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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13639 W Banff Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$460,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,261 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694490

Property Type Single Family Residence

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! LONG TERM TENANTS IN PLACE UNTIL 2026! Spacious home on a beautiful corner lot boasts a welcoming entry/porch and soothing back yard escape. As you enter this 2,261 SF, 4 bedroom/2 bath home you are greeted by a spacious formal living/dining area at the front of the home. Walkting through to the arched doorway you find yourself in the kitchen, complete with granite countertops, kitchen island, breakfast area, living room and a oversized pantry! The 4 bedrooms are on the east side of the home with the Primany bedroom showcasing elegant double doors and a private exit to the back patio. This home is currently being rented on a 5 year lease with a little over 2 years remaining making it a perfect addition to your rental portfolio. NEW PICS SOON!

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9826 W Escuda Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

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$460,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,258 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695438

Property Type Single Family Residence

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WELCOME to Quail Ridge at Westbrook Village! Many people don't realize you only have to be FORTY to live here and you can have children 19 and older! We are an ACTIVE community, with block parties, chili cook-offs, cocktail hours, etc. Lot's of dogs and friendly people! Westbrook has an EXCEPTIONALLY LOW HOA-$776.50 a year-that's $64 a month for COMMUNITY POOLS, tennis and pickleball courts, exercise facilities and more. We also have a ''Posse'' that patrols our neighborhoods. Come and check us out! ORIGINAL owners have determined it's time to sell. The mechanicals and roof of this home are in great shape and the home is move in ready! A HUGE covered patio gives you an awesome outdoor space to enjoy the large yard! A solar system relieves the worry of high power bills! See it today!

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3133 E Hobart Street Gilbert, AZ 85296

New

$460,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,321 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696166

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Nestled within the charming confines of Agritopia, this delightful abode offers the epitome of modern comfort and convenience. Boasting a generous floor plan with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, this home is designed to accommodate both living and entertaining with ease.The heart of the home, a spacious kitchen, features sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances. Convenience is key with a two-car garage providing ample parking and storage space, while the proximity to the new Epicenter adds another layer of allure. Imagine strolling to this vibrant community hub, where dining, shopping, and entertainment options abound, creating a dynamic lifestyle at your doorstep.

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20217 W Desert Bloom Street Buckeye, AZ 85326

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$460,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,361 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696295

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Welcome to your new home in the desirable Blue Horizons community! Th is stunning two story residence boasts an inviting open concept living room to kitchen, perfect for gatherings and culinary delights. Not to mention, spacious bedrooms and large loft for a cozy getaway. Enjoy the tranquility of no back neighbors offering privacy and serene views!

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