloths, and more. Buying these tools will inflate the project cost.

Professionals invest in premium painting tools because it is their business. The tools will be used on multiple projects and will eventually return the cost. And because of the premium tools used, the work done lasts longer.

Prepping and cleaning advantages

For a painting job to last long, it needs a lot of prepping. Professional exterior painters are patient with the prepping process and know what needs to be done to achieve greater results. Ill-prepared surfaces often result in poor quality work regardless of the painting technique used. Also, shoddy paint application will cause the paint to fade fast.

When a professional does the prepping and clean up, it takes a shorter time, and fewer mistakes are made. Heck, professionals have tips and tricks they’ve picked up over the years that allow them to offer quality work in a shorter time.

Using the right product

We cannot stress the importance of this enough. There are loads of painting products on the market today. And they all promise great results. However, very few actually deliver on this promise. On the other hand, some products are genuine and can deliver great results, but using them on the wrong surfaces yields below average results.

A professional knows which products are ideal for your home judging by the surfaces. Also, they can get the products at wholesale prices.

Efficiency

Professional painters work faster than DIY painters because they have had more practice. For this reason, if you want the project completed in a shorter time, hire professionals. And as we’ve pointed out, the quality of the painting will not suffer.

Safety is key

Exterior house painting packs its own dangers, which are a big concern for DIYers. Exterior painting means you’ll have to reach high points of the building, which can be risky. Professional painters know how to work the heights and have the right tools to keep them safe as they paint the high areas.

Note that anyone can try exterior house painting; however, only professionals can offer the satisfaction of high-quality.

When you are choosing a professional painting service, you should ensure they are worth their salt. This means you have to consider the following:

They are licensed and insured

They are reputable

They can help you choose the color scheme

They have a guarantee

They don’t ask for full payment up front. Always pay between 10 and 20% in advance and the rest once the project is done.

5. How often should you paint the exterior of your home?

There are signs that will signal you when it’s time to repaint your home (more on that below). But if you want a specific timeline, here is a general overview to give you an idea.

Experts say that you should repaint the exterior of your house after every 5 – 10 years. There are several factors that come into play and which yield the range. First, every surface is different.

Wood siding – should be painted every 3-7 years. Or if it’s stained, after every four years.

Aluminum siding – should be painted after five years.

Stucco – should be painted every 5-6 years.

New generation materials – these should be touched up after longer periods because they last longer (usually between 10 and 15 years). They include cement fiberboard.

Brick – if it is not painted, you should clean it occasionally. But if it’s painted, you should repaint it every 15 – 20 years.

6. It’s time to repaint the house

But what if you bought the house from someone else and done have a history of the maintenance they performed? In this case, you’ll need to be keen and pick up the signs from the house. It will tell you if it’s time to repaint or not. Below are the signs you should be on the lookout for.

Damaged wood and stucco

Generally, paint helps to protect the surfaces from the harsh weather elements. But even with this protection, no surface lasts forever. After a while, you will see cracks start to form on the stucco. You may also notice signs of rotting on the wood.

You should inspect the surface to assess the damage and conduct necessary repairs. Once the repairs are done, repaint the surfaces to protect them from harsh weather and increase their longevity.

Cracked, bubbling, and peeling paint

If you come across peeled, bubbled, or cracked paint, you should act immediately. When the paint starts to peel away, the surface is exposed to weather elements, and serious long term damage could be sustained. For instance, if the wood is exposed to snow or rain, it could cause rotting, or the growth of mold or mildew. Speaking of which, any sign of mold and mildew means you should give the whole exterior a facelift making sure to get rid of the plant parasites.

Cracked caulking

Caulking is around the windows and doors. It’s used to seal these openings. If you notice tiny cracks on the caulking, take it as a sign of repair and repainting. You can repair cracked caulking by filling them in with fresh caulk.

Without repair, moisture will seep through the cracks and cause structural damage to your home. If the cracks are huge, replace the caulking and repaint for extra protection.

