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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11556 W Sand Trout Court Surprise, AZ 85378

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,803 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688211

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Home, sweet home! This gorgeous 3 bed, 2 bath residence now on the market is the one for you! Nestled on a premium cul-de-sac lot right next to the Community's lush golf course, this beauty features great curb appeal, artificial turf, a 2 car garage, and a welcoming porch! Inside you'll find a cozy living area and formal dining room boasting elegant wood-look flooring, high ceilings, and trending palette throughout. The spacious family room boasts a fireplace to keep you warm during the winter months! Prepare delicious meals in this beautiful kitchen, comprised of white cabinetry w/gleaming counters, a pantry, recessed lighting, high-end appliances, an island complete w/a breakfast bar, and a breakfast nook w/a lovely bay window. Discover a large primary bedroom showcasing direct outdoor access, a walk-in closet, and a private ensuite for added convenience. Also including an expansive backyard w/a covered patio, extended seating area w/a gazebo, and a view fence, this home has it all! Act now before it's gone!

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14163 W Georgia Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$465,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,337 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693397

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Absolutely Beautiful 4 Bedroom + Loft, 2.5 Bathroom, Two Story Home Located On Premium Lot Bordering Common Area, Built in 2020, Upgraded Kitchen w/Custom Cabinets, Granite Countertops, Gas Range, Stainless Steel Appliances, Kitchen Island w/Breakfast Bar, Dining Room, Spacious Greatroom, Upstairs Master Bathroom w/Walk-In Closet, Master Bathroom w/Dual Sinks & Separate Tub & Shower, Extra Large Loft Upstairs, Covered Backyard Patio, 2 Car Garage, Come Check It Out!

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8410 E Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,676 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651453

Property Type Townhouse

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Spacious four bedroom townhouse in Scottsdale just minutes to the Scottsdale Greenbelt multi-use path, Chaparral Dog Park, multiple City parks, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. Quick, easy access to the 101 freeway. This is a unique tri-level split floor plan. Two bedrooms upstairs with a full bath and two bedrooms downstairs with 3/4 bath. Main floor has an open kitchen, dining room, and sunken living room. Kitchen has granite countertop installed in 2023 and stainless steel appliances purchased in January 2024. Private back patio with storage space/laundry area. Covered carport parking for two along with guest parking throughout the community. Property features a pool and clubhouse. HOA maintains all public areas and landscaping. Listing agent is related to seller.

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7640 E Globemallow Lane Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,719 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685645

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Discover your dream retreat in Gold Canyon! This one-story, well laid out home offers generous 9 ft ceilings, an expansive open floor plan of living areas. Spacious gourmet kitchen w/ stainless steel Kenmore appliances, 42'' upgraded cabinets & granite counters w/ barstool seating plus pantry storage! Admire the custom, desert design painted in 2023 perfect for primary home or vacation home. 5-piece primary suite boasts a walk in closet, plenty of counter space, dual sink vanity, soaking tub, walk in shower & enclosed toilet room. Step outside & enjoy low maintenance landscape w/ lush turf, custom pavers, quaint water feature & covered patio complete w/ ceiling fan perfect for bbq's & entertaining. Furniture can stay. quaint water feature & covered patio complete w/ ceiling fan perfect for bbq's & entertaining.

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