Paint brushes

Tools for Painting the Exterior of Your House Like a Pro

Just as it is important to do all the necessary prep work, it is essential to have the proper tools at your fingertips before painting your home exterior. You don’t want to find yourself up on a ladder and suddenly realize that you forgot something important.

Here are a few of the tools for painting the exterior of your house.

Safety First and Foremost

Should you need to scrape and sand your home’s existing paint (and chances are that you will), it is important to determine first if lead paint was used on your home’s exterior previously.

Inhaling and coming into contact with lead paint is a serious matter. If you believe that lead paint has been used, you may want to consult with an expert before going any further.

In addition, you will need a reliable ladder. If your ladder has seen its last days, please be wise and invest in a good, sturdy ladder. You will be spending quite a bit of time on it.

The Basics

Drop cloths, both paint and wire brushes, rollers, plastic and tape are the basics for painting your exterior home. Make certain also that your hose and the nozzle are in good working condition. You will need to make sure that your home’s exterior is clean and free of debris before priming and painting.

Here is a list of the basic items that you will need:

  • Paint brushes for the exterior boards and trim
  • Rollers
  • Sand paper
  • Putty knife
  • Rubber gloves
  • Face masks
  • Wire brushes
  • Garden hose
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Glazing compound
  • Caulk
  • Wood filler
  • Primer
  • Paint for both trim and exterior

When it comes to paint brushes, don’t be afraid to have more on hand than necessary. You will want to buy various sizes for painting the exterior boards and also the trim, as well as windowsills.

You could also inquire at your local home store on how or if you should rent a spray painter. Some people like to paint by hand with rollers and brushes and others like a little help from the tools of the trade.

Once you have done all the caulking, glazing and putty work and your home exterior is sanded down and washed, you can begin the painting process. Don’t forget masks and rubber gloves as well.

The Good Stuff

Once you have scrubbed your house clean, repaired cracks, sanded down chipped and peeling paint, redone the caulking on windows and reglazed, you are now ready for the good stuff – the painting process.

Choose your primer and your paint carefully. Take into consideration your neighborhood, its style, your home’s style, the resale value, and your personal preferences and tastes.

Take plenty of time to caulk, glaze and sand your exterior, and then wash it. Let it dry properly before priming or painting. It’s a better idea to do all the prep work a week or so before painting. In this way you have enough time to take note if any other repairs are necessary.

This may sound like quite a list of tools; however, once all the prep work is done, you will be amazed at how smooth the rest of your painting project will be.

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