Mold and moisture stains

At times, mold and stains are simply stains that can be wiped off or removed by pressure washing. But other times, they are signs of deeper damage. If you cannot remove the stain, it’s good practice to hire a professional to inspect it. It could be that the surface needs a fresh coat of paint, or the material needs replacement.

Fading colors

After withstanding different seasons, the intense heat, snow, and rain, it’s possible that the paint will start to fade. And contrary to popular belief, fading is more than an aesthetic issue. It shows that the paint doesn’t offer your home the protection it needs. If the color is flat or dull, you should proceed to repaint.

You don’t love the colors anymore

Yes, it comes a time you don’t like the colors on your exterior. If you choose a trending color scheme during your last painting project, it’s possible it’s out of trend, and it now needs revamping. In this case, in addition to choosing a professional, you should also go through the color choosing steps as outlined in point 3 above.

7. How to prep a house for exterior painting

So far, what we’ve learned is that prepping is key to a successful exterior painting project. Below are the steps you need to take during the prepping stage.

Wash the exterior

Before you make any stroke on the exterior, you should wash the exterior surfaces thoroughly. If you finally opt to go the DIY route, you can rent a pressure washer. It is affordable, and it will save you countless hours of tedious hand washing. Plain water will work, but you can also add some stain removers to get rid of severe stains and mold.

Thorough washing will maximize the adhesion of the paint to the surface. Once you are done cleaning, let it dry for a day before moving to the next step.

Scrape the surfaces and allow the exterior more time to dry

Once the surfaces are dry, scrape the flaky paint using a paint scraper. With some bit of effort and patience, you’ll get all the flakes off. However, if the house tested positive for lead-based paint, this is not a step you can do by yourself. You should hire a professional to handle the scraping and the disposal of the paint.

Remember to give the exterior 24 hours to dry before scrapping. If you start scrapping while the surfaces are still wet, the paint will flake even more when it dries.

Apply caulk

Any cracked caulk around the windows and doors should be filled and sealed. You should then use a damp towel to wipe away the caulk. Be careful not to seal off spaces meant for ventilation. For instance, between the edge of a gutter and a soffit.

Make repairs

Repair any damage to the exterior, including rot, cracks, mold, and mildew. In extreme cases, this stage can only be handled by a professional handyman or a carpenter. And even though you’ve decided to make this a DIY project, you shouldn’t have a superman mentality where you want to do everything by yourself. Have the wisdom to leave extreme prep work to professionals.

Add primer before painting

Before painting, apply primer to any exterior surface. An oil-based primer is the best for this. The primer will seal the bare wood and create a moisture and airtight barrier between the house and the paint. Also, some light sanding on some rough spots prior to priming will yield the best results.

Trim trees and plants close to the walls

Trim the trees, plants, and bushes close to the house. This will give you sufficient room to work around the house without having to fight off thorns and branches. It will also prevent the foliage from ruining the paint job when it’s still wet.

8. How to paint a house exterior yourself

Once the prepping is done, it’s not time to pick up your brush and paint. At this point, we should let you know that this process requires a lot of perseverance and patience. You will also need a steady hand, a sharp eye, and lots of practice to paint straight lines. You’ll only get confident when you practice.

Here are the key exterior painting techniques that will come in handy

The three-step brush technique

Load your brush – do this by dipping the bristles 2 inches into your paint slap the brush once against the side of the paint can to remove excess paint. You should have 2 inches of paint in the can instead of a full can of paint.

Spread the paint – lay the paint thickly on the surface with two or more back and forth strokes. Don’t worry yourself about smoothening the paint yet. Dip the brush into the paint and repeat steps one and two until you cover four sq ft.

Smoothen the paint – smoothen the paint on the wall without dipping the brush into the paint. Use long, sweeping strokes to achieve a quality smooth surface. Start the stroke from an unpainted area and work into the painted area. Lift your brush from the surface when it’s still in motion.

