10 Things You Must Know When Painting a House Exterior

Better quality paint means you will paint fewer times over the years, and you'll get better coverage when you do paint. Paint technology has improved dramatically in the past few years, with colors guaranteed to last longer than ever before. You may be tempted to save money up front with a cheaper brand, but you're bound to have trouble and eventually pay more in the long run.

Plan ahead when painting. The time of year is key, so consider seasonal weather patterns. Select a dry time of year when there is little rain, low humidity and is not extremely cold. Paint needs time to dry and will not adhere to surfaces that are damp.

Paint won't adhere very well to dirty or rough surfaces, so be sure to thoroughly clean the siding and trim, allow it to dry and then sand the rough surfaces. Be sure to sand (or scrape as needed) any peeling paint to create a solid surface for the paint to adhere.

Rotten wood and siding material are nearly worthless to paint, as they will do nothing but continue to deteriorate. You have a couple of options. Replace the siding or wood trim with new components, or in the case of small areas, use a wood hardener and match with an exterior filler product, such as a wood filler. Be sure to prep and sand either one prior to painting.