How to Prepare to Paint Your Home's Exterior

Understand that because of weather, you must seal the outside of your house against water, as well as against wind, mildew, and general dampness and wear.

Estimate the amount of paint you'll need by multiplying the length of each wall by its height. Then add 25 to 30 percent. You'll use it. And what you don't use, you'll need as time goes by to do touch-ups. Each brand of paint will explain on the can how much it will cover.

Buy good paint. You generally get the quality you pay for - and price is how you know.

Get good, sturdy ladders. (You'll spend a lot of time on them). Make sure they're tall enough - you don't want to be teetering on the last step with a bucket full of paint.

Buy good brushes and rollers; ones used for exteriors are generally less delicately built and shaped than those used inside a house.

Buy plenty of sandpaper, scrapers, exterior-grade putty, and exterior-grade caulk.

Buy lots of masking tape and drop cloths to protect plants, walkways, cars, and your neighbor's property.

Consider using alkyd (such as oil-based) paint for exterior woodwork. It dries slowly and is harder to use, but it's a lot tougher. Use it especially on areas that get wear, like doors and their trim, banisters, and porches.