Few features of your home make an immediate visual impact like the exterior paint job. Superbly applied paint conveys your pride in your home and helps define its personality.
Choose Quality Exterior Paint
A good exterior paint is 100 percent acrylic latex. The formula consists of three main components:
– Pigments, which provide the color.
– Binders, which hold the pigment to the wall.
– Solvents, which make the paint spreadable. Today, most exterior paints are water-based. TESTIMONIALS
As paint dries, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind only the pigments and binders. These are known as volume solids. Higher quality paints are generally higher in volume solids. They may also have better binders, which will hold the pigments in place longer. This improves durability.
To determine the percentage of volume solids in a brand of paint, check the manufacturer’s website or ask your local distributor for a Technical Data Sheet. In general, paints labeled “premium” or “super-premium” are likely to be higher in volume solids than budget brands. 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.