Top 10 House-Painting Rules

Painting your home is a great way to give it a fresh look, but there’s more to exterior house painting than you might realize. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or planning to hire a pro, knowing the top 10 house-painting rules to follow makes all the difference.

1. Don’t skimp on materials: Investing in top-quality paint, primer, and caulking compound is crucial. Opt for 100% acrylic paint from a trusted brand to ensure better coverage and long-lasting results. Remember, the right finish matters, too—flat is preferred for siding, and satin works best for trim.
2. Make the necessary preparations: For the best paint adhesion, start by carefully cleaning your home’s exterior with a pressure washer. Remove flaking paint and fill cracks and holes. Brush off the dust, caulk the joints, and allow the caulk to dry before applying primer.
3. Cover surrounding surfaces: Protect your deck, patio, sideways, and plants from splatters with drop cloths and plastic sheets. When using a sprayer, be meticulous with masking to avoid overspray.
4. Beware of lead paint: Lead paint is common in homes built before 1978. If you suspect your house may contain lead paint, have it tested. If the test comes back positive, hire a lead-safe certified renovation contractor to remove it safely.
5. Watch the weather: Painting in extreme weather is a no-go. Ideal painting conditions are between 50 and 90 degrees F. Avoid hot, chilly, rainy, or windy days for the best results.
6. Apply multiple coats: Begin with a high-quality primer with specific formulations for your type of surface, especially when painting over bare wood or metal. Tinting the primer can help with coverage. After the primer, go for at least two coats of paint. This ensures durability and an even, rich color.
7. Use the right tools: When it comes to exterior house painting, high-quality brushes, rollers, and airless sprayers are your best friends. For textured surfaces, spraying followed by back-rolling is a great technique. If you’re new to sprayers, practice on a less visible area first.
8. Use proven techniques: If you’ve never painted a house before, educate yourself on the proper techniques. For example, paint from the top down, tape around windows and doors when painting trim, and remove the tape promptly. Touch up as needed once everything dries.
9. Be realistic: Painting a house is a big job. Assess your skills, tools, time, and stamina. If the project feels overwhelming, hand it off to the pros.
10. If you hire a pro, do your research: This includes reading reviews, inspecting the company’s previous work, getting quotes, and contacting references. It’s worth the effort to ensure you’re hiring a skilled, reliable painter.

With thousands of happy customers and status as Southeastern Wisconsin’s Top Choice Painting Company in 2021, 2022, and 2023, you can trust Two Day Painting for your next exterior house painting project. Our commitment to customer service, excellent project management, and open communication make us easy to work with. We use only top-quality products and have a team of trained staff to ensure beautiful results. Ready to transform your exterior? Call us at 262-312-2182 or fill out our online contact form for a free house painting estimate in Waukesha or the surrounding area.