Roller technique

Load your roller- add a gallon of paint into a bucket (5 gallons) and hang a roller screen in the bucket. Load the roller with paint and roll it on the screen until it is saturated and the excess paint drips off.

Roll – roll the roller on the surface. Use light and moderate pressure when rolling. When the roller stops rolling smoothly, add some paint. Like with the paintbrush technique, the idea is to cover about three sq ft. Before smoothening the paint. And because rollers cause paint spatter, you should lay drop cloths to protect your patio floors.

Work the paint using a paintbrush – rollers cannot get paint into cracks and spaces on the surface. Use a paintbrush to paint the bottom of the shingles and the siding. Once the cracks are painted, use the brush to paint along the grain of the wood for a smooth finish.

Cutting-in

Cut in at the corners – wiggle the tip of a loaded brush into a corner and later pull it out along the edge.

Paint the other edge – turn your paintbrush to the adjacent edge of the same inside corner and repeat step 1. If the paint gets hard to move, reloaded, and remove excess paint by laying it close to the paint. Be sure not to lay it against the edge you are working. And without reloading your brush, retrace your steps and paint close to the edge. Fan the brush bristles and use steady and slow strokes to paint the line.

Paint on the glass – when painting window muntins, lap onto the glass. Use an angled brush for this. Wipe off the excess paint on the brush on the edge of the paint can. Once the paint has dried, wipe off the excess using a single edge razor.

Door painting techniques

Start with the door panels

Spread paint on the surrounding parts as you work from one end of the door to the next. Be sure to work fast so that you are always brushing over wet paint. Apply paint on 1/3 of the door before smoothing it. Remember to paint along the grain and to paint the top and bottom of the door to seal the door.

Exterior painting tips

Use the same paint color on the siding and the casing edges. It looks great and will save you a lot of time.

Wipe mistakes while still wet.

Tape off the bottom edges that are likely to catch paint runs

Have a strategy when painting

Generally, you should have a strategy when painting to achieve quality results. Always start from the top and work your way to the bottom. Start with the large areas and finish off with the details. Where two or more colors meet, allow one color to dry before proceeding to the next or before (this applies for the first second and third layers). For instance, you should paint the window sash early in the day and then return in the evening to paint the window frame around the sash.

9. How Many Gallons of Paint do I need to paint the exterior of my house

The quality of the results depends on the amount of paint you use on the exterior of your house. Also, the project is less stressful if you know how many gallons of paint you need before starting the project.

To determine how much paint you need, follow the steps below.

Measure the surface you intend to paint

To calculate the surface area, take the length and width of your surface. Multiply the two figures to get the square footage. Bear in mind that a surface that hasn’t been painted before or is porous, textured, or rough will need more layers. This is because these surfaces will need a lot of color change. Also, if the surface was previously painted, you’ll need to use a primer or paint multiple layers.

Estimate size of your home

Start by measuring the perimeter of your house. Next, determine the height of the house from the foundation to the roofline ignoring the gables for now. Multiply the perimeter with the height. To get an accurate estimation, subtract doors, and windows from the calculation of your wall area. Normal windows are 15 sq ft. and average doors are 20 sq ft.

If your house has gables, multiply their width and height, and divide the result by two. Perform the calculation for every gable and then add the total to the house size measurement.

Calculate paint needed for gutter and trim

To estimate the precise amount of paint needed, estimate the length of the total trim on the exterior of your house. The average width of the trims is six inches. Multiply the length of the trim by 0.5 feet. For your gutters, a linear foot is equivalent to a square foot.

Final results

Add the trim, gutter and door calculations to the initial area.

Once you have the square footage of the paintable area, it’s time to determine how many gallons of paint you need.

Determining paint coverage

Generally, a gallon of paint covers 350 sq ft. going by this, all you need to do is divide the total square footage of your home by 350 and then round it up the answer to the closest whole number.

