# How to Professionally Paint your Exterior House

- **Published:** 29 December 2022
- **Type:** DIY Guide
- **Format:** step by step
- **Tags:** Painting & decorating

Painting the exterior of your house not only helps it look better, but it will keep your home in good condition as well. While it might seem daunting, you can save yourself a fair amount of money by tackling this project yourself. You will need a bit of time and the right gear to prepare and paint, such as [water blasters](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/water-blasters.md), [paint sprayers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/painting-decorating/paint-sprayers-attachments.md) and [access gear](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/access.md), but there are few projects with such satisfying end results.

Hiring professional-grade gear from Hirepool can help you get this DIY project done faster, safer and smarter. In this blog, we’ve covered everything you need to know to get a professional exterior paint finish, and we’ve also got some great tips from the trusted experts at [Dulux](https://www.dulux.co.nz/).

## Equipment you'll need

- [Water Blaster Electric 1450 psi](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/floors-cleaning/water-blasters/145b-water-blaster-electric-1450-psi.md)
- [Airless Spray Painting Unit](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/painting-decorating/paint-sprayers-attachments/448a-airless-spray-painting-unit.md)
- [Mobile Scaffold Tower 3m](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/scaffolding/445k-mobile-scaffold-tower-3m.md)

## Tools explained

You should use a respirator for paint fumes and also if you are painting a house that may have [old lead paint](https://www.dulux.co.nz/applicator/technical-advice/general/lead-in-paint).

Protect your hands with [gloves](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-gloves/pv2xl-pro-vibe-gloves-2xl.md) when using chemical strippers or power tools and protect your clothing with overalls.

Professional tip! Dulux also recommend ensuring you have good sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen as you will likely be outside for long periods when painting a house exterior.

## Supplies

- Scraper for applying filler
- Tarpaulin or drop sheets
- Painters tape for masking windows
- Paint rollers
- Brushes
- Paint tray
- Paint scraper for windows
- Masking tape

## The benefits of painting the exterior of your house

Though painting the exterior of a house is a big job, there are many reasons why you should prioritise it over putting it off.

**It protects the exterior of your home**

Exposed exterior surfaces can take a beating through the seasons, whether it’s from the harsh sun over summer or the rain over winter.

Dirt and debris can also cause a house exterior to suffer over time, so the paint can help seal it to encourage longevity.

**It enhances street appeal**

A freshly painted house will be the envy of neighbours and those walking by, and it will certainly give you a reason to be proud of your home.

**It prevents moisture from getting into the home**

If the exterior of your home becomes exposed with gaps, holes or cracks, there is a good chance water and debris will soon make it inside.

Keeping the outside sealed will keep moisture out so the inside of your home can stay dry and healthy.

**It’s great for resale value**

A freshly painted home will be enticing for buyers as it’s one less thing they will need to do after they move in, and can significantly [lift your resale value](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/renovating-for-resale-what-projects-to-tackle-first.md).

It also shows the house has been taken care of, and that it’s had some modernising.

**It looks smart for entertaining**

A fresh coat of paint will have your house looking sharp and ready for entertaining. You will be the envy of friends and family alike!

**You can repair any damage**

With busy lives, sometimes damage to an exterior can go unnoticed until the problem has gotten worse.

Part of painting a house is checking the condition of the exterior beforehand, which gives you a chance to spot any issues and get onto repairs.

## Why you should paint your own house exterior vs hiring a professional

Though the idea of hiring a commercial painter to paint your house exterior might seem like a lower stress option, there are actually several reasons doing it yourself can be a better idea.

- **You can save a lot of money**

  There’s no doubt that DIY saves you money, regardless of the job you are completing.

  With painting your own house exterior, you are only paying for supplies and hire gear, not for labour or miscellaneous expenses such as travel or parking. Additionally, hiring prep and painting gear can save you from having to fork out for expensive gear, or struggle with cheap equipment that delivers a less than professional finish.
- **You can do it on your own timeline**

  Tradies can sometimes be hard to lock down especially if you are wanting one with a good reference, so painting your own house exterior means you can get it done whenever you like, with no need to wait for professionals to be available.

