A more in-depth guide of how to paint – Exterior

1. Pour the Paint: First, gather all the necessary materials such as paint, a paint tray or bucket, strainer (if needed), paint thinner (if needed), paintbrush or roller, and an airless sprayer (if desired). Pour the paint into the paint tray or bucket and make sure it is not dirty. If it is, strain it to remove any impurities. Depending on the type of paint, you may also need to thin the paint with water or paint thinner for better consistency.
2. Load the Brush or Roller: Once the paint is ready, load your paintbrush or roller with paint. If you have a budget for it, using an airless sprayer with a larger orifice size is a great option to reduce your labor time and ensure the paint is applied evenly.
3. Start Painting from the Top: Begin by painting the highest part of your home and work your way down. This way, you can catch any drips or runs before they have a chance to dry and become more difficult to fix.
4. Paint in the Direction of the Grain: When painting the siding, it is important to paint in the direction of the grain to ensure an even and consistent finish. You can also use a W-shaped pattern to help prevent drips.
5. Paint the Trim Last: Once you have finished painting the main body of your home, move on to painting the trim. This allows the main body of your home to dry completely before adding the finishing touch of paint to the trim.
6. Allow the First Coat to Dry: After you have completed the first coat of paint, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the second coat. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the humidity, temperature, and type of paint used.
7. Apply a Second Coat if Needed: Once the first coat is dry, evaluate the coverage and uniformity of the paint. If necessary, apply a second coat to ensure a solid, even finish. This can be especially important for exterior painting, as the elements can be harsh and require a more durable finish.