Whether you're moving or simply want to update the look of your home, painting its exterior will greatly enhance its overall appearance. A fresh coating of paint will make the home look more enticing to prospective buyers if its on the market. It can also make your current home look more appealing and updated if you'd like to move but aren't able to. 

You can hire professional painters to get the job done for you, or if you have the time and equipment, such as a tall ladder, you can take on the task yourself. Although the process may take an entire weekend or more, it may save you hundreds of dollars, which you can invest in other areas of your home, such as a new roof or fencing. 

One way to make the paint job go smoother and ensure a good end result is by preparing the exterior before you even pull out the brushes. Although it may take a bit more time, effort, and planning, the pay-off in the end may be big and ensure a more professional-looking paint application. 

Here are some more tips for preparing your home for an exterior paint job:

1. Prepare the Ground 

When painting day arrives, cover the ground around your home to protect it from fresh paint, paint chips, harsh chemicals, and other types of debris. Spread large tarps out all around your home and over bushes and shrubbery as well. If you don't have enough to cover the area, you can move the tarps as you work around the house.

If you have any potted plants in the vicinity of the paint job, move them to another location. Drops of paint may kill delicate plants and flowers.

2. Tape Off Areas 

If there are any areas that you don't want painted, use painter's tape to protect them. Some areas and objects include the trim, around windows and shutters, exterior electrical outlets, and utility heads. 

3. Clean the Exterior

The most crucial thing you can do prior to repainting your exterior is thoroughly wash it. You can use a lawn hose to spray down the paint, loosening and removing any dirt and loose paint chips in the process. For tougher jobs, use a bucket filled with a mild soapy solution and a long-handled scrub brush. You may also have to use a scraper to remove any cracking paint.

For dirtier exteriors, consider buying or renting a pressure washer. A heavy-duty cleaning job may be critical if the exterior has any mold or mildew, as the new paint won't adhere well to it. 

Contact a company like Bill Schneeberger Painting & Decorating, LLC to learn more.