Prep is 80% of a great job
Clean, scrape, sand, patch, and prime — skipping prep shows through in a year.
- Pressure wash exterior before painting
- Caulk gaps and cracks after prep
- Cover landscaping and protect floors inside
Interior paint choices
Flat hides imperfections; satin and eggshell suit walls; semi-gloss for trim and kitchens.
- Low-VOC paints reduce odor
- Primer blocks stains and evens porosity
- Two coats on bold color changes
Exterior paint and climate
Acrylic latex exteriors flex with temperature. Paint in mild, dry weather.
- Avoid painting in direct hot sun or before rain
- Spray vs brush-roll — pros use both
- Lead paint precautions in pre-1978 homes
Color and curb appeal
Neutral bodies with contrasting trim sell well. Test large swatches in different light.
- Coordinate with roof and hardscape tones
- HOA palettes may restrict choices
- Front door color as an accent
DIY vs professional
DIY saves labor on interiors; exteriors and tall peaks often need pros with insurance and equipment.
- Get written scope: wash, scrape, prime, coats, and site cleanup
- Ask for workmanship years separately from the paint brand’s film warranty
- For two-story and peak work, require insurance and a lift plan — not a ladder-only bid
Sheen and prep beat the color chip
Kitchens and baths want a washable sheen; ceilings usually do not. Exterior paint over chalky acrylic without a real wash and primer fails in a season. Test a card on the siding in afternoon sun. Lead-safe work on old exteriors is a different price and a different crew.
- Caulk and scrape are the job; the topcoat is the last day
- Doors and trim in a different sheen hide fingerprints
- A two-story peak is a lift and insurance conversation, not a Saturday ladder