Painting the outside of your home may seem daunting. However, with our tips on painting the exterior of a house, you’ll be painting like a pro in no time!

Top 10 Outdoor Painting Tips

To achieve a quality finish follow our 10 tips on outdoor painting, and create an exceptional exterior for your home.

Tip #1

Ensure you check for any existing paint to make sure it is suitable for painting. Check by cutting an “X” into the surface with a sharp knife. Press some tape firmly over the “X” and pull it off. If any existing paint is removed, this means the surface is not suitable for painting and will need to be removed by scraping and sanding it off.

Tip #2

Thoroughly wash away any dirt, dust and mould, as the presence of contaminants on the surface can cause loss of adhesion to the new paint. The easiest way to clean the area is by pressure washing the surface. Hosing the surface with a garden hose will not produce enough pressure to ensure the surface is clean.

Tip #3

Always stir your paint thoroughly before and during application.

Tip #4

Do not paint if rain or dew is expected within 24 hours.

Tip #5

Use a high-quality acrylic exterior paint, such as Haymes Solashield, as acrylic paints have high UV resistance and last longer than solvent-based enamel paints.

Tip #6

Paint in the shade (if possible), as it will be easier to apply, as the sun can cause paint to dry too quickly and makes application difficult.

Tip #7

Avoid painting in very windy conditions, as the wind also dries paint quickly and can deposit dust onto the painted surface.

Tip #8

Start by cutting in along the edges of the area before applying an even coat to the larger surface. For more information, watch the Haymes Paint Show Me video playlist, such as the decking video below.

Tip #9

If you have weatherboards and want to know how to paint the outside of your house, start at the top and work your way down - beginning with the gutters and fascia, before painting the weatherboards and your trim. Watch our exterior weatherboard video below for more expert advice.

Tip #10

Ensure the surface is completely dry before applying a second coat. 

How To Choose The Right Paint?

Choosing the right paint for your home's exterior is a big decision. You'll want to consider the climate, the style of your home, and your personal preferences.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right paint for your home's exterior.

• Consider the climate. If you live in a hot, sunny climate, you'll want to choose light-coloured paint to help keep your home cool.
• Consider the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, you'll want to choose a paint colour that compliments that style.
• Consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a bright colour or a more subdued colour?
• Test the paint colours. Once you've narrowed down your choices, it's time to test the colours. Paint a large swatch of each colour on your home's exterior and see how you like it.
• Get professional help. If you're still not sure which paint colour to choose, it's a good idea to talk to a Haymes Paint colour consultant.

How Often Do You Paint Exterior Surfaces?

It's important to keep your home's exterior paint in good condition to protect it from the elements. But how often should you repaint? Here are some tips to help you decide:

• Inspect your home's exterior regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as chipped paint or cracks in the siding.
• If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may need to repaint more often.
• Paint should last at least a few years, depending on the quality of the paint and the condition of your home's exterior. Be sure to choose quality exterior paints such as those in the Haymes Paint range.

Learn More From Experts

If you're not sure how often to repaint, what products to use, and for more expert tips, talk to the team at your local Haymes Paint Shop. They can help you plan your project, recommend the right products, and provide you with all the products and tools you need for a professional-looking finish.