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

Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home's Exterior in a Weekend or TwoIf 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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5258 E Calle De La Fressa -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$465,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,928 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691769
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A must see to appreciate is the elegance and peaceful beauty of this new built 4-bedroom modern, country charmer! Boasting magnificent views of the northern/ eastern mountain range & the gorgeous Huachuca mountains, a hike away. The front porch & yard provide an idyllic ambiance for the beauty of this quiet country style neighborhood. Featuring a wonderful spacious open floor plan, to include 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a den, vaulted ceilings, larger windows, taler doors & an open concept - split bedroom plan, with an oversized 3 car garage. Just beautiful are the buttercream-colored cabinets accented with the darker granite counters. A lovely kitchen island & charming dinning create such a relaxing yet elegant dining experience. The wood tile flooring throughout makes for easy living and a great look. Stop in to see this gorgouse home and you too will fall in love!

25664 N 162nd Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$465,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,041 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672937
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This gorgeous, highly upgraded floor plan is model home perfect. This 2041 Sq Ft. single level property has an open floorplan, 3 bdrms, 2 baths plus a den/flexspace! It was built in 2020 with lots of upgrades! Step inside to a home that is light, bright and a beautiful blend of luxury and comfort. This home is better than new, it boasts beautiful white shaker cabinets with a beautifully deigned backsplash, luxury wood-look flooring, Brand new Carpet throughout the house as well as stunning granite countertops which make for a sleek and sophisticated look! The impressive gourmet kitchen offers a gas cooktop and and an island breakfast bar. 8ft doors throughout the house. The owner's suite is spacious with a walk in shower. This home also comes with a backyard designed for easy maintenance.

15622 W Yucatan Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$465,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,407 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672604
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Meticulously maintained and cared-for home on a quaint, tree-lined street in Greer Ranch. Located in the beautiful city of Surprise. This 4 bed 2 bath home has a large living room with a separate formal dining room. Upgraded with durable, wood laminate flooring throughout. Fully landscaped front and back with auto watering system. Spacious kitchen with SS appliances. Built-in bookshelves. Custom front security screen door. Huge primary suite. Ensuite with privacy door. Covered back patio with an extended concrete slab. Split 3-car garage. 3rd bay has lots of built-in storage cabinetry. Great for a workshop or man cave. Must see this beautiful home!

45240 W Windrose Drive Maricopa, AZ 85139

$465,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674588
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The home features an open floor plan with a formal living and dining room, as well as a great room that overlooks the backyard. It includes a half bath downstairs for convenience and 5 bedrooms upstairs with 3 additional bathrooms. The kitchen has plenty of cabinet space with a desk area, walk-in pantry, granite countertops, and an under-mount sink. Large tile is in the traffic, kitchen, and wet areas, with neutral carpet in the rest of the home.

7508 W Beryl Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$465,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,816 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6677431
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Light and bright this Peoria home with a pool boast all tile and vinyl floors, granite countertops and plantation shutters throughout. Primary bath has garden tub, 2 closets and executive height countertops with custom glass tiles surrounding mirrors. Newer roof, AC and water heater. Newly painted, updated ceiling fans, light switches and outlets throughtout. Plus the vaulted ceiling, split floorplan and living/family room combo make this house a spacious place to call home. Large lot, RV gate and solar panels with NO HOA!

8877 N 185th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$465,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,027 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694027
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Energy-efficient, newer smart home! Open floorplan. Four-bed, three- bath home featuring thoughtfully designed layout. Spacious primary suite with a large bathroom and walk in closet. Enjoy the convenience of bonus room nestled between two bedrooms, providing the perfect space for leisure and entertainment. Bedroom number four enjoys its privacy with a separate bathroom, offering comfort and functionality for guests or family members. Kitchen is open to dining and gathering room, appointed with a massive gleaming granite island, stylish backsplash, amazing pantry with abundant shelves, a gas stove. Fully landscaped, private backyard with block wall privacy, pavers, and turf. Breathtaking views of the White Tank mountains, quiet location, minutes away from Whitetank Regional Park. Park with play area right around the corner. Conveniently located close to the 303 freeway.

