Steel and aluminum siding needs to be checked for rust. Also, if you are staining your wood siding instead of painting it, you’ll need to find what finish was used. Some types of paints and stains must be removed completely before a new paint or stain can be applied. But with proper preparation, siding of all types can be painted or stained.

The portion of any home’s exterior that takes the most prep is painting exterior siding. This is because to get siding ready to paint, you first need to pressure wash it. Pressure washing helps remove dirt, algae, and other build up, and will ensure that the paint adheres properly. When pressure washing, be sure to start at the top and move downward.

The next step to get your home’s exterior ready to paint is to make any necessary repairs. This could include things like adding epoxy to any holes and sanding it down once it is dry. You also should look for any loose paint and remove it. Keep an eye out for any gaps between the home and the trim and fill them with exterior caulk.

Once repairs are done, it’s time to prepare your painting area by covering any doors, windows, and fixtures that you don’t want painted. Plastic sheeting and painters tape works very well for this.

With everything masked off, it’s time to paint! If you are changing colors, you may need to start with a primer first. For best results, use a paint sprayer and paint from top to bottom, overlapping each stroke by 8 inches. Also, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the weather and the sun when you’re painting. You want to avoid rainy days, as it will wash away your new paint. While you’re painting, try to stay in the shade. The sun can change the color of your paint.

After your siding is painted, it's time to paint the trim around the windows, exterior doors, and the gutters. For these sections, you may find using a paintbrush to be the most precise approach. For most areas, you will most likely need two coats of paint, so plan accordingly! Once the paint is dry, step back and a dmire your beautiful home!