10 Things You Must Know When Painting a House Exterior

When it comes to enhancing the exterior of your home in North San Diego, understanding the nuances of a quality paint job can make all the difference. The professionals at CertaPro Painters® of North San Diego have compiled a comprehensive guide with 10 essential tips to ensure your exterior painting project is successful. From considering local weather conditions to understanding the right techniques and materials, these insights will help ensure that your home not only looks fantastic but that the finish lasts for years.

Weather

North San Diego enjoys a generally mild climate, but it’s still crucial to time your painting project correctly. Opt for dry, warm weather to ensure the exterior walls are completely dry before you start, as good adhesion is key to durability. Additionally, the paint will need several dry days to cure properly. Humidity, even in our relatively dry region, can affect the longevity and appearance of your paint job.

Price

While it might be tempting to save upfront by choosing lower-cost paint, higher-quality options often prove more economical in the long run. Cheaper paints tend to degrade faster, meaning more frequent repaints. CertaPro Painters® of North San Diego recommends investing in premium paints that offer better coverage and durability, reducing the overall lifecycle cost of the paint job.

Prep

Proper surface preparation is crucial. In North San Diego, where dust and sea salt can coat homes, power washing walls and trim is essential. Allow ample time for surfaces to dry completely. Next, sand or scrape old paint and clean off all dust and debris. Our CertaPro team emphasizes thorough prep to ensure a flawless finish.

Bad patches

Before you begin painting, inspect your home for any signs of damage or deterioration, such as rotting wood or crumbling siding. Painting over these problems won’t fix them; it only covers them up temporarily. CertaPro Painters® offers carpentry services to repair or replace damaged areas before painting, ensuring the integrity of your home’s exterior.

Prime

Despite advances in paint technology, using a high-quality primer remains a standard recommendation from painting experts. Primers help paint adhere better and last longer, particularly in the challenging environments that homes in coastal areas like North San Diego can face.

Combine Cans

To achieve consistent color throughout your project, CertaPro Painters® suggests ‘boxing’ your paint—mixing all cans together in a large bucket. This step eliminates variations in color between individual paint cans.

Top to Bottom

Start at the top of your home and work your way down. This method helps manage drips and ensures they don’t dry before you have a chance to smooth them out, maintaining a clean, professional look.

Seal It

To prevent your paint from drying out, always close paint cans tightly. Using a rubber mallet can help secure lids, and placing plastic wrap over the can before closing the lid provides an extra seal that keeps the paint fresh.

Texture

For areas like porches and steps that might become slippery when wet, adding a bit of fine sand to the paint can provide traction and prevent falls. This is especially important in areas that might get damp from morning dew or coastal fog in North San Diego.

Landscape

Finally, remember to protect your landscaping and outdoor fixtures from paint drips and spills. Use plastic drop cloths to cover plants, outdoor furniture, and other items to keep your property clean and tidy during the painting process.

Contact CertaPro for Exterior Painting Services

While DIY projects can be rewarding, professional exterior painting by CertaPro Painters® of North San Diego offers peace of mind and ensures that the job is done right the first time. Contact us for a detailed, in-home estimate and enjoy a hassle-free experience that results in a beautiful, long-lasting exterior paint job.