1650 E Ponderosa Parkway Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$465,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,134 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6681315
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Welcome to your ideal Flagstaff condo! This 2-bed, 2-bath gem on Ponderosa Parkway offers unbeatable convenience near downtown, NAU, hiking, and dining. With all appliances included and an elevator for easy access, this condo is both practical and luxurious. Enjoy two covered patios, one off the owner's suite, and another from the main living room. Don't miss this opportunity for prime Flagstaff living!

14643 N 35th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85053

$465,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,013 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6684971
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your beautifully updated 4 bedroom 2 bath split floorplan. Nicely priced for a quick sale. Interior has been completely and tastefully renovated to include brand new kitchen cabinets and quartz countertops, bathrooms, flooring, even the windows have been replaced. So much closet and storage in this spacious home, the huge laundry room can double as extra storage/pantry space. All appliances including washer and dryer. Move in ready. Great location near the I-17, loop 101, ASU West Campus, and GCU.

6344 W Berkeley Road Phoenix, AZ 85035

$465,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,019 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685860
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This must-see completely remodeled home provides a large open floor plan with plenty of space for family and friends to enjoy. A lovely kitchen with white shaker cabinets, beautiful quartz countertop, stainless steel appliances, gas range, and a large walk-in pantry is sure to please the chefs in the family! A bright airy Arizona room adds more room for family gatherings. Plank flooring and new carpet in bedrooms. Ceiling lights throughout. New roof and new insulation. Beautiful fence with iron in front yard and block in back. RV Gate. This over 2k foot 4-bedroom 2-bath home is minutes from central Phoenix, parks, shopping, and stadiums; it's everything you're looking for and more.

951 S 240th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$465,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,140 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686855
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in the upcoming city of Buckeye. This open concept home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3140 sqft and is the corner lot of the cul-de-sac. As you walk through the front door you notice the vaulted ceilings throughout the first level and space for your creativity to unravel. The backyard has a full-size pool, fire pit, and a newly added pergola perfect for entertaining family and friends. The entire house (inside & out) is set to be professionally painted 4/15. Beyond the walls of this exquisite home, the Acacia Crossing community provides a welcoming environment with scenic views and an array of amenities. From the Buckeye Recreation Center, parks & trails to nearby shopping and dining options, this neighborhood offers a vibrant and convenient lifestyle.

9614 E Nacoma Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$465,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,575 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689665
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Absolutely stunning 2 bedroom 2 bath property with a 2 car garage, in the apprised guard gated community of Sun Lakes Iron Oaks. This property features hardwood floors and berber carpet throughout, granite counters, SS appliances, newer remodeled bathrooms, front door security gate and the most peaceful patio overlooking a lush greenbelt. Walking distance from the gorgeous golf course of Iron Oaks and tons of restaurants and shopping. Apart of this amazing community is a community center, pools, spa, pickle ball courts, and much much more. Priced as one of the lowest in the area with a very motivated seller. Don't miss out to make this property your very own!

7508 E Earll Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$465,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,047 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691124
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Home Sweet Home!! GATED community! Nicely upgraded throughout! Tile, laminate flooring, upgraded bathrooms with tiled showers, granite countertops in the kitchen! 2 bedrooms/ 2 bathrooms/ 1 car garage with a balcony!! Stainless steel appliances in the kitchen! Close distance to Fashion Square mall, Scottsdale multi use bike park, Starbucks, Osborn Medical, restaurants, Scottsdale Stadium, golf, parks, art galleries, t101 freeway, and all else this fantastic location has to offer location has to offer. Refrigerator, washer and dryer stay!! Enjoy the community pool/ spa!! Perfect for primary home or investment! Buyer to verify schools, HOA and all info. Professional pictures coming soon.