The Basics To Start Your Exterior Painting Project

Painting your home exterior can seem like an intimidating project, whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a painting contractor. Exterior painting does not happen overnight; it has various steps and takes time, but it's a gratifying project once it's done and will give your house a brand new look!


  1. Every exterior painting should start with pressure washing to remove the debris and dirt and ensure proper coverage and the full vibrancy of the colors you're going to use. You can pressure wash or hire a professional to undertake this task.

  2. You need to repair damaged surfaces to ensure that the new layers of paint adhere properly. Check all the wood, masonry, stucco, metal, or siding surfaces, and keep an eye out for cracks or holes.

  3. Remove all chipped paint that didn't come off with the pressure washing using a scraper.

  4. The paint we use for different surfaces mustn't mix to ensure professional results. And you can achieve that by caulking along the surface where two surfaces meet, trimming around doors, and filling the gaps with a caulk gun.

  5. Use plastic sheeting and tape to protect your outdoors when you start your painting project; that way, you'll prevent having a messy result.

  6. Paint your house in warm and dry weather to ensure the paint adheres to the wall. We recommend overlapping the strokes and working the nozzle downwards. Summer days or early Autumn days are great options to start your painting project.


After applying your paint layers, let the walls dry for at least 24 hours, and admire your work of art! Painting your house is inexpensive to improve its curb appeal and market value. Besides, it can be a fun process if you are into DIY.


If you want to paint your exteriors but need professional help, don't hesitate to contact Mark Howell Painting. We are a top-rated painter based in St. Augustine, Fl, and we've been taking care of our client's homes since 2005. Please visit our website if you want to see our previous painting jobs.