Six Step Guide to Painting a House

Painting a house is a big project that requires you to make many decisions before you begin. The style of your house and your neighborhood, the materials, the budget and even the time of year and weather conditions in your area of the country are significant factors. But the end result of a freshly-painted house is worth the effort. Once you've made the decisions about color, style and cost, there are just six basic steps to getting the project completed.

Ladder
Screwdrivers
Cleaning supplies (detergents, sponges)
Sandpaper
Wire brush
Spackling paste or caulk
Drop cloths
Painter's tape
Paint
Paintbrushes and rollers

Instructions

- 1
  Repair window casings, door frames and gutters as needed. The fresh paint will get scuffed and damaged if you wait to finish repairs.
- 2
  Remove any old, flaking paint. Wood should be lightly sanded. Plaster and cement can be scrubbed with a wire brush.
- 3
  Clean with a mild detergent and water. Let everything dry completely.
- 4
  Patch any cracks or holes. Use caulk to seal cracks around doors and windows. Use spackling paste for holes or chips in walls.
- 5
  Protect the areas where you will paint from spill and splatter. Use drop cloths to cover floors, porches and walkways. Use painter's tape for tight areas around doors, windows and woodwork.
- 6
  Prime any surfaces where old paint will be covered. Primer will help the new paint stick. Let the primer dry completely before you paint over it.

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