Exterior Painting Where To Start

Thinking of painting your house.. Where do you start?

How to estimate paint quantity?

For determining the quantity of paint you'll need, first calculate the surface area of the exterior walls. The square footage divided by your average painting coverage rate will give you an estimate of how many gallons need to be purchased. Purchasing a little extra might save you from running out at the last minute and getting stuck with a different color than anticipated. For the exterior trim color add 1 gallon of trim color per 6 -7 gallons of exterior paint color.

Store-bought paint can be returned if there is too much, but custom shades that you mix by hand will not be accepted, so take care when calculating for such mixes.

How to select exterior paint finishes?

The exterior of our homes takes a beating with all the sun, rain and wind. A matte finish is typically best for this type of exterior. A semi-gloss or gloss finish is typically best for interior surfaces.

The two most important factors in choosing a paint finish are the texture of your surface and what you'll be using it for.

For example, if you will often be wiping down the countertop then matte would not be appropriate since there could potentially still be residue that won't wipe off or come clean with an oil-based product like Pledge® Multi Surface Everyday Cleaner & Polish (16 oz). Semi-gloss on the other hand cleans up easier so that may be more practical to use when children might also make frequent contact with the surface such as their kitchen tabletop made from wood veneers.



Depending on the type of siding you have and the final finish you’re looking for, you'll need to select the appropriate type of paint. Through our free consultation we can help walk you through all the options available.

What exterior paint color should I use?

If you are not sure which color to pick, start by looking at photos of homes with the same siding as yours. Then try and find a paint chip that matches or close enough!

Typically, colors are classified into three categories: warm hues (reds), cool hues (blues) and neutral shades (greys). Think about what tone you want your house's exterior to have before deciding on a specific hue. For example, if it looks like there might be a lot of sun exposure in your neighborhood during peak summer hours, consider going for something cooler.

What kind of cleaning is required before painting?

The exterior of the home be cleaned before painting. This includes power washing or pressure-washing the home to remove any dirt, algae and moss from the exterior walls of your house. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, be sure to use a high-quality detergent that is specially made for cleaning siding.

The steps involved in prep work before painting include:

* Power wash or pressure washer – will clean away debris like dead leaves, dust and mold which can accumulate on your paint job over time.

* Wood trim - if needed

* Washing down brick mortar with water only (no soap)

Your goal should be to make sure there is nothing left behind that could impede adhesion between the new coat of paint and old layers underneath.

Should we use brushes/rollers or a paint sprayer?

Brushes and rollers are a more traditional way of applying paint, but they require significantly more time than a paint sprayer.

The pros and cons of using brushes or rollers include

Pros – They're cheaper to purchase, easier to store and can be used with latex-based paints

Cons - You'll need lots of hours for the process because you have to do so much manual labor."

The pros and cons of using a paint sprayer.

Pros - Uses less paint, makes the painting process easier and faster, creates a smooth finish with fewer drips or sags in the surface

Cons - Expensive upfront investment when compared to typical brushes or rollers. Learning curve in operating and getting an even paint coat.

The next consideration is how many coats should we apply? Some experts recommend up to three light coats as these will look better once dry versus one heavy coat. However, this all depends on what type of surface you are painting (e.g., flat surfaces like walls typically only require two coats.

What is the best time of year to paint the exterior of my house?

Here in Boise we have very dry weather allowing many months of prime exterior painting weather. Summer is best, Spring and Fall are also great times with plenty of dry days for the pain to be applied and dry.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get ready for your next exterior painting project.

Call us with all your questions and to schedule a free painting estimate. Jump back to home page