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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15922 W Electra Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$570,699

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719014

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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15922 W Electra Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$570,687

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770484

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Escalante! New Home Ready for immediate Occupancy. This single level 2229 SF, 4 BR, 3 BA with a 3 car garage is located on an interior NS facing homesite surrounded by single level homes, NO two Stories! Exciting included features! Upgraded white cabinets, 42'' Uppers, Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Plank Tile on the floors in all traffic areas! 10' ceilings, 8' interior doors,, garage service door, large extended patio, tankless water heater, front yard landscaping with drip system, PLUS so much more. Neighborhood includes tree lined streets, Parks and Aquatic Center. Energy Star & Indoor Air Plus Certified for more energy savings! 5 Star Resort Style Amenities include, hiking trails, Aquatic Center, 8 select parks, Picnic Ramada's, Basketball, 3 Pickle Ball courts, bocce ball courts, 18 hole disc golf course, and a Zip Line for the kiddos! This home is Energy Star and Indoor Air Plus qualified. Includes full Builder Warranties plus so much More..

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5153 N 87th Drive Glendale, AZ 85305

$570,252

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,352 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766175

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6766175 December Completion! The Hudson features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study, dining room, and a spacious great room that flows into a large kitchen with white shaker Barnett cabinets, white quartz countertops, and a tiled backsplash. The private owner's suite at the back of the home includes double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a large walk-in closet. The enclosed study is ideal for a home office, and the dining room overlooks the outdoor living space, perfect for entertaining. Structural options include: super shower at primary bath, GE profile gas appliances, pavers at driveway and walkway.

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2087 N 213th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$570,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6727679

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE IN READY ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME! 5 bedroom, 3.5 baths, 3-car tandem garage & RV gate. Open floor plan with a gorgeous kitchen. All appliances as well as all TV's convey! BIG corner lot with room for a pool and great for entertaining. Private guest suite with full bath on first floor. Perfect as a ''Mother in law suite'' or for a multi-gen household. HUGE loft upstairs along w/other bedrooms and bamboo flooring! Enjoy the Community amenities including pools, playgrounds, picnic areas, gym, clubhouse, & more. 5 minutes from Verrado restaurants and shopping!

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11226 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$570,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,718 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728991

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Live your best life in the lovely Sunland Springs Village (SSV) 55+ Adult Community. This cozy 2 bd/2bth plus den has all the right touches. Pride of Ownership on Display! Enjoy the Living Area with Electric Fireplace; Porcelain Tile Wall, Stunning Wall of Glass looks out to Extended Patio w/ Travertine Tile, Pergola and 2 firepits. Stellar landscape design; Lush yard with sweet orange and lemon trees. Solar Roof Panels provide energy saving benefits. Plantation shutters adorn the windows. Extended kitchen with granite countertops and energy efficient appliances. This is not just a house but a HOME! Enjoy resort like community amenities: Rec Center, Clubhouse, Ping Pong, Billiards, Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, Shuffleboard, Heated Pools, Jacuzzi, Exercize Rooms, Yoga; SSV has it all! This is a Must See! Please visit the SSV HOA website to learn about the many clubs and activities available in this active adult community:

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20515 N 264th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$570,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,095 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

VALUE! PAID SOLAR LEASE, PAID CFD, NEWER HVAC AND APPLIANCES. This 2 bed/2 bath/Den Destiny model has fabulous golf course views and sets on a quiet street yet it's close to the Sage Recreation Center, the Grill and the Golf shop (location, location, location). This is a quality Del Webb built home with many upgrades. See a more complete list in the Documents tab.

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4216 N 27th Street Unit 106 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$570,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,683 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756185

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This stunning and spacious townhouse is situated in the Biltmore area and boasts impressive 18-foot ceilings in the main living room, a cozy fireplace, and 10-foot ceilings in each of the bedrooms as well as a two-car garage with epoxy flooring. The expansive primary bedroom includes a private balcony, a generous walk-in closet, and a bathroom featuring an oversized soaking tub and recently remodeled shower. The charming courtyard has been enhanced with turf and pavers, creating a lovely outdoor retreat. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, the airport, and major freeways, this home is situated in an exclusive part of Phoenix, in close proximity to Arcadia, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley.

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22835 E Pummelos Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$570,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,180 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774516

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Three bedroom and Den, Tile throughout all common areas. Master planned community

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17687 W Surrey Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,483 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6750480

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this grand 5-bed, 3-bath residence featuring a 3-car garage, charming front porch, and a low-maintenance front yard! Fall in love with the family room boasting soaring ceilings and abundant natural light streaming through plenty of windows creating a welcoming ambiance. The eat-in kitchen comes with granite counters, recessed lighting, chic mosaic tile backsplash, SS appliances, a pantry, paneled cabinets with crown moulding, a dry bar, and a center island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a den with attached cabinets, perfect for an office or a library. Upstairs, a cozy loft offers additional space for entertainment. Retreat to the large main bedroom, accessed through elegant double doors, offering an ensuite with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Make this gem yours!

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3658 N Desert Oasis -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,571 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6766285

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in an EXCLUSIVE gated community! Enjoy a living space filled with natural light, and a master suite with a spacious en-suite bathroom. Step outside to a beautifully landscaped yard that backs up to the picturesque Las Sendas Golf Course. Take advantage of the community amenities, including PICKLEBALL Courts, sparkling pools, playgrounds, community events and more! The community also offers an optional Spa & Fitness Center (additional fee required) and a top-rated golf course with a sports bar and restaurant. Just a couple of miles away is the scenic Salt River which offers paddleboarding, fishing, and kayaking, biking and more! ADVENTURE AWAITS in the surrounding TONTO NATIONAL FOREST!

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1150 S Karen Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767613

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful, and very well-maintained home in a great location! Home features big open space with vaulted ceiling. kitchen with stainless steel appliances and lots of cabinets with granite counter tops. A nice size master suite with walk-in closet and private access to backyard, and sparkling pool with waterfall feature. Three bedrooms plus an office. Easy maintenance front and backyard landscape. Home located in a nice quiet cul de sac. Move in ready with NEW roof (2021), AC unit (2022), water heater (2024), and irrigation system (2023) throughout the lot with extra new lines for future planting. Greenfield Lakes has an executive length 18-hole golf course and driving range. Located near Santan Mall, Top Ranked Restaurants, and highly desired School District!

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18146 W Ocotillo Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$570,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679058

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Four Bedroom - top-of-the-line (semi-custom) property has it all. GATED COMMUNITY is located within the popular Estrella Mountain Ranch with all its amenities - community pool and exercise amenities, lakes, and golf course. Granite countertops - an extra large island, Cherry wood cabinets, and classic dark wood shutters are just a few of the upgrades—the large entry door to the foyer - tile throughout most of the home. Wrought iron wine bar enclosure, stone fireplace, and stainless steel appliances are a few more reasons you will want to own this spectacular home—schools—large within proximity. Back yard has a grassy island and a variety of plants. Owner/Agent

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