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How to paint your own home in Whatcom County


Materials Needed:

  • pressure washer

  • paint sprayer

  • paint brush

  • painter's tape

  • drop cloths

  • ladders

  • paint scraper

  • stain-blocking primer

  • epoxy filler

  • medium-grit sanding block

  • spackle 

  • knife

  • exterior caulk

  • caulk gun

  • plastic sheeting


Step 1: Pressure-Wash Walls

To ensure best coverage, remove dirt and dust buildup from house using a pressure washer. TIP: Work your way from top to bottom of house in a smooth, controlled manner.


Step 2: Repair Damaged Surfaces

Walk around entire perimeter of house taking note of damaged surfaces such as: wood, masonry, metal, siding or stucco. Apply epoxy filler to cracks or holes using spackle knife. Once dry, lightly sand using medium-grit sanding block.


Step 3: Remove Loose Paint

Once exterior is dry, walk around perimeter of house taking note of any loose or chipped paint. Place drop cloths along ground, then remove chipped and loose paint using paint scraper or medium-grit sanding block.


Step 4: Caulk Trim

Fill any gaps between house and trim around doors and windows using exterior caulk and caulk gun. If house has mixed materials such as siding and brick, add caulk along surface where different materials meet.


Step 5: Prime Stains and bare wood.

Examine exterior for any stains or visible wood knots. Apply one coat of stain-blocking primer to area using paintbrush.


Step 6: Protect Doors, Windows and Lights

Cover doors, windows and lighting fixtures using plastic sheeting and painter’s tape.


Step 7: Paint Exterior

Load exterior paint color into paint sprayer. Depending on intensity of hue, apply one or two coats of paint to entire house. Be sure to work your way from top to bottom in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by 8 inches. TIP: Primer is not necessary when a fresh coat of existing color is being applied.


Step 8: Paint Trim and Doors

Remove plastic sheeting from doors, windows and lighting fixtures. Add two coats of exterior paint color to woodwork and doors using paintbrush. Remove drop cloths.


Don't want to tackle this yourself? Hire an expert and give us a call!

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