A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and overall value. However, to reap all the benefits of this improvement, it’s crucial you achieve a professional finish. If you plan to tackle exterior painting on your own rather than hire a contractor, follow these tips to attain flawless results.

5 Exterior Painting Tips

1. Wait Until the Weather’s Right  

Naturally, you don’t want to paint your home on a rainy day, but excessive humidity can also affect your finish. For optimal results, the temperature outside should range from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Select a Quality Paint

Paint varies widely in purpose and quality, so carefully select the ideal type of paint for your project. Don’t scrimp on cost by purchasing the cheapest option you find. A higher-quality formula may be more expensive at the outset but will last several years longer. Also, many deluxe formulas include built-in primer, so you can skip an additional step. 

3. Don’t Forget to Prep

For a smooth, professional-grade finish, you must prep the surface beforehand. First, thoroughly remove all dirt, grime, and residue with a soft bristle brush or power-washer. Then, smooth all holes and flaws with putty intended for outdoor use. Finally, sand down these patches until flush with the rest of the exterior.

4. Work From Top to Bottom

To minimize streaks, start painting at the top of your property and work your way down. A few drips will inevitably fall from your brush or roller, but starting from the top allows you to smooth them out later.

5. Use Both a Brush & a Roller

Both tools have their place in the painting process. Use the roller for larger areas, while a brush is key for precision around trim or edges.

For high-quality materials to complete your exterior project, consult Stayton, OR’s premier paint resource. For decades, Stayton Builders Mart has been Marion County’s go-to stop for paint, siding, and building and remodeling materials of all kinds. To learn more about what’s in store, check out the website. You may also call today at (503) 769¬-7118.