Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home’s Exterior in a Weekend or Two

If you want something hands-on to do this summer, look no further than the outside of your house. There are many reasons to refresh the paint job on your house, including increased protection against weathering, and increased curb appeal. Whatever your reason, read on to learn just what you’ll need, and need to do, to paint your home’s exterior.

What You’ll Need: Materials, Tools, Protection

A DIY paint job is easily doable, and costs only as much as the materials, tools and protection you need. Those materials include the paint itself, the primer and the caulking (to seal cracks and joints). For tools, look for paintbrushes and rollers, sanders, and scrapers. You’ll also need drop cloths (to protect your lawn/garden), masks/respirators (to protect yourself), and a HEPA vacuum/suit if you’re stripping lead-based paint.

What You’ll Do: Step One

Essentially, house-painting boils down to three steps. First, prep the surface. You’ll need to wash the house, scrape loose paint off and sand it smooth to make it an ideal surface to which the new paint can adhere. Note, if your house was built before 1978, test for lead-based paint (which will just require a little more protection while you’re scraping it off). Lead-testing kits can be purchased online.

What You’ll Do: Step Two

Next, patch and prime. Fill in smaller imperfections with something like epoxy. Bigger gaps and joints will need caulking but do this only after the primer is applied. Take this patching time to fix any rot or potential rot problems signaled by improper water drainage. Then prime the whole exterior this seals the wood and makes it even easier for paint to adhere to the walls.

What You’ll Do: Step Three

Finally, the paint. Water-based latex (or acrylic) paint is more flexible, easier to clean and more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints. Read the paint can they contain tips and instructions on using the paint that can come in handy. With DIY, brushes and rollers are better to use than a paint-sprayer, which can be hard to control. Three tips: always start at the top of the house and paint down, it’s always better to do two coats, and stay in the shade while you’re working painting in direct sunlight causes the paint to dry too fast and flake.

What You’ll Do After: How To Maintain An Exterior

Once your exterior has dried, keep it looking fresh with consistent caulking, touch ups for peeling paint and removing mold and mildew whenever you spot it.

For more tips or advice on improving your home’s value in your neighborhood, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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16541 W Sierra Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$455,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,284 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686167

Property Type Single Family Residence

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A nice house in great community Sycamore farms community pool open floor plan for guest entertainment where all guest can be together on area really well maintain condition Also it is a good location on the west valley area. everything there hospital near by

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20822 N Desert Glen Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$455,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,104 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689241

Property Type Single Family Residence

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This Beautifully Renovated Eldorado Model is located in the highly desirable area of SCW near the Echo Mesa Golf Course and Kuentz Recreation Center. As you walk through the front door you are greeted by high ceilings, tons of natural lighting and tasteful renovations. The large gourmet kitchen comes with upgraded cabinets, marble countertops, new appliances, deep dark stainless-steel sink and custom overhead lighting. The oversized Owners Suite is located in the rear side of the house with vaulted ceiling, high-grade new carpet, luxury bathroom with a walk-in shower, Marble countertops, oversized mirror and upgraded in floor toilets. The Large 280sq ft climate-controlled Arizona room gives you a great way to enjoy the weather year-round in Arizona.

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9775 N 94th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$455,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,253 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691337

Property Type Apartment

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BEING SOLD FURNISHED Beautiful 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom split floor plan property an a coveted location. The two bedrooms are very spacious; master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet and dual sinks. Plantation shutters throughout. Enjoy time on the Serene Balcony, which is surrounded by lush grass greenbelt and mature trees and you can even see the McDowell Mountains. The kitchen overlooks the fountain in the community. Newer vinyl plank flooring and carpeting and updated bathrooms too. Fireplace is behind the TV in photos. The orientation of the unit is North/South facing which is idea for sun exposure. Pool is walkable distance from the property. Great location in the heart of Scottsdale near shopping and dining and medical offices, hospital and the 101 freeway. Lightly lived in.

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9173 W Charleston Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$455,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,681 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693791

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Best part... NO HOA!!!! Come and check out this conveniently located move in ready home. This one will check all the boxes! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, new carpet and interior paint, RV gate, large backyard with room for a pool and more! Drive just a mile and you will be on the 101 heading North or South to get anywhere in the Valley. Just down Bell road you will be at P83 with copious shopping or eating options.

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