A DIY Guide to Painting Your Home Exterior and Interior Walls

Whether you're giving your home a fresh look or adding value before a sale, painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your living space. With the right tools, preparation, and technique, you can achieve professional-looking results while saving on labor costs. Here's a comprehensive guide to tackling both exterior and interior painting projects, from start to finish.

 

Before diving into any painting project, thorough preparation is essential. For exterior painting, start by power washing the walls to remove dirt, mold, and mildew. Scrape off any loose paint and sand rough surfaces to create a smooth canvas for painting. For interior walls, clean the surfaces, fill any holes or cracks with spackle, and sand them smooth.

Choose a durable and weather-resistant paint

Selecting the appropriate paint is crucial for a successful DIY project. For exteriors, opt for high-quality exterior paint that is durable and weather-resistant. For interiors, choose paint specifically formulated for indoor use, considering factors like sheen, color, and finish.

Protect surrounding surfaces

Before you begin painting, protect surrounding surfaces such as windows, doors, and trim with painter's tape and drop cloths to prevent accidental splatters and drips.

Prime the surface

Priming the surface ensures better adhesion and a more even finish. Apply a primer suitable for the surface material, whether it's wood, metal, or masonry, before painting.

Apply paint with proper technique

When painting exterior walls, use a high-quality paintbrush or roller, and work from top to bottom in small sections to avoid streaks and drips. For interior walls, start with cutting in around the edges with a brush, then use a roller for larger areas, working in a "W" or "M" shape to ensure even coverage.

Allow sufficient drying time

Be patient and allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. This ensures a smooth and long-lasting finish. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for drying times between coats. Wait for the exterior paint to dry in an hour, and then do another coat in 2 hours. On heavy stains, allow a maximum of 16 hours before recoating.  

Clean up properly

Once you've finished painting, clean your tools thoroughly with soap and water for water-based paints or mineral spirits for oil-based paints. Proper cleanup prolongs the life of your tools and ensures they're ready for future projects.

Safety First

Always prioritize safety when embarking on a DIY painting project. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and masks, especially when working with chemicals or in confined spaces.

By following these steps and exercising patience and attention to detail, you can achieve professional-quality results with your DIY exterior and interior painting projects. So roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and transform your home with a fresh coat of paint!