Painting your home's exterior sets the tone for your home's first impression. A well-painted house boosts curb appeal, protects against the weather, and gives you a sense of pride every time you pull into the driveway. Here's how to tackle an exterior paint project that lasts for years.
Check the Weather and Surfaces
Paint doesn't do well with extreme heat, cold, or high humidity. Late spring and early fall usually offer the best conditions, including steady temperatures and low moisture. Avoid painting if rain is expected or if the surface feels damp.
Before painting, inspect your siding for peeling, mildew, or rot. Scrape off any flaking paint, then clean grime with a mild detergent or a pressure washer. If you find cracks or holes, fill them with exterior-grade caulk or patching compound.
Choose the Right Paint and Finish
Benjamin Moore's exterior paints offer strength, color depth, and ease of application.
The right finish also depends on your siding.
- Flat or matte paints hide surface flaws but trap dirt more easily.
- Satin or eggshell finishes strike a balance, so they're great for wood, stucco, or fiber cement.
- Gloss or semi-gloss adds durability for doors, trim, and shutters.
Prime Before You Paint
If you're repainting over bare wood or drastically changing colors, use a high-quality primer first. Primer helps paint stick evenly and prevents stains from bleeding through.
How Many Coats for Home Exterior?
Are you wondering how to paint exterior house surfaces? Know that one coat rarely does the job. For long-term coverage, plan for two coats of paint after priming. The first coat provides base color and coverage. The second coat deepens the hue and ensures weather resistance.
Tools That Make the Job Easier
Good tools are just as necessary as good paint. You'll need:
- A sturdy ladder or scaffolding
- Exterior brushes and rollers
- Painter's tape, drop cloths
- A paint tray and grid
- A clean-up kit (soap, rags, and mineral spirits for oil-based primers)
High-quality tools often give the best results. Inexpensive brushes will shed bristles, and low-end rollers will typically leave streaks.
Color and Style Choices
Exterior paint colors can highlight your home's architecture or blend with your neighborhood's tone. Consider soft grays, creamy whites, and deep blues.
Final Touches
Once the paint dries, step back and check for missed spots or uneven lines. Check your work in both the morning and afternoon sun.
Explore the Perfect Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home near Montclair, NJ
Painting your home's exterior takes effort, but the result is worth it. If you need professional advice, color matching, or high-quality Benjamin Moore products, visit Red Star Paint in Montclair. We serve Livingston, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, and nearby New Jersey communities. For a refined finish indoors, Red Star Paint also carries Hunter Douglas window treatments, which coordinate with your exterior refresh in your interior spaces.
Our team is ready to help you pick colors or measure windows. Let's make your exterior the best part of your home. Connect with us today.