If your home’s exterior looks worn out and old, it’s time you consider external house painting to give your home the fresh look it deserves. There are various benefits associated with exterior home painting and we recommend you opt for professional house painters to ensure effective application and long-lasting benefits. However, if you are determined to paint your home’s exterior, here are some ways to do it like a pro.

Here are suggested simple wall painting ideas and steps homeowners should follow to ensure optimal paint application for your home’s exterior. 

1. Choose paint colour/s 

To begin with, choose the paint colour/s that you plan to apply to your home's exterior. Try and follow a colour theme for your siding, followed by colours for other features like shutters, trim and the front door. Consider how these colours complement other elements of your home that you don't plan to paint, such as the roof and gutters.

To test colours, apply paint samples to large pieces of foam core and observe them at different times of the day to get an idea of how it would look on your home. Also, assess how the colours appear on various sides of your home, as lighting conditions can affect their appearance.

It's also important to choose exterior paint and primer designed for outdoor use and suitable for your home's surface. Investing in high-quality paint ensures durability and long-lasting effects that protect your home from harsh external elements.

2. Get your materials ready

Before you begin painting your house's exterior, ensure you have the right tools:

1. Filler and Filling Knife: This is for filling in any holes or cracks in the walls.
2. Sandpaper: To smooth out rough areas and ensure a clean surface.
3. Sugar Soap: Used to clean surfaces before painting.
4. Sponge: Helps with cleaning and applying cleaning solutions.
5. Wide Paint Brush: This is used to paint larger areas smoothly.
6. Masking Tape: To protect areas you don't want to paint.
7. Drop Sheets: To cover and protect the ground from paint drips and spills.

Some of the other common tools needed include:

• Pressure washer
• Paint sprayer, scraper & brushes (including trim brushes)
• Heat gun
• Paint roller cage, covers and pole
• Cordless drill & Screwdriver
• Tape measure & Caulking gun
• Six-foot ladder & Extension ladder
• Personal protective gear (mask, coverall suit, gloves and goggles)

3. Clean the outer surface of your home

Preparing your home's exterior before painting is crucial for optimal application and long-lasting paint job. Some of the basic steps homeowners should follow are:  

1. Cleaning: Power wash the exterior to remove dirt and debris. Be cautious not to use too much pressure, as it can damage surfaces. Follow the pressure settings and safety instructions.
2. Scraping and Priming: Remove any peeling paint by scraping it off, then prime the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint.
3. Caulking: Seal any gaps and joints with caulking to prevent moisture from getting in.
   
   

4. Avoid Painting During Poor Weather Conditions

Try to pick a good time to paint outside. Check the weather and aim for dry periods with less rain and humidity. Paint needs dry surfaces to stick properly.

It's best not to paint when it's wet outside. The paint might drip and take longer to dry if it's humid. If you still want to paint on a humid day, go slow. You can fix any mistakes while the paint dries slowly.

It's safer to avoid painting in extreme heat. Paint dries too quickly in extreme heat, which can cause problems like paint blistering, peeling or leaving marks. The best temperature for painting is during moderate temperatures. 

The weather in Australia, especially in places like Melbourne, can be unpredictable. In warmer areas, there might be summer storms often.

Avoid painting when it's rainy, windy or dusty. These conditions can make it hard for paint to stick well and might cause dust to stick to the wet paint.

5. Use good quality paints and purchase paint based on requirement

Professional house painters suggest choosing high-quality to premium exterior home paints to ensure fewer painting jobs. 

Here's how to calculate the amount of paint needed:

1. Measure each side of the house and multiply the length by the height to find the square footage area of each side.
2. Measure windows, doors and other large areas that won't be painted. Add those measurements, then subtract them from the overall square footage of each side.

For paint estimation:

• One gallon of paint typically covers between 250 and 400 square feet.
• Add another 10% to the total amount needed to account for wastage.
  
  

6. Paint from top to bottom

It's important to paint in a particular direction for a professional look to the paint. If you need help understanding how to go about it, watch videos or talk to professionals. Professional exterior painters will help you understand and guide you on how to make your paint look professionally done. Then, just follow their advice and you'll be pleased with the outcome.

7. How to properly load a brush for painting

Ensure you know how much paint to put on the brush for the perfect painting. Many experts advise that dipping the brush into the paint is enough. Avoid putting too much paint on the brush, as it can cause problems with your painting. Using a small amount makes the job easier. After loading the brush, wipe off any excess paint in the bucket. This will help you work more efficiently.

Why should you hire professional exterior painters for your home painting needs?

Painting the exterior of your home is not as easy as it may look. You need the requisite tools and materials, along with expertise, to paint the exterior of your home. It demands patience, thorough planning, hard graft and most importantly, the correct products.

If you're not feeling confident about following the professional tips we've provided for exterior house painting ideas, or you simply lack the time or motivation but you still desire top-notch results, consider hiring a reputable professional painting company. They'll paint your precious home or property exactly as you envision and desire.