How To Touch Up Your Exterior House Paint

Touching up exterior house paint can be a tricky business. Depending on how long ago your house was painted, touching up problem areas without extra care can lead to flashing (uneven sheen of paint). If your house was painted several years ago, even a careful touch-up job may result in flashing due to the aging of paint over time. If you're looking to touch up your home's exterior paint, it's important to inspect the condition of the paint and prepare the surface properly before applying any new paint. This includes scraping, sanding, and priming the areas where the paint is peeling or damaged. It's also important to consider the temperature and weather conditions when painting, as well as taking precautions if your house was built before 1978 and may contain lead paint.

Inspect your house's exterior for failing/peeling paint or cracked caulking

Inspecting your house's exterior for failing/peeling paint or cracked caulking is an important step in maintaining the health and appearance of your home. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

First, conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior, including the siding, trim, and flashing. Use a ladder to get a close look at the high peaks of your house, as these areas tend to be the most affected by sun exposure. Pay extra attention to the trim around garage doors and areas that are often exposed to standing water or snow banks. Look for any signs of paint failure, such as bubbling, peeling, or water damage.

Next, address any underlying issues that may be causing paint problems. For example, a leaking gutter, failed roof flashing, or a puncture in the asphalt roofing could be contributing to paint issues. It is important to fix these problems before proceeding with paint touch-ups to mitigate future repairs.

Additionally, check for any signs of water damage to the wood, bubbling paint, or areas that have been faded by direct sunlight. These issues can indicate moisture infiltration, which can lead to mould, mildew, and rot if left unaddressed. In some cases, you may need to hire a professional to assess and repair structural damage before proceeding with painting.

If you notice cracked or missing caulk, it is important to re-caulk and repaint the affected areas. Caulk seals the joints between surfaces but loses elasticity over time, so it is crucial to address this issue promptly.

During your inspection, take note of any loose or chipped paint. Set up a paint capture system, such as a tarp or drop cloth, to collect the flaking paint as you remove it. Wear gloves and a respirator or mask to protect yourself from lead paint, especially if your home was built before 1978. Slowly and carefully remove the flaking paint, and then sand the edges of the remaining paint to create a smooth transition.

By inspecting your house's exterior for failing/peeling paint or cracked caulking, you can identify areas that need touch-ups or repairs. This will help you maintain the curb appeal and protect your home from the elements.

Scrape, sand, prime, then repaint areas with peeling paint

Before you start any exterior painting, it's important to survey your home and take note of any areas where the paint may be failing, chipping, or flaking off. This will help you identify the areas that need to be touched up. It's also a good idea to address any underlying issues, such as a leaking gutter or failed roof flashing, as these can contribute to paint failure.

Once you've identified the areas with peeling paint, it's time to start the preparation process. Start by scraping off any flaking or peeling paint. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the underlying surface. If the area of flaking paint is large, it's a good idea to set up a paint capture system, such as a tarp or drop cloth, to catch the falling paint.

After scraping, you'll need to sand the edges of the remaining paint to smooth out the hard edges and create a seamless finish. Use sandpaper with a suitable grit size for the surface you're working on, and be careful not to oversand, as this can damage the wood.

Once the surface is properly prepared, it's time to prime the exposed areas. Apply a high-quality primer generously and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Finally, it's time to repaint the areas you've prepared. If the damage is only on part of a shingle or clapboard, be sure to repaint the entire piece to ensure a uniform finish. Apply two lighter coats of paint instead of one thicker coat for a cleaner finish and faster drying time.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your exterior paint touch-ups blend seamlessly with the existing paint and protect your home from the elements.

Use a sprayer, roller, or brush to touch up exterior doors

If you're looking to touch up the exterior paint on your doors, there are a few tools you can use to get the job done: a sprayer, a roller, or a brush. Here's a detailed guide on how to use each of these tools effectively:

Using a Sprayer for Exterior Doors

Paint sprayers are ideal for exterior painting projects as they are fast and can cover rough textures that rollers may struggle with. If you already own a paint sprayer, it can be a convenient option for touch-up work. However, it's important to note that sprayers require extensive preparation work, such as masking off areas you don't want to be painted. They can also be messy, so make sure to cover nearby windows, floors, and ceilings with film or a drop cloth. Paint sprayers work well when used in conjunction with a roller, a technique called back-rolling. One person sprays, while the other uses a dry brush to even out the coats and ensure better adhesion.

