Painting your house’s exterior is a great way to boost curb appeal and protect your home from the elements. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of planning, you can achieve a professional-quality finish that lasts. This guide will walk you through each step, from preparation to final touches, ensuring your home looks fresh and stays protected.

Proper planning is key to a successful exterior paint job. Here are some must-dos:

Selecting a color and finish for your exterior can be challenging. Sherwin-Williams offers tools to help you digitally change the color of your home exterior, allowing you to visualize different shades before making a choice. 

What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior? 
Consider your home’s architectural style and the neighborhood’s look. Find inspiration here.

What Finish Is Best for Exterior Paint? 
Flat finishes work well on older homes, while semi-gloss is ideal for trim and doors.

Estimate the amount of paint required for the project. Generally, a gallon covers 250–400 square feet. Use our paint calculator to determine how many gallons of paint to paint a house exterior based on your home’s size.

Preparation is crucial for long-lasting results. Spend time on these steps to create a smooth, clean surface for painting.

Pressure-wash the house to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Allow at least 24–48 hours for the house to dry before painting. For tips, visit our Exterior Paint Prep page.

If the existing paint is peeling or cracked, remove it with a scraper or a paint stripper. For brick surfaces, follow specific instructions on how to remove paint from brick exterior to avoid damaging the material.

Inspect the exterior for any cracks or damaged areas. Fill holes and cracks with exterior-grade filler, and sand rough spots to create an even surface. Apply an exterior primer on bare wood, brick, or stucco to improve paint adhesion.

Selecting the right products for your exterior is key for durability and protection.

Choose a high-quality exterior paint like Sherwin-Williams Duration^® Exterior Acrylic Latex for long-lasting results.

What Type of Exterior Paint Finish Should I Choose?
Satin or semi-gloss works best on trim and doors, while flat finishes can be used on large wall surfaces.

Stock up on essential home painting supplies for the job, including:

• Exterior Paint
  
• Exterior Primer
• Sandpaper
• Paint sprayer or high-quality brushes and rollers
• Painter’s tape for masking edges
• Drop cloths to protect plants and surfaces
• Paint trays
• A sturdy ladder for high areas

Painting trim, shutters, and doors first prevents accidental drips on freshly painted walls.

Use a small brush for precise edges on trim and shutters. Consider painting walls and trim the same color or using contrasting colors for a defined look. For vinyl windows, ensure that you’re using paint suited for vinyl.

Can You Paint Exterior Vinyl Windows?
Yes, but use paint specifically formulated for vinyl surfaces, like Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe^™.

How to Paint Exterior Shutters:
Remove shutters if possible, and clean, sand, and paint them on a flat surface.

For wood or metal doors, choose a durable, high-gloss finish for weather resistance. See how to paint exterior doors here. 

Once the trim and doors are done, you can focus on painting the exterior walls.

Work from the top of the house downwards to catch any drips or runs. Use a roller for large, flat areas and a brush for edges.

How Many Coats of Paint Are Needed?
For best results, apply two coats of paint. The first coat should be fully dry before applying the second. Depending on the climate, how long exterior paint takes to dry can vary, but generally, allow 4–6 hours between coats.

Temperature and Weather Conditions
Painting in optimal weather conditions improves the paint’s longevity. Avoid painting when temperatures are below 50°F or above 90°F. See more exterior painting tips here.

After painting, remove painter’s tape, clean brushes, and dispose of materials safely.

Take off painter’s tape once the paint is dry to the touch, which typically takes about an hour. Clean your brushes, rollers, and other tools thoroughly for future use.

How Long Does Exterior Paint Last?
Exterior paint may last between 7–10 years, depending on climate, surface material, and quality of paint used. A high-quality paint like Emerald^® Exterior Acrylic Latex can extend the lifespan and maintain your home’s appearance longer.