Exterior Painting Tips From The Pros
When it comes to boosting curb appeal and protecting your home from the elements, few improvements have as much impact as a fresh coat of exterior paint. Whether you’re refreshing a fading finish or changing up the look entirely, exterior home painting can breathe new life into your property. But before you grab a ladder and a brush, there are a few key things to know.
At Smile-A-Mile Painting, we’ve seen it all – from peeling paint jobs done in the wrong weather, to color mismatches that looked better in the can than on the house. So if you’re thinking about tackling your next exterior painting project yourself, we’ve gathered some expert tips to help you get started the right way. And if you’d rather skip the stress, our professional exterior painters are always ready to help.
Advice From The Experts
1. Prep Work Is Everything
Before you even open a paint can, the real work begins. Proper surface preparation is one of the most important steps for a long-lasting finish. That includes:
Power washing to remove dirt, mold, and mildew
Scraping off peeling paint
Repairing cracks, holes, or damaged wood
Priming bare surfaces
Skipping any of these steps can result in poor adhesion and a shorter paint lifespan. This is one of the main reasons many homeowners opt for residential painting contractors—they have the tools and expertise to do the prep properly.
2. Timing Matters
Believe it or not, exterior house painting is as much about the weather as it is about the paint itself. Painting when it’s too hot, too cold, or too humid can ruin the finish. The best temperature range for exterior painting is between 50°F and 85°F, with dry conditions and low humidity.
Professional painters know how to schedule jobs during ideal weather windows and work efficiently to avoid last-minute weather surprises. Hiring local house painting services means having someone who understands your area’s climate and can plan accordingly.
3. Choose the Right Paint
Using the best exterior paint for your surface type and climate makes a big difference in durability and appearance. For most homes, acrylic latex paint is a top choice due to its excellent adhesion, flexibility, and weather resistance. Also consider:
Satin or semi-gloss finishes for trim and doors
Matte or low-sheen finishes for siding
Paints with built-in UV protection for sun-heavy areas
Not all paints are created equal, and quality matters. Professionals often use premium products that aren’t always available in big box stores, ensuring better coverage and longer-lasting results.
4. Don’t Skip the Primer
One common mistake DIYers make is skipping the primer—especially over patched areas, bare wood, or when changing paint colors dramatically. Primer helps paint stick better and provides a uniform surface for the topcoat. It’s especially important for older homes where the original paint may be compromised.
Our professional exterior painters always evaluate the surface and apply the appropriate primer to ensure a smooth, even finish that lasts for years.
5. Protect Landscaping and Fixtures
Painting the outside of a home involves more than just walls. Windows, plants, lighting, decks, and walkways all need protection from paint splatter. Before starting, you’ll want to:
Cover plants with breathable drop cloths
Mask off windows, light fixtures, and hardware
Move outdoor furniture away from work areas
Our team takes special care to protect your home and landscaping, using professional-grade masking tools and drop cloths to keep your property clean and safe.
6. Get a Smooth, Even Finish
The final look of your paint job depends on technique as much as product. Roller marks, uneven coverage, and streaks are common issues in DIY paint jobs. A professional exterior painter knows how to apply paint evenly, handle transitions, and deliver crisp lines around windows, doors, and trim.
Plus, professional crews work faster—what might take a DIYer several weekends can often be completed in just a few days with a painting company.
Final Thoughts
Painting the exterior of your home is a big job, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. With the right prep, tools, and knowledge, it’s possible to do it yourself—but for lasting results, a professional touch makes all the difference.
At Smile-A-Mile Painting, we specialize in transforming homes with precision, care, and high-quality materials. Our team of professional exterior painters is fully licensed, insured, and dedicated to delivering exceptional results that stand the test of time.
Whether you’re looking for a complete color makeover or just refreshing the trim, we’re here to help. Contact Smile-A-Mile Painting today for a free estimate and see how we can bring out the best in your home – one brushstroke at a time.
