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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342 W Beechnut Place Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$579,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,904 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773289

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

REMODELED PALMERA model w/ SPLIT BEDROOMS & Den + MULTI-PURPOSE Climate Controlled AZ Room on PRIVATE Corner Lot in the GATED, ADULT community of Ironwood. ALL NEW: Luxury Plank Flooring, Baseboards, Lighting/Fans, Fixtures & Interior/Exterior Paint. 2017 AC, VAULTED CEILINGS & Water Softener. GREAT ROOM is open to the EAT-IN KITCHEN w/ Pantry, Island, Stainless Appliances, INDUCTION COOKTOP & 42''Maple Cabinets. Spacious Primary Bedroom w/Bay Window has a LARGE BATHROOM w/ Quartz, Double Vanity, tiled WALK-IN Shower + HUGE WALK-IN CLOSET. Tons of STORAGE in the Laundry Room & EXTENDED 2 CAR Epoxied Garage. Low maintenance NORTH-FACING backyard w/ fruit trees. Come enjoy Sun Lakes w/ its amenities of golf, tennis, pickleball, pools, fitness center, clubs, social activities & restaurant.

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16062 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$578,960

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,674 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729568

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 COURTSAND SO MUCH MORE.

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3726 E Rochelle Circle Mesa, AZ 85215

$578,950

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,705 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749729

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a to be built home being offered at Base Price plus lot premium. Price includes a nice standard feature package and an option allowance to be used at the Design Studio to personalize the home to your tastes. Features include a heavy iron front door, 2x6 ext. framing, dual pane vinyl windows, Carrier gas furnace and AC. Price includes ceramic tile in select areas. Choice of interior door styles, iron front door styles plus choice of door hardware and bathroom fixture colors. 10' interior ceilings, front porch and rear patio included! Much more. Front view picture is of an artists rendering, pics are of a upgraded former model home. Final price is determined by any other options or upgrades added by buyer at the Design Studio. Taxes are estimated. 2025 completion

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8572 W Palo Verde Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$578,900

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,196 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731165

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your next business opportunity! This spacious 5 beds, 2 baths home with a sprinkler system is ideal for starting or expanding a group home business. Previously licensed for a 10-bed behavior group home, it offers ample room for residents with its professionally converted garage adding extra space. Located in a prime area with easy access to local amenities and healthcare facilities, Its turnkey nature allows for business operations, offering significant growth potential and profitability.

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6971 W Heritage Way Florence, AZ 85132

$578,700

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,324 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769497

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

RESORT STYLE LIVING.....w/ your own pool on the 16th fairway of POSTON BUTTE golf course! Enter the spacious courtyard & into your dreams. Chef Lux kitchen features an island, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, double ovens, above/under cabinet lighting, R/O, tile backsplash & granite counters. Owner's Suite w/ slider to the patio & overlooks the SPARKLING POOL, WATERFALL & GOLF COURSE! Relax on the ext patio w/ sunshades & lush landscaping. Living area features a built in entertainment center, water feature & surround sound. Room for guests w/ Murphy bed/built in desk in the den. FULL 3 car garage leaves room for toys! Home is offered turnkey/furnished for no additional cost! ENJOY ALL SUN CITY OFFERS w/outdoor/indoor pools/spas, full gym & Poston Butte Golf Course! AVAILABLE TODAY!!

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18176 W Paradise Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$578,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,230 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760419

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This Meticulously maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home backs to a quiet greenbelt with walking trails giving you privacy while enjoying swimming in the custom pool that features a waterfall or relaxing on the covered patio. Enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen which includes cherry cabinets, granite countertops, double oven and all new SS appliances. Cozy up next to the gas fireplace in the great room that features 10' tall ceilings and plantation blinds throughout the house. The large primary bedroom features sliding door access to the patio and pool area, an ensuite bathroom, walk in closet with built-ins. Enjoy the oversized three car garage with built-in cabinets and a large laundry room. New AC/Heater/Water Heater. This home shows like brand new, you wont be disappointed.

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3887 E Claxton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$578,000

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,523 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732789

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Incredible investment opportunity in the award winning Power Ranch community. Spacious 5 bedroom/3bathroom with tenant secured at competitive market rent to 2/28/25. Primary bath has large walk in closet, as does one of the guest bedrooms. Covered patio with flagstone pathway and low maintenance landscape

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618 E Cleveland Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$578,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748218

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful house in the desired area of San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area. HUGE home with 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, open-floor plan, big loft, large bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, oversized walk-in closet, 3-car garage, large RV gate with enough area for all your toys and storage and a huge backyard to relax. Just minutes away from HWY 60 and Hwy 24 for easy access to your job and the city. This community featuring lots of walking and biking paths, parks and volleyball court, entertainment and much, much more.

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10237 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$577,946

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,536 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769954

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your 2024 DREAM home in the highly sought-after Medley at Avalon Crossing! Over $62k in UPGRADES! This BEAUTIFUL home combines stylish elegance + thoughtful living spaces! GOURMET kitchen features quartz countertops + Whirlpool stainless appliance suite! The great room is perfect for entertaining, while the upstairs loft offers additional living space. Private primary suite w/ensuite bath! Balcony! Situated in a BEAUTIFUL community, residents can take advantage of wonderful amenities including a heated pool, playgrounds, bocce ball courts, and scenic walking paths lined with trees. Perfectly designed for modern living, this home offers luxury, comfort, and community all in one! WELCOME HOME!

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4182 E Bonanza Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

$577,770

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,502 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769940

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home to Award Winning Power Ranch! Beautiful MOVE IN READY, 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Baths, Living room, Great room, and Oversized Loft! Additional features include front & back covered patios, second level balcony, granite countertops, and upgraded Kitchen Appliances. Samsung Washer, Dryer & Fridge, are INCLUDED! Lower level bedroom & full bath are perfect for a private in-law suite, gym, guest room, or office! 2 car garage, plus partially covered driveway allows parking for 6 vehicles! Power Ranch has 26+ miles of trails, parks, sports, pools, splash pad, lakes, clubhouse, schools, and green belts. Fantastic location allows walking & biking to stores, eateries, gyms, schools, trails, and the Gilbert Regional Park! Its not just a Home, Its a Lifestyle!

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18370 W College Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,645

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,099 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750583

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ENTERTAINER'S DELIGHT! Welcome home to a stunning Meritage 3 bedroom, 2 bath home plus large den, located in the highly-sought after Sedella community in Goodyear. Home sits on a large lot with a beautiful landscaped backyard boasting a large sparkling pool, a large ramada with pavers, a beautiful gas fire pit for those cool desert nights, synthetic turf, large covered patio and dwarf fruit trees. Home also has a large RV Gate with generous paved parking, and RV parking IS allowed. From the moment you walk through the front entry, the spacious floor plan opens up to a great room with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful modern kitchen with a large island and a walk-in pantry, made for entertaining. Primary bedroom suite is split from other bedrooms for private tranquility..... All bedrooms have ample walk-in closets. This home shows pride of ownership and is move-in ready, and shopping and other conveniences are close by.

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21355 E Sparrow Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$577,511

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753927

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home in Ascent at Jorde Farms, featuring numerous upgrades! Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen with designer cabinets, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances. The open-concept great room is ideal for entertaining. The private primary bedroom has spacious walk-in closet. This house also boasts upgraded paint and flooring, among $75K of other options and upgrades.

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