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Tips for Painting the Exterior of Your Home

Color Store • April 1, 2022

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.

Preparation 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.
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