* **You can tackle it in sections if you don’t have the money to do all of it at once**

  Although painting your own house can save you money, it is still an investment and DIY means you can decide how much you want to do and when.

+ **You can ensure everything is being done safely with the right safety gear Because you are project managing your own job, you can take your time ensuring you have all the right [safety gear](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety.md) to keep yourself and your family safe.**

  Hiring gear like [mobile scaffolds](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/scaffolding/445j-mobile-scaffold-tower-2m.md), will not only make the job of painting easier, but it will also keep tools and supplies out of reach from kids and pets.

- **There is less stress having strangers in your home**

  Taking time off work to be at home with a painter working isn’t always ideal, and leaving the house unattended can sometimes be unnerving.

DIY also means you don’t need to worry about conflicting schedules making your job go over the agreed timeframe.

## Prepare your house exterior for painting

**1. Do a cross-hatch test**[Dulux](https://www.dulux.co.nz/) recommends starting with a cross-hatch test to check the condition of the existing paint.

- Use a sharp knife to cut a series of cut 6 lines 3-4mm apart through the paint film then repeat across the first cuts to achieve a series of small squares through the existing paint surface
- Press heavy cellulose tape on the cuts and pull it away to see if any paint pulls off
- If the paint pulls away most of the squares easily, you should consider removing the old paint before re-painting
- Be sure to test different areas of the house as some sections may have more damage than others

Dulux recommends checking if your house has been previously painted with [lead-based paint](https://www.dulux.co.nz/applicator/technical-advice/general/lead-in-paint), as exposure to this paint can be dangerous if you aren’t wearing suitable PPE gear. For disposal of lead-based paint contact your local council for advice.

To do this you can use a [lead test kit](https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/3m-lead-check-swabs-pack-of-2-pink/p/268212), or get a professional in to do the test.

**2. Repair damaged surfaces**

Before you start painting, it’s a good idea to make sure your house exterior is in good condition so the paint goes on smoothly and lasts well.

Now is a good time to replace or repair damaged weatherboards. Small holes or cracks can be filled with a suitable flexible filling product and filling blade. When the filler is dry sand to a Will to ensure a smooth surface.

[Brick houses should also be repaired](https://www.dulux.co.nz/how-to/preparation-and-painting-guides/exterior/how-to-paint-brick) as needed, either by replacing bricks or mortar are no longer in good condition or by filling holes.

**3. Clean the house exterior**

Dirt and debris should be removed from a house before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly.

You can clean your house quickly and efficiently with a [water blaster](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/floors-cleaning/water-blasters/145b-water-blaster-electric-1450-psi.md). Check out this handy guide for [tips on choosing the right water blaster for your job](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/what-water-blaster-do-you-need-for-your-cleaning-job.md).

Dulux recommends first using [Dulux Prep-wash](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/95182195) to get rid of dirt, algae, mould and mildew. This product ensures these nasties won’t be simply spread around when you finish with waterblasting. You can also use this product on your roof as well. When painting roofs where water is collected remove all downpipes prior to starting the project and reconnect after completion and the first rainfall.

**4. Remove old paint**

This step won’t be necessary for all houses, but after completing a cross-hatch test you will know if you need to do it.

[Removing old paint](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/best-methods-for-removing-paint.md) can be done either by [sanding](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/floors-cleaning/handheld-sanders/512b-belt-sander-100mm.md) or by using a stripping product.

Heat guns are another option, but care should be taken around window panes (as the heat can crack the glass especially older ones as they can become brittle) and on timber in general due to fire hazards.

*Professional tip!* *Dulux recommends using a stripping product such as* [*Selleys Kwik Strip*](https://www.selleys.co.nz/products/painting/paint-removal/selleys-kwik-strip/) *to make fast work of stripping paint from large areas.*

Always be careful to choose a product that is recommended for DIY use as some products are better left to professionals. If you are going with the option to sand, a sanding planer is the recommended tool to use with paint. Remember to use the appropriate safety equipment when stripping or sanding paint

**5. Protect anything you don’t want the paint to get on!**

Cover ground areas with drop sheets or tarpaulins to ensure you collect all paint flakes and don't create more work for yourself afterwards.

