Tips for Painting and Decorating Outside Walls

If you are considering painting or decorating the exterior walls of your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. Painting or decorating the outside of your home can add personality and kerb appeal, but it is important to do it the right way so that the job lasts. Here are some tips for painting and decorating outside walls.
 
Painting outside walls can be time-consuming and tricky, so it's important to choose the right weather conditions before beginning work. Keep in mind that direct sunlight will dry the paint quickly, which can cause it to fade or even dry out. If you try painting when there is no cloud coverage, you could find your newly painted wall dries too quickly, causing the paint to crack.
 
The best time of day to paint outside walls can depend on your climate, but it's generally best to paint in the evening or early morning. Make sure that you are painting during dry conditions, because wet surfaces do not take paint well. It is important to prepare your outside walls before beginning work.
 
Remove any debris or dirt from the surface and give the walls a good scrubbing to remove any mould or mildew. Be sure to check the conditions before beginning work. Keep in mind that direct sunlight will dry the paint quickly, which can cause it to fade or even dry out.
 
If you try painting when there is no cloud coverage, you could find your paint is dry before you have a chance to finish. This can be avoided by painting during the morning or evening when there is cloud coverage from the sun overhead. Cooler temperatures will leave your paint drying quickly.
 
What paint do you use on outside walls?
The type of paint you should use on your outside walls depends on a few factors, such as climate and the material of the wall. In general, though, acrylic latex paint is a good choice for exterior painting because it is durable, weather-resistant, and easy to apply. It also comes in a wide range of colours to choose from.
 
Can I paint outside my wall?
Of course, the best way to paint outside walls is to not paint them at all – or rather, to put another covering on your exterior that matches your interior and won't cost you a fortune in paint. If that's not an option for you though, you can still get a good-looking finished product with careful planning and prep work.
 
Which colour is best for my outside wall?
Many people choose to paint their exterior walls a different colour than they do the interior. This can add some nice contrast and appeal, but you need to be sure that your chosen shade of paint is in line with industry standards for weather resistance and durability.
 
If these qualities aren't important to you, then go ahead and choose any colour you'd like. Just remember that you'll have to clean the walls more frequently and repairs will be a little harder to come by.
 
What colours can I use on my exterior?
If your goal is a classic look, you might want to consider using white or neutral tones, such as grey or cream. These lighter shades will brighten up your home's appearance while keeping things timeless. However, if you're aiming for a more modern aesthetic, brighter and bolder colours might be a better fit.
 
No matter what shade you choose, just make sure that it has been tested and certified for exterior use. You don't want your paint job to fade or chip away in the first rainstorm.
 
What kind of paint should I use?
There are a few different types of paint that can be used for exterior walls: latex, acrylic, and elastomeric. Latex is popular. It's affordable, easy to apply, and comes with a variety of finishes. Acrylic paint is slightly more expensive but is often used for smaller surfaces with a glossy finish. Elastomeric paint is probably the most expensive type of exterior paint, but it's also extremely durable against rain, hail, etc.
 
How do you prep exterior walls for painting?
To ensure your paint job stands the test of time, you should patch any holes or cracks in the walls. You can use filler or spackle for this. Painting outside walls also requires that you provide a solid, clean surface. If there is mildew or moss on the wall, it needs to be cleaned first before painting. Use bleach and a stiff brush to scrub it off.
 
Once the walls are clean and dry, you can begin painting. If you're using a roller, start in one corner and work your way across. Be sure to use even strokes and avoid leaving streaks. For best results, use a brush for the corners and around windows and doors.
 
Do you need to prime outside walls?
In most cases, the answer is no. However, if you're using a dark colour or a semi-transparent stain, you may want to prime them first. Primer will help the paint or stain adhere better and will give it a longer life.

Once the paint or stain is dry, you can add decorative details if desired.
 
What is a good long-lasting exterior paint?
Latex paints are usually the best choice for exterior applications. They resist moisture well, last a long time and never need to be reapplied.
 
Is it necessary to seal exterior walls before painting?
Latex paint is waterproof and seals itself as it dries, so exterior walls that have been painted with latex don't need to be sealed first. If you are using oil-based enamel paint, however, you must remove any grease or dirt before applying it. After applying the paint, you must seal it with a topcoat to prevent mildew and chipping.
 
What should you do if you're painting exterior walls for the first time?
If you're painting exterior walls for the first time, start by scraping and sanding any peeling paint. For walls covered in mould or mildew, use a bleach solution to clean before painting. Be sure to prime the surface before applying your topcoat.
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