Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home’s Exterior in a Weekend or Two

If you want something hands-on to do this summer, look no further than the outside of your house. There are many reasons to refresh the paint job on your house, including increased protection against weathering, and increased curb appeal. Whatever your reason, read on to learn just what you’ll need, and need to do, to paint your home’s exterior.

What You’ll Need: Materials, Tools, Protection

A DIY paint job is easily doable, and costs only as much as the materials, tools and protection you need. Those materials include the paint itself, the primer and the caulking (to seal cracks and joints). For tools, look for paintbrushes and rollers, sanders, and scrapers. You’ll also need drop cloths (to protect your lawn/garden), masks/respirators (to protect yourself), and a HEPA vacuum/suit if you’re stripping lead-based paint.

What You’ll Do: Step One

Essentially, house-painting boils down to three steps. First, prep the surface. You’ll need to wash the house, scrape loose paint off and sand it smooth to make it an ideal surface to which the new paint can adhere. Note, if your house was built before 1978, test for lead-based paint (which will just require a little more protection while you’re scraping it off). Lead-testing kits can be purchased online.

What You’ll Do: Step Two

Next, patch and prime. Fill in smaller imperfections with something like epoxy. Bigger gaps and joints will need caulking but do this only after the primer is applied. Take this patching time to fix any rot or potential rot problems signaled by improper water drainage. Then prime the whole exterior this seals the wood and makes it even easier for paint to adhere to the walls.

What You’ll Do: Step Three

Finally, the paint. Water-based latex (or acrylic) paint is more flexible, easier to clean and more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints. Read the paint can they contain tips and instructions on using the paint that can come in handy. With DIY, brushes and rollers are better to use than a paint-sprayer, which can be hard to control. Three tips: always start at the top of the house and paint down, it’s always better to do two coats, and stay in the shade while you’re working painting in direct sunlight causes the paint to dry too fast and flake.

What You’ll Do After: How To Maintain An Exterior

Once your exterior has dried, keep it looking fresh with consistent caulking, touch ups for peeling paint and removing mold and mildew whenever you spot it.

For more tips or advice on improving your home’s value in your neighborhood, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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6340 W Saddlehorn Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$597,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,578 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6722138

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, two-story home nestled in a tranquil community. Spanning 2,542 sqft, this residence boasts an inviting family room with an abundance of natural light, vaulted ceilings, and high ceilings throughout. The kitchen features a pantry, granite countertops, and custom white cabinets with soft-closing doors. Enjoy meals in the formal dining area or the eat-in kitchen. Open the 4-panel sliding glass doors and bring the outdoors in! Enjoy a refreshing dip in the large Pebble Tec volleyball pool in your private, landscaped backyard. Relax on the balcony or patio and take in the beautiful views. This is the perfect blend of style, function, and resort-like living!

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2640 S Southwind Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$597,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,260 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747537

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***MOTIVATED SELLER!!!*** A beautifully maintained gem in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, nestled in a serene and family-friendly neighborhood. Freshly painted inside and out, the home is just waiting for you to move in! Check out the HUGE master bathroom with an oversized shower boasting 2 showerheads. Multiple living spaces and 4 bedrooms will give your family plenty of space to spread out! And don't forget the pool! With a fountain to keep it cool on these hot summer days! Added bonus... No neighbors behind you and only one directly next to you. Additional highlights of this home include a convenient 2-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and easy access to nearby parks, shopping, and top-rated schools.

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16172 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$596,330

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,671 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736644

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE-IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN, QUICK CLOSE!! 4 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 3.5 BATH, 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS, GRANITE KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER, TILED FLOORING. 2'WHITE BLINDS, CEILING FANS, FRONT YARD LANSCAPING COMPLETED, ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME, INDOOR AIR PLUS. A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE COMMUNITY POOL AREA, PICNIC AREA, TOT LOTS, BASKETBALL, PICKLE BALL COURTS AND SO MUCH MORE.

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23505 E Cactus Forest Road Florence, AZ 85132

$595,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766695

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW BUILD - 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME WITH 3 CAR GARAGE ON OVER AN ACRE OF LAND!! This Stunner offers 2000 SqFt with an Open Kitchen/Dining/Family Room plan. With Fans, White Cabinets, Stainless Appliances, Quartz Countertops, Upgraded Doors and Wood Plank Tile throughout, you won't find better!! The Bedrooms are spacious, Owner's Suite Offers Walk-in Closet and Frameless Glass Enclosure with Tile Surround. Extended 3 Car Garage, Covered Patio and room for all your Trailers, Toys and Storage. See it today!!

