How to Paint a House Exterior: Complete Guide
A complete guide to painting your home's exterior, from choosing the right paint to surface preparation and application techniques.
Tools & Materials Needed
- pressure washer
- scraper
- sandpaper
- exterior primer
- exterior paint
- paintbrush
- roller
- airless sprayer (recommended)
- ladder
- drop cloths
Is It Time to Repaint?
Your home's exterior paint typically lasts 5-10 years depending on climate, paint quality, and surface material. Signs it's time to repaint include fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking.
Choosing Exterior Paint
Exterior paint needs to withstand rain, UV rays, temperature swings, and mildew. Always choose 100% acrylic latex paint rated for exterior use.
Spend more on exterior paint. Premium exterior paint ($50-70/gallon) contains more pigment and resins, meaning better coverage, color retention, and durability. It can last 15+ years vs. 5-7 for budget paint.
Preparation Is Everything
Surface prep is even more critical for exterior painting:
Pressure Wash
Clean the entire exterior with a pressure washer at 1500-2500 PSI. This removes dirt, mildew, chalking, and loose paint. Let dry completely (24-48 hours).
Scrape and Sand
Scrape off all loose and peeling paint. Sand rough edges smooth. Fill holes and cracks with exterior-grade caulk or wood filler.
Prime Bare Spots
Apply exterior primer to any bare wood, repaired areas, or stained spots. This ensures proper adhesion and prevents bleed-through.
Mask and Protect
Cover windows, doors, light fixtures, and landscaping. Use painter's tape on trim if painting walls only.
Paint
Start at the top and work down. Apply two coats, painting in the shade when possible. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, rain, or temperatures below 50°F or above 90°F.
If your home was built before 1978, test for lead paint before scraping or sanding. Lead paint requires special safety procedures and may need professional abatement.
Cost Estimate
For a typical 2,000 sq ft home:
- DIY: $500-1,500 (paint + supplies)
- Professional: $3,000-8,000
When to Hire a Pro
Consider hiring a professional painter if your home is:
- More than one story (ladder safety)
- Has significant prep work needed
- Has lead paint concerns
- You need the job done quickly
Professional Painting Experts
The PaintLikePro editorial team brings together experienced painters, interior designers, and home improvement experts to deliver reliable, tested painting advice.
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