Test For Lead Homes built before 1978 could have used lead paint, so be careful if you have an older home. They make kits that test for lead paint. If your home tests positive, then ensure you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your neighbors safe.
Scrub It Up You need to wash the exterior of your home before painting. Mildew thrives under new paint, so kill it with a solution of water and phosphate-free cleaner.
Scrape And Sand Take a scraper to your home's exterior to remove any peeling paint. Spraying water under the paint as you scrape helps speed up the process. Then sand down any rough spots, so that you have a smooth canvas.
Apply The Primer Paint on the primer immediately after you've prepped the wood. This will provide and even base for your topcoat of paint.
Buy Some Caulk You'll need to caulk all the joints to prevent water penetration and air leakage. Plus, caulk does a great job of filling in blemishes in your siding.
Pick Out Your Paint Choose a water-based latex paint. It's easier than applying oil-based paints. However, if your home already has an oil-based paint, you'll have to stay with it. Once you've selected your favorite paint color, just grab a brush or rent a sprayer to start painting your home.
Maintain your exterior. Be sure to check your home annually for any potential problems. Replace cracked caulk, remove mildew and patch any peeling paint before it spreads. Utilize the beautiful summer weekends to get started on painting your home. Understand that this process normally takes two weekends, so be patient. Plus, by not hiring a professional, you'll save a significant sum of money and have bragging rights when you receive compliments on the condition of your home.