Exterior of Your Home

The following suggestions will help make any exterior painting project easier.

Preparation Tips:
• Place drop cloths under areas being painted to protect plants, patio furniture, etc.
• Check surfaces to be painted for cracks, depressions, and other imperfections and correct the problems as needed.
• Clean off dust, dirt, chalk residue, and mildew from surfaces to be painted.
• Prime surfaces.

Paint Application Tips:
• You can paint at surface temperatures as low as 40º F (5º C).
• Begin painting on the side of the house that will remain in the shade until you are done, as direct sun causes rapid drying.
• Work from the top down when painting shingle surfaces.
• Work from side to side for clapboard surfaces.
• Paint trim and window frames last.
• Allow paint to dry completely before touching up or re-coating.
• When you need to take a break, wrap brushes, rollers, and paint trays with plastic wrap to keep paint from hardening or developing a skin, and put the lids on open cans of paint

Cleanup Tips:
• Soaking brushes and rollers in soapy water loosens the paint and makes them easier to rinse clean.
• If there is a little paint left in the can once you’ve finished painting, let it dry in the can before disposing of it in your local can recycling center.

Cleanup Tips