Using a Roller for Exterior Doors

Paint rollers are the default painting method for many DIY enthusiasts. They are flexible, cost-effective, and excellent for achieving a consistent paint finish with a minimum number of coats. When using a roller for touch-up work on exterior doors, make sure to choose the right roller cover and paint tray. This method allows for more leeway if the surface isn't perfectly clean. Additionally, you can easily pause and resume your project with a roller, which isn't as feasible with a sprayer.

Using a Brush for Exterior Doors

Although brushes are not mentioned as extensively as sprayers and rollers, they are still a viable option for touch-up work on exterior doors. Brushes are particularly useful when dealing with detail work that involves multiple colours. They are also more cost-effective than sprayers and can be paused and resumed without the same level of hassle as sprayers.

In conclusion, each of these tools has its advantages and disadvantages. Sprayer, rollers, and brushes can all be used effectively for touching up exterior doors, so the best method will depend on your personal preferences, the condition of the surface, and the amount of time and effort you're willing to invest in the project.

Match new paint with old, faded paint

Matching new paint with old, faded paint can be a challenging task, and it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve a perfect match. Here are some tips to help you get as close as possible:

• Determine the type of paint: Start by identifying whether the existing paint on your house is latex-based or oil-based. You can do this by lightly scrubbing an inconspicuous area with rubbing alcohol. If the paint comes off, it is latex-based; if it doesn't, it's oil-based. Knowing the type of paint will help you choose the appropriate products for the touch-up.
• Collect paint chips: Take a chip or sample of the old paint from a less visible area of your house. This will be useful for colour matching at the paint store.
• Consult a paint professional: Bring the paint chip or a photo of the colour to a paint professional. They can mix a matching paint in the same base (latex or oil) as your existing paint.
• Test the new paint: Before applying the new paint to the desired area, test it on another inconspicuous part of your house. This will allow you to see if the colour match is acceptable. Paint colours may appear different once applied due to factors such as lighting conditions, surrounding colours, and weather changes.
• Prepare the surface: Before applying the new paint, properly prepare the surface by scraping, sanding, cleaning, and priming the area. This will help ensure better adhesion and a more seamless finish.
• Consider repainting a larger area: Instead of touching up small spots, consider repainting an entire section or board. This will help blend the new paint with the old and reduce the appearance of any noticeable differences.
• Buff the new paint: If you are only painting a single panel or section and it looks noticeably different from the old paint, you can try buffing the surrounding panels to bring back the old paint's gloss and make the overall appearance more uniform.

Remember that it is challenging to achieve a perfect colour match, especially if the existing paint has faded over time. Be prepared to embrace a slightly different shade, and focus on selecting a colour that enhances the aesthetics of your home.

Consider DIY vs. hiring a professional painter

When it comes to touching up exterior house paint, you may be considering whether to do it yourself or hire a professional painter. There are several factors to think about when making this decision.

DIY Exterior House Painting

If you choose to paint your house exterior yourself, there are some benefits to this approach. Firstly, it can be a rewarding project that saves you money. DIY exterior painting is generally less expensive than hiring a professional, as you only need to cover the cost of materials and tools. You also have more control over how and when the job is done.

However, there are some challenges to consider. Exterior house painting is physically demanding and time-consuming, often requiring several days or even weeks to complete. It involves hard labour and significant time commitment. You will need to spend time on proper preparation, which can account for 30-50% of the total time spent on the project. Additionally, there are safety hazards to consider, as you will be spending a lot of time on a ladder. Unless you are an expert DIY painter, it may be difficult to achieve a professional-looking finish.

Hiring a Professional Painter

On the other hand, hiring a professional painter offers several advantages. Professional painters have the experience and expertise to get the job done right the first time and ensure a high-quality finish. They usually have top-notch equipment and can complete the work faster and more efficiently. This saves you time and provides peace of mind that the paint job will be done correctly.

However, hiring a professional painter can be more expensive than doing it yourself. The cost of labour for an exterior paint job can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size of your home. Additionally, you may need to consider factors such as the time since the last paint job and the quality of paint you select.

In conclusion, both DIY and hiring a professional painter have their pros and cons. If you have the time, physical ability, and confidence to take on the project yourself, DIY exterior house painting can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you want to ensure a high-quality, professional finish and save time, hiring a professional painter may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific circumstances, budget, and preferences.

Frequently asked questions