Joining the ranks of many folks making extensive home updates during these “unprecedented times,” my family opted to spring for a new roof. But before the work could begin, we needed to settle on a color for our new roof shingles, so we strolled the ‘hood for ideas.
As we were walking, we noticed a family in our neighborhood preparing to paint the outside of their house… themselves. That got us talking about our own abode and how we might want to consider doing the same thing after the roof is finished. I’m all about DIY, but this seemed like a huge undertaking that I wasn’t sure we could handle without the help of a pro.
So, I did what any intelligent person would do, and I talked to an expert who, lucky for me, also happens to be my friend. Enter Josh and Brittany Brown, owners of Spectrum Trim and Paint! They provided me with a few great tips that make the house-painting process seem less daunting, resulting in a truly successful DIY makeover worthy of Joanna Gaines’ approval. Naturally, I am passing their tips along to you. (You’re welcome.)
Choose a paint color
Life as a Navy family means this will likely not be our forever home. The best colors for people who plan on reselling their homes are generally shades of gray or white. Check with your local Homeowners Association to make sure the shade you choose is approved for your development. Our HOA has a specific color list to go off of which makes it less complicated — but it also removes the opportunity to be bold with some amazing colors. For those who do wish to go bold, Sherwin Williams has some really fun colors like Gale Force (dark navy) or Koi Pond (light green). For exterior paint, definitely stay away from flat and matte! For easy-to-wash and long-lasting results, use satin. Bonus: It hides imperfections on siding and stucco.
Take time to prep
Just like painting the inside of a house, you need to start with a little prep work. First, pressure wash your exterior to clean off any mold or staining. If you have any peeling paint or damaged surfaces, take the time to have it repaired before painting. Use epoxy filler for uneven surfaces or gaps and sand after drying. Scrape the peeling or flaking paint with a scraper to help get a clean start.
Caulk and cover
Once you have a clean surface to work with, take the time to caulk around the windows, doors, and trim. Pro tip: Use a bucket of water to keep your hands wet for a smooth finish. I know caulking isn’t my strong point, so I’ll leave that to my husband while I cover all the doors, windows, and light fixtures with blue painter’s tape. Call me weird, but I love taping!
Prime and paint
Since the HOA dictates what colors we can use, we will most likely stay with the same color or something close to it. If a big color change is occurring, make sure to prime first. My friend recommended Super Paint Exterior by Sherwin Williams which has the paint and primer all in one. Good ol’ fashioned rolling and brushing will be fine, but for a more high-tech approach, use an airless sprayer with an overspray shield to help create clean lines. Just like with indoor painting, two coats are needed. After working hard to update the color of the house, don’t forget to update the trim on the windows. Semi-gloss white is a perfect choice for your trim, and be sure to use a small roller.
Painting the outside of your house can be intimidating, but from what I’ve learned, it’s certainly a solid do-it-yourself project you can easily undertake. If all else fails, call an expert!
