How to Prep & Paint a House With a Paint Sprayer

Scrape all loose paint with a metal scraper or heavy wire brush. When applying paint with a sprayer, complete all prep work before beginning the painting. The sprayer will move much faster than the fastest painter scraping.

Wash the dirt and grime and any remaining loose paint from the siding with a power washer and clear water on a medium setting. Be careful around shutters and other decorative trim as power washers have a tendency to tear things loose. Allow the house to dry.

Apply caulking or wood filler to damaged areas in window sills, fascia boards and other wood work. Sand down any areas that need it after your filler has hardened. Follow the label instructions for best results.

Remove trim pieces that are removable and decorations such as flags and flowerpots. Mask off windows and doors, the roof edge including the first row or two of shingles, the gutters and any other trim that cannot easily be removed. Use plastic sheeting and standard manila masking tape for best results.

Lay cloth tarps over plants, flower bed mulch and other ground areas that should not be painted. Do not use plastic over plants. Plastic magnifies the sun and can cause plants to wilt without additional moisture being added regularly.

Add paint to the hopper and connect the hoses. Prime the pump according to the sprayer instructions, which are typically in the owner's manual. There is usually a brief version of the instructions on the sprayer itself. After priming, screw the paint tip onto the sprayer handle.

Apply paint starting from one corner of the house. Work from top to bottom in sections. Hold the sprayer 12 to 16 inches from the surface of the wall. Work in overlapping horizontal strokes, releasing the sprayer trigger at the end of each stroke. Avoid holding the sprayer in one spot more than three to five seconds to prevent runs and drips.

Continue moving around the house, traveling in the same direction. Keep an eye on your masking and retape any areas that are loose before applying paint next to them. Fill the hopper before it runs dry to prevent paint drying in the filter. Continue painting until you reach your starting point.

Allow the paint to dry before applying a second coat. Work in the same pattern, to get adequate coverage. Remove masking before paint dries completely for best results.