For an average 1500 sq ft. home, you’ll need about 15 gallons of quality paint to apply two coats of paint. This paint will cover the siding, the soffits, and overhangs.

10. How to spray paint the exterior of your house?

Before you start spray painting, you need to prep the surface – just lie you would have if you were to use a brush or a roller. But the technique you’ll use is slightly different when spray painting.

When spray painting, start from the top and work to the bottom. Complete each section before you proceed to the next. This applies to stucco, soffits ad siding.

Spray painting involves four basic techniques.

Keep the spray gun and its tip perpendicular to your surface during the process – holding the gun at an angle will cause the paint to be sprayed on a single portion of the pattern. You want the paint to be evenly distributed on the surface. You should also avoid swinging the gun sideways at the end of every stroke. This will help to prevent over-spraying.

Keep the gun and the tip a good distance from your surface – manufacturers recommend that you place the tip of the gun 12 inches from your surface. Although 12 inches is the recommended distance, any distance between 10 and 14 inches will suffice. If you hold the gun too close to the surface, the paint will build up and cause sags and runs. And if you hold the gun too far from the surface, you end up with a rough surface.

Ensure the gun is moving before, after, and during the trigger pull – airless paint sprayers tend to spray too much paint at a go. If you pull the trigger before the hand motion, you’ll end up with excess paint at the start. The same case applies to the end of the stroke.

Overlap your spray patterns – spray guns deliver paint at the center and not the edges. Overlap the layers to have an even application. Overlapping a third of every stroke is enough.

Most homes have different surface types and angles. These have their own set of challenges. It is with these challenges that spray painting technique exceptions are applied.

On the lap siding, for both Masonite and wood, you should spray several rows using back and forth motions. The back rolling technique is important to push the paint into nail heads and seal siding lips. You can also angle the spray gun to the side lip to have the primer build up. This exception only works for the first coat.

Textured surfaces – spray painting textured surfaces requires great skill and technique. Back rolling will also work in this case.

Further considerations

If you intend to take a break longer than two hours, you should leave the air sprayer under a shade and cover the paint with a drop cloth. Submerge the gun’s tip in a thinner, mineral spirit, or water.

Clean the sprayer if you will break for the night.

When spray painting surfaces nest to the roof, use spray shields. The shields come with wood or aluminum handles.

11. How cold is too cold to paint the exterior of your house?

Temperature is crucial for quality exterior painting results. The temperatures need to be just right. If you paint when it is too hot, the paint will dry faster and then form blister and bubbles hence compromising the quality of the painting project. When the paint cures, it will start to peel. Temperatures above 90 degrees F are considered too hot.

Temperatures below 55 degrees F are too cold and will cause the paint to take longer to dry. Wet paint attracts grime, dirt, and insects. The paint will not cure properly and will chip, peel, and crack eventually. The best temperature to paint your home’s exterior is between 45 and 90 degrees F.

12. What affects the durability of external paint?

Aside from the quality of your paint and skills, several factors affect the quality of your paint. These factors include but are not limited to:

The previous paint job – if the quality of the previous external paint job was low, then painting over it will only yield low-quality results. It is said, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. In this case, paint quality is only as good as the previous job.

Climate – if you live in a hot and sunny area, and the house is unsheltered, the paint will fade and bubble faster (especially if it’s a dark hue paint or it’s oil-based). Other climates that affect paint longevity include extreme humidity, frequent storms, harsh winters, and salty oceans.

Maintenance – how well you take care of your home will affect how long the paint job lasts. You should always be on the lookout for warning signs, including termites, mold, rot, chalkiness, and dampness.

13. How many coats of paint does the exterior need?

Two coats are enough for your exterior, assuming you’ve taken time to prep and prime the surface. This is especially true if you will paint a dark color over a light hue. If you paint light hue over a dark one, you will need more coats for a perfect finish.

Professional painters use a tinted primer to help smoothen the transition from the old to the new color.

