How to Paint Exterior Surfaces

You must prepare exterior surfaces properly before painting. Exterior paint is necessary for outdoor applications to protect against sun and weather. Paintable exterior surfaces come in many shapes and sizes. The angles can be simple or complex. Warm weather with low winds is the opportune time to paint exterior surfaces. Surfaces should be completely dry before prep-work and painting commences to ensure proper paint to surface adhesion. You can apply paint by brush and roller or by paint sprayer.

Pressure washer
Paint scraping tools
Wire bristled brushes
Caulk
Caulking gun
Paper and plastic masking
Masking tape
Drop cloths
Paint sprayer
Exterior primer paint
9-inch roller frame
1-inch nap roller covers
Extension pole
Exterior finish paint
Paintbrushes
Mini rollers

Instructions

- 1
  Pressure wash the exterior surface to remove all dust and flaking paint. Allow the surface to dry.
- 2
  Scrape away all flaking paint with paint scraping tools and wire-bristled brushes.
- 3
  Smooth out rough surface areas with an orbital sander using 120-grit sandpaper.
- 4
  Caulk all open cracks, seams and joints in woodwork and around window sills.
- 5
  Spot prime all bare wood with a bare wood primer using a paintbrush or mini roller.
- 6
  Mask off all windows, sidewalks, flower beds, hardware and light fixtures with masking tape and paper. Use painter's plastic or drop cloths to cover large ground areas.
- 7
  Prime a paint sprayer with exterior primer paint following the paint sprayer's instruction manual.
- 8
  Spray the body and trim of the exterior, keeping the spray gun at an even distance from the surface.
- 9
  Back roll the primer paint using a 9-inch roller frame, a 1-inch roller nap cover and an extension pole. Roll the primer paint up and down to even out the highs and lows in the paint and to squish primer into the uneven surfaces.
- 10
  Clean primer paint out of the paint sprayer following the paint sprayer's instruction manual.
- 11
  Load the paint sprayer with exterior finish paint following the instructions in the paint sprayer's manual.
- 12
  Remove the nap used for the primer paint and replace it with a new 1-inch nap cover.
- 13
  Spray the body and trim exterior surfaces with paint.
- 14
  Back roll to even out the finish.
- 15
  Remove all masking materials after spraying is complete.
- 16
  Clean out the sprayer and rollers.

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Outdoor House Painting