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16532 W Rowel Road Surprise, AZ 85387

Open House

$595,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,201 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to this beautifully crafted retreat! The modern farmhouse theme brings warmth and style, creating an inviting space with its wood tile floors, wainscoting walls, and barnwood accents. The spacious layout—with five large bedrooms, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath—offers ample room for family and guests alike. The kitchen, with its granite countertops, white cabinetry, and double ovens, looks out over the oversized great room, making it ideal for socializing while preparing meals. The cozy gas fireplace in the great room adds charm, and the adjacent large den or office with barn doors is perfect for work or relaxation. Upstairs, the loft area and designer closets in each bedroom maximize comfort and organization. The master suite's luxurious bath, featuring a walk-in shower, large tub, and dual vanities, is designed as a serene getaway. The backyard desert oasis is a real showstopper, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, built-in grill and smoker, and ample seating around a firepit. The covered patio, synthetic grass, water feature, and enhanced lighting make this space a perfect retreat for entertaining or unwinding year-round. This home seems thoughtfully designed to blend style, functionality, and relaxation in one gorgeous setting!

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3968 E Gold Mountain Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$595,791

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749023

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous new home in Bella Vista Farms, located in San Tan Valley. The community offers access to the community pool, playground, basketball court, and volleyball court. Enjoy designer selections throughout the home including a GE Gourmet kitchen appliance package with a gas cooktop, Hana Sky Quartz countertops in the kitchen, Polaris Plus LVP, upgraded carpets, Aristokraft cabinets in flagstone, and a frameless walk-in shower in the primary bathroom. Other highlights include a split floor plan, north/south exposure, and a pool sized homesite. Utilities include Mesa Gas, EPCOR water, and Rural Metro.

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22495 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$595,510

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,375 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773946

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Last opportunity to own a Tri Pointe Home in Madera! Lovely single-story home loaded with designer features. Gourmet appliance package in the kitchen including a 30'' gas cooktop and wall oven. Upgrades include a Delta touch kitchen faucet in Stainless Steel, satin nickel fixtures, door hardware, and vanity lights, and interior paint in Snowbound. Custom kitchen backsplash and Bluzonite granite countertops. Other features include Benton Birch Frost cabinets, a Diamond super single bowl sink, a 12' center pull sliding glass door at the dining room, a frameless shower with custom tile surrounds, rectangle sinks at all baths, 2 inch faux wood blinds throughout, plank ceramic tile in Hillhouse and pavers in the driveway and walkway. There is pre-wiring for the pendant lights over the kitchen.

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513 E Angela Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

Open House

$595,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,308 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747667

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of ownership is shown in this beautiful 3-bed, 2-bath home with custom-like charm! Great curb appeal highlighted by a 2-car garage & a mature landscape w/lush lawns. Fabulous interior showcases tons of natural light, a neutral palette, recessed lighting, & shiny tile floors w/wood-look in bedrooms. You'll love the spacious living room & the open-concept family room! The gourmet kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters & backsplash, oversized island, and a plethora of cabinetry. Cozy dining area w/bay window Double-door main bedroom has a walk-in closet and French doors that open to the ensuite w/dual sinks, jetted tub, & a tiled shower. Enjoy the entertainer's backyard offering a grassy area, covered patio w/extended pergola, & a fenced pool for year-round enjoyment! Just WOW!

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2725 E Quiet Hollow Lane Phoenix, AZ 85024

$595,444

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,829 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762893

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this stunning single-story home, where modern comfort meets the tranquility of Arizona's breathtaking landscape. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with no neighbors behind you, allowing for unobstructed views of the serene desert vistas. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a spacious open floor plan, perfect for entertaining or cozy family gatherings. The abundant natural light enhances the inviting atmosphere, seamlessly connecting the living area to the heart of the home.The private backyard paradise, features both a beautiful pool and a covered patio. Whether you're lounging poolside or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, this outdoor space is the perfect retreat.

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21411 W Meadowbrook Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$595,439

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,804 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757403

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

UNDER CONSTRUCTION-MOVE IN BEFORE CHRISTMAS! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the gated community of Highlands Verrado is beautifully upgraded. With the latest interior design finishes, it feels like a model home. Highlights include quartz countertops throughout, tile to the ceiling in the bathroom showers, and a gourmet kitchen. The large, private lot offers ample space for a pool, and the neighborhood is perfectly situated at the base of the stunning White Tank Mountains. Don't miss your chance to call this exceptional location home!

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972 E Mulberry Place -- Chandler, AZ 85286

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,292 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6638746

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming 3 bedroom and 2 bath home in new Chandler community. Hamilton Landing includes 36 single level homes each with their own front porch, private driveway for 2 vehicles and a single car garage and a small, pet friendly rear yard. Each home has 10' flat ceilings, white cabinets, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room, two tone paint, beautiful wood trim around windows and doors and granite/quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The community includes a dog park with a covered ramada. These homes will be ready for occupancy between March and June of 2024. All photos are of a similar home completed in a previous community.

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28409 N 451st Avenue Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685093

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Amazing off the grid Santa Fe style house located on 30 acres!! This beautiful 2016 manufactured home has great living spaces with tons of natural light, neutral colors, modern appliances, walk-in pantry and spacious rooms. Private well! The solar is owned outright and has batteries and a generator. The home also has propane gas for heating and cooking. Sitting on a hill it offers unparalleled views!! Also comes with covered corrals, tack room and storage area and entire property is fenced. This home is also listed with only 10 acres, at reduced price. See the semi-private remarks for details.

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