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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847 S Ashbrook -- Mesa, AZ 85204

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,740 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686063

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow Take A Look At This, Almost Fully Remodeled Incredible Home, Upon Arriving Notice This Low Maintenance Yet Inviting Curb Appeal, Head In To This Neutral Light N Bright Home With Granite Counters, Recessed Lighting & Modern Kitchen Appliance Package (Refrigerator Washer & Dryer Stay). Designer Painted Inside & Out, Updated Flooring, & Ceiling Fans Throughout. Spacious Living Room With Soaring Vaulted Ceilings, Hardwood Flooring With A Cozy Fireplace. Formal Dining & The Kitchen Opens Perfectly For Entertaining Friends & Family. A Generous Sized Master Suite With A Custom Tile Shower. A TRUE 4 BEDROOM Including A Large Master Suite, Plus An Extended 2 Car Garage For Toys Or Work Space, Plus Extra, Extra Storage & RV Gate/RV Parking. Nestled Perfectly On a Large LOT With NO HOA. Welcome!

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1818 W Vista Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,350 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6631863

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Remodeled and spacious, step into a home that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with timeless charm. The interior is bright and welcoming, offering an abundance of natural light throughout. Perfect for those seeking a comfortable living space, the home boasts 3 well-appointed bedrooms and 2 remodeled bathrooms in the popular black and white color palette with a walk-in shower in the primary bathroom. The Arizona Room, with an attached laundry area, adds a touch of versatility to the property. Additionally, there are 2 extra flex rooms equipped with split AC/heating, totaling an additional 338 sq.ft.,that present endless possibilities - a home office, workshop, or even an extra bedroom! The heart of this home, the kitchen, is a chef's dream. Ample storage space, beautiful cabinetry, a wall mounted oven and granite countertops make this space as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing. Enjoy a grandfathered in $57 monthly solar lease, which could allow you to have as little as $200 electric bills in the hottest months of the year. This gem sits on an irrigated lot, ensuring a lush easy-to-maintain yard and cost-efficient maintenance with no HOA! Benefit from the peaceful setting as 19th Avenue is not accessible from Vista Ave and the street closure ensures minimal traffic.

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3134 E Mckellips Road Mesa, AZ 85213

$465,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,414 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683963

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath 2 car garage home in sought after Homestead on an oversized lot with lg. private pool and nicely designed backyard! Ideal for entertaining or everyday living -- with living and dining rooms, vaulted ceilings, and a formal family room with wood burning fireplace. Open concept kitchen overlooks the family room and features granite countertops, smooth-top range, built-in microwave, and LG stainless steel refrigerator with water dispenser/ ice maker. The primary suite includes dual closets, a spacious layout, soaring high ceilings, and an ensuite bath. Additionally, the home features newer paint, newer carpet, laminate flooring, and a top of the line Trane HVAC unit,. Enjoy your backyard with one of the only private sparkling swimming pools in the community. Conveniently located with easy access to the Loop 202 (and Gilbert Rd.) and plenty of shopping, dining, & restaurants nearby. A must see!

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2401 E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85288

$465,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6652290

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Resort style gated community! The Location can't be Beat! Walking distance to the Cubs Sloan Park Stadium. Right off of 101 & 202 FWY, ASU, Bus stops, Airport, Tempe Market Place! Popular 3 Bed & Den 2.5 Bath floorplan with a large open living area adjoining a full kitchen with island. Downstairs is the living area, spacious downstairs den/bonus room/large home office (at 126 SF!), Kitchen & breakfast area overlooking a private covered patio & backyard. Upstairs is master bedroom & master bath, laundry & 2 additional bedrooms with another bath. Two car garage and lots of additional guest parking in this beautifully maintained complex! 2 Pools and lots of area to walk your dog! Move in ready! Hurry! 3 bedroom unit sure to go quickly

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