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

Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home's Exterior in a Weekend or TwoIf 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.

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7031 W Morrow Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759901
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 3-bedroom home with a blue pool in Arrowhead Ranch exudes charm and comfort! A grassy front yard, 2-car garage, brick veneer, and code entry box in the front door are just the beginning. Discover an open layout with all-new double-pane windows and doors, vaulted ceilings, sunny bay windows, and a two-way fireplace. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, plenty of honey oak cabinets, granite counters, and tile backsplash. The main bedroom features backyard access, a fireplace, and a lavish bathroom with a jetted tub, glass enclosure shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. In the backyard, you'll find a swimming pool with a heater and chiller, green grass, two covered patios, and a pool house with a/c. Plus, the roof is only 3 years old! You won't be disappointed!

6812 S Hardy Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,237 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770066
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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10910 E Oro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,922 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766561
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the perfect retirement lifestyle in this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a den, located in a sought-after 55+ community in Mesa, AZ. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this home offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ideal for those looking to enjoy their retirement years. This active adult community boasts incredible amenities, including a 27-hole executive golf course, perfect for both seasoned players and those just looking to enjoy a leisurely game. You'll also have access to top-tier recreational facilities, with clubs and activities tailored to your interests—whether it's Pickleball, Tennis, or Softball, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a vibrant social life, meet new friends, and participate in a variety of clubs and programs that keep your retirement to the fullest. This is more than just a homeit's your gateway to a fulfilling and active retirement!

5921 S Tobin -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762561
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located within the thriving community of Encore at Eastmark, this 1832 sq. ft split floor plan with 3 bed, 2 bath, extended 2 car garage, and great room is immaculate! Beautiful upgrades include: extensive wood plank tile, grey cabinetry, granite countertops, eat-in kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances with a gas range, walk-in pantry, tiled master shower and more! The backyard is private with low maintenance landscaping, a covered patio connected to the paved and turf yard. The 55 plus community features a 15,000 sq. ft clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center, cardio room, fitness and dance studio, classroom, arts and crafts studio, library, internet café, billiards area, and a resort style pool with spa.

804 N Wilderness Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,686 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762747
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully maintained and updated home is located in the Woodhill subdivision on a quiet cul-de-sac. The home offers large rooms, a split floor plan, a generous primary suite with an oversized closet, hickory extended cabinets, a breakfast bar, vaulted ceilings, and a large screened covered patio. It has new exterior paint, a new Electric Heat Pump, water heater, primary bathroom shower, beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring, a roof replaced two years ago, and much more. You do not want to miss out on this perfect place to call your home!

6063 W Pinon Way Pine, AZ 85544

$575,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765502
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Pine Creek Canyon at the Portals II nestled in the Ponderosa Pines! The majestic views are breathtaking. This cozy 2 bedroom 2 bath home comes furnished. Extensive paver work recently done makes the entry to the home inviting and gives a fresh updated look. There is a newer AC/Heat Pump as well as a stone fireplace. You will have access to Portal II amenities such as basketball courts, shuffleboard, and tennis courts.

4323 W Villa Theresa Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,098 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763477
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The search is finally over! This coveted corner lot property greets you with a 2-car garage, an RV gate, a tasteful brick facade, and a paver walkway. You'll find a living room with new paint, a charming bay window, and new wood-look flooring. The great room has an inviting fireplace for relaxing evenings. Cook delicious meals in the kitchen, equipped with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry, a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a handy pantry. You'll also find a versatile den ideal for an office. The main bedroom includes sliding door access to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living, a wakj0ub closet, and an ensuite with dual sinks. The backyard boasts a covered patio, pristine natural turf, and a pool for endless summer fun. Make this yours!

15021 S 47th Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,846 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763249
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fall in love, this North-South-facing Former Model Home on a corner lot, offering stunning Sunrises & Sunsets in the desirable Ahwatukee Foothills neighborhood, w/ no HOA! Step inside to Vaulted Ceilings in the living room with Natural Lighting with all New Vinyl Windows Installed (2021). Custom Tile/Wood Flooring throughout flows to the open kitchen featuring designer backsplash tile, granite countertops, an eat-in bar that flows into the great room, w/ easy access to the backyard that has a covered patio, awnings, pavers, newer pebble tech pool (2018) upgraded pool equipment (2023). All the bedrooms have ceiling fans for efficient living The primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom has granite counter tops, stand-up shower, plenty of Linen cabinet space a sliding door leading to a backyard. This Home is Conveniently located near freeways, shopping, dining, and featuring a new HVAC Air Conditioner installed (2021)

3549 W Denali Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$575,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,704 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764368
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in Anthem Parkside! This refreshed 4-bedroom residence combines elegance and functionality, featuring vaulted ceilings and a freshly painted interior. The modern kitchen showcases stainless LG appliances, a gas range, quartz countertops, and a walk-in pantry—perfect for any cook. Relax in the cozy family room by the fireplace or enjoy the inviting backyard with artificial turf, an extended patio, and an outdoor fireplace, ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, discover all four bedrooms, a hall bath with double sinks, and a convenient laundry room. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, just steps from a pocket park and a short walk to the Daisy Mountain Trailhead, this home is a must-see!

4429 E Del Rio Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$575,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,460 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767453
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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29502 N 126th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,285 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767268
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME! As you step through the beautiful, lush front yard, you'll immediately feel at home. Inside, enter through a wide foyer and spacious living room which flows seamlessly into the family room, just off the updated kitchen. The kitchen boasts granite counter-tops, a large island with a breakfast bar, and opens into a roomy breakfast nook. This home features a split floor plan with a generous primary bedroom, a large en-suite bath, a walk-in closet, and a stylish tiled shower. On the opposite side, you'll find three additional bedrooms and a full bath. Outside, enjoy a large grassy play area and a recently installed pool, perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Three car tandem garage and spacious inside laundry room add to the efficiency of this home. See it today

3935 E Rockwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,924 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772320
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! This beautifully maintained property features a bright and spacious layout, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The heart of the home is the modern kitchen. Boasting sleek countertops, updated appliances, and ample cabinetry, it is a chef's delight. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, perfect for outdoor fun or quiet evenings under the stars. This backyard has everyting you need equipped with a covered patio, patio deck, and above-ground spa. Conveniently near the 51 and 101 freeways, you'll be just moments away from a variety of shopping and dining options at either Desert Ridge mall or the newly renovated PV mall. This home truly has it all! Don't miss your chance to experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. See it today!