A proper exterior house paint job follows nine key steps: inspection, washing, scraping, sanding, repairs, caulking, priming, masking, and applying two finish coats from the top down.
Painting the outside of your house transforms its look and protects the structure. The process rewards patience and a steady hand more than speed. If you are about to buy supplies, our roundup of the best exterior paints helps you pick the right product from the start.
Step 1: Inspect and Prepare the Surface
Walk around the house and look for peeling paint, rotted wood, loose nails, cracks, and mildew stains. Move all outdoor furniture away from the walls. Cover plants with plastic sheeting or tarps, and tape plastic over windows, doors, light fixtures, and any surface you do not want painted. Drop cloths on the ground catch drips and spills from a pressure washer or paint sprayer.
Step 2: Wash, Scrape, and Sand
Pressure-wash the entire exterior to remove dirt, mildew, and any loose or flaking paint. Sherwin-Williams recommends using a cleaning solution or trisodium phosphate substitute for stubborn grime. Allow 24–48 hours of drying time after washing before you paint—moisture trapped under new paint causes early peeling.
Once the surface is bone-dry, scrape away any remaining loose paint with a hand scraper. Fine Homebuilding recommends 150-grit sandpaper for smoothing rough edges. Never power-sand on homes built before 1978; the dust may contain lead. Sand only by hand or with a HEPA-vacuum sander if you suspect lead paint.
Step 3: Repair, Caulk, and Prime
Fix rotted wood, damaged siding, holes, and cracks. Drive any loose nails flush with the surface. Apply exterior-grade caulk to every seam and gap around windows, doors, trim, and where different materials meet—this seals out moisture and insects.
Prime every bare wood spot, knot, and repair area. Benjamin Moore recommends a stain-blocking primer when you are changing colors significantly or covering stains. Apply one thin, even coat of primer from top to bottom, let it dry per the manufacturer’s instructions, then proceed to the finish coats.
Step 4: Paint with Two Finish Coats, Top to Bottom
Begin at the highest point of the house and work downward so drips fall onto unpainted areas. Paint the siding first, then trim, windows, doors, and foundation last. Two coats provide the best coverage and longest durability on exterior surfaces.
Use a brush for detail work and cutting-in around edges. A roller or airless sprayer covers large wall sections faster. If you spray, mask everything you want protected and control overspray carefully—tape trim, cover shrubs, and hang plastic over windows. Beginners should start on a less visible side of the house to build confidence.
Check the weather before you paint. Avoid direct sun: paint the west side in the morning and the east side in the afternoon when the sun has moved. Never paint on wet, humid, or rainy days, or when temperatures will fall below the paint’s recommended range overnight. A full 24–48 hours of dry weather after finishing gives the paint time to cure properly.
| Stage | Key Action | Timing or Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Wash | Pressure-wash with cleaner or TSP substitute | Dry 24–48 hours |
| Scrape | Remove loose paint by hand | After washing, before sanding |
| Sand | 150-grit paper; never power-sand lead paint | Light pressure only |
| Repair | Fix rot, holes, cracks, and loose nails | Before caulking |
| Caulk | Seal gaps at windows, doors, and material joints | Exterior-grade caulk |
| Prime | Spot-prime bare wood and repairs; full prime for color changes | One thin coat top to bottom |
| Paint | Two finish coats; top-down order | 2–3 hours between coats; 24+ hours good weather |
FAQs
Can I paint over old exterior paint that is still sticking well?
Yes, as long as the old paint is fully bonded, clean, and not peeling. Scuff-sand glossy areas lightly with 150-grit paper so the new coat adheres. Skip the primer on sound old paint unless you are making a dramatic color change.
How long does exterior house paint last?
A quality two-coat job on a properly prepared surface typically lasts 5–10 years on siding and 3–7 years on trim, depending on sun exposure, weather, and paint quality. Dark colors tend to fade faster than light ones.
Should I paint in direct sunlight?
No. Painting in direct sun causes the paint to dry too fast, which leads to lap marks, poor adhesion, and a shorter lifespan. Work the sunny side of the house when the sun moves away, or shield the wall with a temporary shade.
References & Sources
- Sherwin-Williams. “Exterior Painting How-Tos.” Covers washing, drying time, masking, and application methods.
- Benjamin Moore. “How to Paint Your Home Exterior.” Covers step sequence, primer, and color-change guidance.
- Fine Homebuilding. “A Checklist for Exterior Painting.” Provides grit specs, lead-paint warning, and thorough prep workflow.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.