How to Paint the Exterior of a House, the steps of painting the exterior of a house, from prep work through the finishing touches.
If you are repainting an existing home, inspect the exterior walls and trim for chipping, peeling, mildew and other imperfections. Kill off mildew by applying a chlorine bleach solution with a garden sprayer. Then pressure-clean the entire exterior to remove dirt and old paint that has come loose.
Caulk and Patch
Before you pick up a paint roller, grab a tube of caulk. It’s vital to seal any cracks, as well as the joints where one type of exterior material meets another. This includes: window frames, door frames, molding and fascia boards. TESTIMONIALS
If an old stucco surface has chips or pits, patch them with new stucco (and allow time to cure). Replace wood siding or fascia boards that show signs of rotting. Gently sand wood trim and doors to ensure an ideal surface for painting.
Take Time to Prime
To get the most out of your paint job, prime with a quality sealer. “Sealer has high resin content,” Dan explains. “That goes over old paint, locks everything in place and creates a good surface for the new paint to adhere to.” manuelzpaintinghomeimprovementinc.com
Perfect — using a solid stain on the entire house is a great choice for long-lasting color and protection, especially on wood siding, decks, and fences. Here’s a full step-by-step guide so your job comes out clean, even, and professional-grade 👇
🧰 TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Power washer (1300–2500 PSI)
- Scrub brushes & extension pole
- Exterior cleaner or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 3 parts water)
- Painter’s tape & drop cloths
- Sandpaper or sander (60–80 grit for rough areas)
- Caulk, putty, wood filler (for repairs)
- Solid stain (oil- or acrylic-based)
- Paint sprayer, roller (¾” nap), or brush
🧼 STEP 1: PREP THE SURFACE
- Power Wash Entire House
- Use a 25° or 40° nozzle.
- Start from bottom to top with cleaner, then rinse top to bottom.
- Pressure: 1300–1600 PSI for wood, up to 2000 PSI for harder siding.
- Remove all dirt, mold, and loose paint/stain.
- Let dry at least 48 hours before staining.
- Repair & Sand
- Replace rotted or damaged wood.
- Lightly sand to remove rough spots, splinters, or peeling paint.
- Spot-sand shiny or glossy areas so stain adheres evenly.
- Mask & Protect
- Cover windows, trim, light fixtures, plants, and concrete with plastic or paper.
🎨 STEP 2: APPLY THE SOLID STAIN
- Stir Thoroughly
- Mix the stain well before and during application to keep color consistent.
- Application Tools
- Spray and back-brush for the smoothest, most even finish.
- You can also use a roller and brush if you don’t spray.
- Technique
- Work from top down (gables → walls → trim → bottom).
- Apply with the grain of the wood.
- Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
- Two coats are recommended for best durability and uniform color.
- Drying Time
- Allow 4–6 hours between coats (check manufacturer’s label).
- Don’t stain in direct sunlight or when rain is expected within 24 hours.
🏠 STEP 3: FINISH TRIM, DECK, PORCH & FENCE
You can use the same solid stain color or coordinate:
- Trim: lighter or darker shade for contrast.
- Deck/Porch: same product, but ensure it’s rated for horizontal surfaces.
- Fence: apply with sprayer or roller, one or two coats depending on coverage.
🌦️ FINAL TIPS
- Ideal temperature: 50°F–85°F (10°C–29°C).
- Humidity under 70% for best drying.
- Clean tools with soap and water (for acrylic stains) or mineral spirits (for oil-based).
- Maintain by washing once a year; recoat every 5–7 years as needed.