Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Tools

Materials and Tools:

power sprayer
edging brush
2-inch brush
exterior primer
exterior paint
household bleach
water
spray bottle
degreasing cleanser
120-grit sandpaper
exterior shutters
shutter tiebacks
power drill with bit
screws
screwdriver

Step 3: Add an Accent Wall and Crown Molding

Simple, regular updates can increase the value of your home.

Instead of repainting an entire room, paint one accent wall an eye-catching new color.

Tip: Accent wall should be focal wall behind sofa, large piece of furniture, or bed

Add crown molding for upscale look. Paint molding before installing.

Tip: To minimize cracks and gaps, cope interior corners rather than mitering them.

Step 4: Update Metal Rails and Fencing

Regularly paint exterior metal rails and fencing with rust-preventative paint.

One part bleach to three parts water will remove mildew and make paint last longer.

Tip: Spraying is quicker than brushing on paint

Step 5: Paint Exterior Shutters

Update your home's exterior with newly painted shutters.

Shutters are easier to paint if you remove them from wall. Start by rinsing shutters with garden hose. Thoroughly scrub shutters with degreasing cleanser.

Tip: To kill mildew, spray shutters with one part household bleach/three parts water.

Rinse shutters with plain water and let dry.

Lightly sand shutters with 120-grit sandpaper to help primer adhere. Prime shutters with exterior primer. Have paint clerk tint primer with shutter paint color.

Tip: Vinyl shutters don’t have to be primed, but primer will make paint last longer

Paint the shutters. Have your paint clerk add exterior mildew-cide to paint.

Painting shutters with power sprayer is easiest. To brush on paint, paint joints between louvers and frame, then louvers, then frame.

To finish the new look, install decorative shutter tiebacks.