The Top Exterior Paint Project Questions Answered

Do you have a summer-time home exterior project planned? Before you get started, take a look at the answers to the top questions homeowners have about DIY exterior painting projects.

What Types of Tools Do You Need for an Exterior Paint Project?

Prep is the first step for any exterior paint project. If you're not sure whether your home's exterior contains lead paint, hire a professional contractor to inspect and test the paint. You may also need a contractor to remove, scrape, or sand the paint before you start the re-painting phase.

After the prep work is complete, it's time paint. To start your exterior home project, you'll need:

• Stir sticks. Even though the hardware or home improvement store will mix your paint, you'll still need to stir it before you begin your project. Ask an employee in the paint department from a hardware store for a few of these sticks to take home.
• Paint rollers. The paint roller allows you to cover larger areas in less time. You'll need a heavy-duty roller cage and nap roller cover. Additionally, a long-handle or telescoping roller can help you reach higher spots with ease.
• Paint brushes. Choose a few synthetic bristle brushes for this exterior job. Wider flat brushes can help you coat larger areas, while slimmer angled brushes are best for small spaces (such as around the window or the door trim).

A paint sprayer can dramatically shorten the time it takes to complete the job and lighten the workload. But this doesn't mean a sprayer is ideal for every exterior DIY home painter. When not used correctly, a spray can coat your home unevenly or cause safety issues.

What Types of Paint Do You Need for an Exterior Project?

The extra cans of interior latex that are leftover from your living room paint project aren't suitable for an exterior job. To paint your home's exterior, you need:

• Primer. Start the job off right with a layer of primer — sometimes. If you plan to change the exterior color, need to cover stains, or need to paint a bare or slippery surface or one made of bricks, you need a quality primer first.

• Paint. An exterior paint product is the star of this home improvement project. Choose a color and sheen that matches your needs. Never use an interior paint for an exterior job. If you're not sure whether the product is an interior or exterior paint, ask a professional.

• Additional paint. Don't get caught without the right amount of paint. Ask the home improvement/hardware store professional how many square feet the quantity of paint covers. If your project requires multiple coats, you'll need to double (or more) the overall amount.

You may need more than one color of paint. If you plan to paint the trim a different hue than the main part of your home, choose coordinating colors. Along with the paint itself, you'll also need separate rollers or brushes for each shade.

What Other Items Do You Need for an Exterior Paint Project?

While rollers, brushes, primer, and paint are the main items you'll need to complete this project, this exterior home improvement job may also require:

• Drop cloths. Even though you may not have furniture, rugs, or other interior items to protect, exterior paint can stain your walkways, patio, or deck. Protect outdoor items with thick, waterproof drop cloths

• Rags. Use old rags to wipe stray paint marks or for a quick cleanup.

• Paint trays or buckets. Use these containers to hold the paint as your work on your exterior project.

• Painters tape. Tape off areas you don't want to coat — such as window or doorframes.

Each exterior paint job has its own individual needs. Ask the hardware store paint professional about other accessories you may need for your project.

Are you ready to start an exterior painting project? Contact Koontz Hardware for more information.