External House Painting Tips

Scrape It Down

• Scrape down areas of the house's exterior to the bare wood where old paint is cracked or bubbled or otherwise damaged, according to HomeTips.com. This process removes dirt and loose paint and begins to prepare the surface for painting. Scrape in line with the wood grain, and use a fine-grain sandpaper to smooth any rough edges before going further.

Wash And Dry

• Over the years, since the house was previously painted, the exterior has been subject to many foreign substances and pollutants that have settled on the paint and formed a dirty coating, especially if you have not taken the time to regularly rinse the walls.

  Paint will not adhere properly to this grimy surface, so washing the areas to paint thoroughly with a mild soapy detergent and water is essential to proper painting. Simply use a brush or sponge, and give the wall a complete cleaning; allow it to dry completely before applying paint.

Water Repellants

• Anyone worried about potential water damage to wooden exteriors should apply a base coat of water repellent directly to the surface and apply an oil-based primer, according to HomeTips.com. With this protection, water can do little or no damage to the walls over time, and this adds years to the life of the home.

Double Coat

• Don't try to save money on a paint job by purchasing a cheap exterior paint. These surfaces are constantly exposed to the elements, and quality paint is necessary to make the job last a long time. Save a few dollars by using an inferior brand, but if you must paint the house three times more often, the savings will not cover the difference.

  Once you have selected a quality exterior paint, apply the first coat and allow it to dry. Follow up with a complete second coat. Two coats provide the needed protection for your exterior walls.

Take Your Time

• Don't get in a rush to paint the exterior of your house, according to online house painting guide House-Painting-Info.com. This paint job is the most visible one you'll do at home. Use a good brush and rollers, and set aside enough time to paint the house at least twice. Don't try to save time by using a paint sprayer unless you have experience and skill with it. The results are often a huge mess that adds time to your project.

Weather

• Keep the weather conditions in mind, and stop painting if conditions are windy and dusty; always stop painting before the evening dew arrives. Ideally, make sure the weather is clear and dry and somewhere between 50 and 90 degrees F for exterior painting, according to HomeTips.com.