14. What can you use to seal exterior paint?

Exterior paints are formed with chemicals that give them waterproof qualities. Because of this, you don’t have to seal most of the exterior paints. However, since most paints are subject to degrading over time, wood sealers help to prolong the life of external paints. Below are the products you can use to seal.

Polycrylic – this is a clear acrylic paint that contains polyurethane resins. These resins protect the paint from duress and moisture. The coating best bonds with flat latex paints.

Polyurethane – it is similar to polycrylic, but it comes in two types – water-based form, which is ideal for acrylic and latex paint, and solvent-based polyurethane, which is used on oil-based paints.

15. How long does exterior paint need to dry?

If you are painting with latex acrylic paint, you should allow it at least two hours of sun before the rain falls. If there is a forecast of heavy rains, for several days, the paint will need at least 6 hours of good sunlight to cure properly.

However, when painting, fresh paint should not dry under direct sunlight. Because of this, you should always start painting in the morning and move with the sun. Paint the section that is under the shade of the house.

16. Don’t paint at night

This is in line with the temperature conditions. As previously mentioned, temperature affects how well the paint cures. The night comes with low temperatures. The prevailing temperatures will determine whether you should paint or not. They should be between 50 and 90 degrees F. Anything that is below this range might result in imperfect results.

17. Top tip to paint your home’s exterior faster

Painting the exterior takes quite a bit of time. But you can do it faster by:

Painting the house the same color or go darker.

Use a pressure washer to clean the surfaces instead of using your hand to clean

Only prime the problem areas instead of priming the entire house

Only scrape the bare minimum

FAQ

Is Sherwin better than Behr?

Most professionals will choose Sherwin Williams for all their residential exterior painting projects. Behr has a lower price tag and is as such ideal for DIYers who are conscious of their budget. But when comparing the quality of the two brands, Sherwin Williams is all rounded hence better.

What paint finish is best for exterior doors?

Fresh paint hides minor flaws on front doors, defends it against elements, and improves curb appeal. But to get any of these assets, you need to use the right kind of paint. The best paint for your front door should have resistance to harsh weather, including storms and the sun. Consider paint durability, color sheen, and suitability of door material.

The paint should be designed for exterior use. If you are painting your door for the first time, you should pick a primer and paint.

What colors work with gray?

If you have a gray roof, whether roof tiles or asphalt shingles, there are several colors that you can pair with to get great results. The colors include:

White – the beauty of white is that it goes with any color. It offers a classic look.

Brick tones – if your roof is darker, you can choose the natural colors of bricks. These include brick red, burgundy, and some rich shades of orange.

Green – if the shingles have a green undertone, you can pair the gray with a shade of green a light green like olive and sage works perfectly.

Yellow – gray and yellow yield a classic look. It offers an edgy look, especially when you use bright mustard.

How long does Behr exterior paint last?

Unopened cans of paint can last for up to a decade for water-based acrylic paints for the alkyd and oil-based types; they can last for up to 15 years.

What gray paint color is the most popular?

For Benjamin Moore, Gray owl is by far the most popular color. It is warm gray and blends with numerous colors (since it’s neutral). Other popular gray colors include:

Silver satin

Stonington gray

Wickham gray

Edgecomb gray

Revere Pewter

Wish

If you’ve read this far, congratulations – you are now a little wiser. If you forget everything else in this piece, remember to hire a professional or, at the very least dedicate enough time for the DIY process. Painting takes quite a bit of time to get right.

Sources:

https://homeguide.com/costs/cost-to-paint-exterior-of-house

https://www.businessinsider.com/best-exterior-paint?IR=T

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/5-easy-tips-for-choosing-your-exterior-paint-palette-stsetivw-vs~3317364

https://www.wow1day.com/services/exterior-painting/

https://www.wow1day.com/blog/exterior-painting/how-often-should-i-paint-exterior-my-house/

https://www.wow1day.com/blog/exterior-painting/6-signs-its-time-repaint-your-house-exterior/