Exterior House Painting: Some DIY Tips

If you have ever painted the exterior of a house before you know it takes time & patience. Although the basic fundamental dos & dont’s might remain similar for a fresh painting job and a re-painting requirement, the latter requires a couple of extra steps. The trick is to be thoroughly prepared and have all your material in hand before beginning the job. Also, one should be prepared for external factors that might not be in one’s control.  

If it is a new house, primer goes on first and is applied just like regular paint. Most of the boxes/ bottles of primers come with instructions and specify the minimum time that is required to lapse before the paint is applied. After the recommended time between the primer & painting is done, start your painting at the highest point. This will involve ladders & moving the ladder so that you can paint as far as your arms can reach. 

My suggestion is, when undertaking exterior house painting service, always keep a rag in your pocket, wear rubber gloves, and keep your brush tapped on the side of your pail/plastic container. This prevents you from wasting paint as well as stops the paint from dripping all over you. 

When you start the exterior house painting job, dip only the bottom half of the bristles of the brush into the paint. Once your brush has the perfect amount loaded into it, start painting from top to bottom. 
....You'll get the hang of it pretty quick...

 

Dave's Painting

Always make sure the ladder is safe without wobbling. Use a safety belt as much as possible.

Also if you are handed a bucket to start with, you'll need a paddle/stick to stir it well from top to bottom, around & around until blended & smooth. It is advisable to keep an extra light weight bucket tied to the ladder at the top for easy reach (tie it on with a plastic grocery bag) with an extra brush. Also keep an extra plastic grocery bag handy to wrap your brush up to keep it from drying out while moving the ladder. 

If you are repainting a house, you may have to scrape old paint that's peeling & at times may have to use a piece of sand paper. Pressure wash and scrape/sand/brush any loose paint.  The seal surface with a sealer designed to prime and seal chalked surfaces. 

It is helpful if you go to a dollar store & get a tool called 3-in-one tool ($2-$3.00). This has a rubber handle & the tool has a sharp point on one end & flat razor like edge to scrape the old paint off. 

When you have to stop painting to go to lunch or bathroom, use one of these same little grocery bags to wrap the wet paint brush in & it'll not dry out or you have to clean the brush & start again. 

It is very important you wash your brushes each night when painting is done for the day & I mean really wash with mild detergent & water or paint removal/cleaner if its oil based paint. 

I only use & buy purdy brushes & have every size plus extras. They are expensive but hold lots of paint & are easy to apply.