You’ve prepped. You’ve primed. Now, it’s time to reward yourself with a beautiful, durable topcoat. Start by checking out our tips on how to handle a brush or roller, then simply follow the application steps below.

Brush tips:

• Clear out any loose debris by striking the flat side of the brush against the palm of your hand. Dip the bottom 1/3 of the bristles into the paint and tap lightly on the side of the can. This should load your brush with the right amount of paint.
• Paint the underside of siding first, then follow immediately with strokes that cover the entire board.
• Always maintain a “wet edge”—in other words, paint from unpainted areas into wet, painted areas.
• If you’re using oil-based paint, drag your brush across the surface several times for a smooth finish; if you’re using latex, one or two strokes will do the job—anything more could leave brush marks.

Roller tips:

• A roller works best for surfaces such as masonry and stucco.
• Before using new roller covers, remove any excess lint by running a lint brush or masking tape over the cover.
• If using latex paint, lightly dampen the roller cover with water. This helps the new cover absorb the paint evenly.
• Pour a small amount of paint into a roller tray. Dip your roller into the paint and roll back and forth to remove excess paint.
• Roll the paint across the surface using even strokes.

1. Mix paint thoroughly.

• If you’ll be using multiple cans of paint in one area, mix them together in a 5-gallon container to assure uniform color.

2. Start painting.

• Choose your tools depending on the surface you’ll be painting. For concrete, stucco or brick, use a roller with a heavy nap or a paint sprayer. For aluminum, wood or vinyl siding, use a brush or a paint sprayer.
• The weather should be between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (unless you are using our Regency or Wonder-Shield products, which can be painted as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit) with low humidity, low wind and rain-free skies.
• Begin with the body of the house, and work from the top down. Use painter’s tape to mask windows and areas you won’t be painting.
• TIP: Start with the side of the house that is in the shade, and always try to paint with the shade. Painting in direct sunlight can cause paint to dry too quickly.

3. Paint windows, doors, and trim.

• Before you start painting windows, doors or trim, allow the walls to dry completely.

To paint windows:

1. Using a quality, angled sash brush, start painting on the interior side of the window.
2. Slide the window open.
3. Paint the inside sash first, followed by the outside sash and crossbars.
4. Finish with the frame and sill.
5. If any paint drips on the glass, remove it carefully with a razor blade.

To paint trim:

1. Tape off areas where the trim meets the wall and where the trim meets the floor.
2. Using a 1 ½- or 2- inch angled brush, paint the trim from the top of the home down. A sprayer can be used for detached shutters.

To paint doors:

1. Use a flat brush or small roller with a medium nap.
2. Since exterior doors are heavy and difficult to remove, you’ll probably paint them while they’re attached.
3. Work from the center of the door out, painting any carved edges and panels first, using an angled trim brush.
4. Finish the outside edges with a brush or roller.

Cleanup

• If you used latex paint, clean brushes and other tools using soap and warm water.  For oil, clean with an appropriate paint thinner following package directions.
• TIP: Ready to call it quits for the day? There’s no need to rinse brushes. Wrap the bristles with kitchen plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band.
• If possible, hang brushes from the handles and allow to dry.