External lights can be wrapped in newspaper and taped up to stop any rouge splashes. You should also add protection to window glass and joinery if using a painting sprayer.

It’s recommended to protect your windows and save hours using a window scraper by masking around the edge of the window frame. Always use the right external masking tape, as bad quality ones can bake on in the sun or leave a residue.

We also recommend covering nearby plants so they don’t get damaged.

**6. Apply a primer coat**

The last step in preparing your house for painting is to add two coats of priming paint.

This is important for surfaces that haven’t been painted before (e.g. new weatherboards) or surfaces that have needed lots of scraping, sanding, and filling.

*Dulux recommends Dulux* [*Weather Shield Maxi Flex*](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/54L) *or Dulux* [*1Step Primer*](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/630d0131)*.*

## Instructions

### Step 1: Protect anything you don’t want the paint to get on

Cover ground areas with drop sheets or tarpaulins to ensure you collect all paint flakes and don't create more work for yourself afterwards.

External lights can be wrapped in newspaper or plastic wrap but ensure these are turned off at the switch and taped up to stop any rouge splashes. You should also add protection to window glass and joinery if using a painting sprayer.

It’s recommended to protect your windows and save hours using a window scraper by masking around the edge of the window frame. Always use the right external masking tape, as bad quality ones can bake on in the sun or leave a residue.

We also recommend covering nearby plants so they don’t get damaged.

### Step 2: Apply a primer coat

An important final step in preparing your house for painting is to add a coat of priming paint.

This is important for surfaces that haven’t been painted before (e.g. new weatherboards) or surfaces that have needed lots of scraping, sanding, and filling.

*Dulux recommends Dulux* [*WeatherShield*](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/54L)*or Dulux* [*1Step Primer*](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/630d0131)*.*

### Step 3: Ensure the paint is mixed and not separated

If your paint has been sitting it will need a good stir beforehand. You may need to dilute your paint to be the ideal consistency for a paint sprayer. Dilute paint according to product specifications, typically found on the paint tin or provided with the product.

### Step 4: Cut in as needed with a brush around corners and edges

When it comes to getting a professional finish, the team at Dulux recommend using good quality brushes. Choose something you would find comfortable to use for long periods, as you could be there for a while!

An ideal size for weatherboards is a 60-75mm brush and for windows a 38-50mm brush. Bristles with a longer length and brushes from a good brand are ideal.

*Professional tip! Dulux recommends working along the whole length of the weatherboard keeping a wet edge to the paint to avoid lap marks.*

### Step 5: Prepare your airless paint sprayer

If using a Hirepool airless sprayer for the first time, ask the team at Hirepool how to use the sprayer before you head home. The machine should be clean and ready to go.

Place the Spray unit into the paint or into the pot for handheld sprayers. Test and or practice on some old board or cardboard before starting your project to get used to the flow of paint If using it over a number of days, make sure it’s been cleaned well before each use to avoid clogging.

### Step 6: Apply paint along the surface using long even strokes

To paint sections by hand, brush on the paint, lay off with the tips of the brush to give an even finish, avoid going back over the wet paint as it will start to dry and will show brush marks. Look back along the wet paint as you go to ensure you have not missed coating the area you are working on.

Using a paint sprayer? Check out the detailed instructions on [how to paint using an airless paint sprayer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-use-an-airless-sprayer.md) for a seamless finish.

### Step 7: Complete two coats

Dulux recommends two coats of Dulux Weathershield for the best finish and protection.

When painting from dark to light colours you may need 3 coats, or you can use [Dulux Weathershield Super Hide](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/601d0070) which only requires 2 coats.

### Step 8: Hand paint around doors and windows

To complete the painting of your exterior, use ​[Dulux Aquanamel](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/535) on doors and window frames. This product is chip resistant with a hard finish and great for any areas that are being opened and closed frequently.

### Step 9: Use a scraper on windows to clean up any lines

To remove any paint that may have ended up on windows, you will want to carefully scrape the dried paint off with a metal or plastic scraping tool. Try to hold the blade as flat as possible when in use to get the best result.

## Hand painting vs using an airless paint sprayer

The benefits of hand painting or cutting in (H3)

- There is not as much prep time covering the things you don’t want paint getting on, such as neighbouring surfaces or windows. To give a nice clean finish you can mask the glass as discussed previously
- Paintbrushes and rollers are easy to clean and are cheap.
- Multiple people can be painting at once which can speed up the job.
- You will see each area up close and can be precise.

*Professional tip! Dulux says painting by hand can be easier for novice painters who aren’t as comfortable using an airless paint sprayer.*

You can easily control the amount of paint you are applying when hand painting and rolling which is important in order to get the correct film build for each coat of paint.

### Benefits of using an airless sprayer

- It’s a lot faster to paint overall.
- It’s easier on your body than hand painting which is great for less mobile people.
- You get nice even coats.
- You get great reach with an airless sprayer so can stay working at a distance.

It’s ideal if you need to get the job done in a short time frame such as [before you sell your house.](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/renovating-for-resale-what-projects-to-tackle-first.md)

## Top tips for painting your house exterior

- **Make sure to [budget](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/budgeting-for-home-renovations-how-much-should-i-save.md)**Though you will save a lot of money painting your house yourself, it’s still a good idea to add up the costs before starting.

  This should include the paint cost, the material you will need such as brushes and paint trays, as well as any safety gear like [access equipment](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/access.md).

You can ask the team at Hirepool for a suggestion of how long to hire gear for, to ensure you are budgeting correctly.

- **Take your time**Let’s be honest, prep work is boring, but it will make all the difference in finish and longevity!

  Don’t cut corners with house painting prep, as you are likely to create more work for yourself later having to clean up mistakes, and the results are not likely to last as long if the groundwork isn’t done correctly.

- **Do test paint swatches in different areas of the house**Once the house colour is on, it’s unlikely you will want to paint the house again anytime soon, so [pick colour carefully](https://www.dulux.co.nz/inspiration/popular-outside-schemes) and don’t be afraid to [ask the experts in store for advice](https://www.dulux.co.nz/store-locator).

  Dulux say the sheen level can change the colour appearance, for example with a gloss finish, so consider that when choosing your paint test pots.

  Water-based paint dries darker, so give it time to dry before deciding.
- **Use good access equipment**A [scaffold tower](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders/scaffolding.md) or [scissor lift](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/access/scissor-lifts/408e-scissor-lift-4wd-battery-medium-deck-14m.md) will make working in sections easier and faster rather than climbing up and down a ladder.

  It’s also a lot safer as you can reach over without needing to keep your balance.
- **Check the forecast!**House painting in very hot temperatures can cause the paint to dry too quickly and that can cause an uneven finish. Equally really cold weather can stop paint drying properly. Paint areas out of the sun and where the sun will shine on after you have paintedOvercast days are good for visibility.

  *Professional tip! Dulux recommends 10-25 degree weather is best for house painting.* *You can get products that are suitable for exterior house painting in cooler climates such as* [*Dulux Weathershield Winterlock*](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/51604912)*.* *Dulux also recommends house washing yearly using* [*Dulux House Wash*](https://www.dulux.co.nz/products/details/97265004) *to keep the paint in good condition. Use with a* [*sprayer backpack from Hirepool*](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/landscaping-equipment-other/412h-sprayer-backpack-hand-operated.md)

## Ready to paint?

[Hire the equipment you need](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation.md) for your exterior house painting and DIY projects

Check out the [Inspiration](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/inspiration.md) page for more ideas. Visit us [in store](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md) or [online](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/index.md) to see our full range of gear to help you get the job done.

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-professionally-paint-your-exterior-house