Winter’s coming to an end, and spring’s on the horizon. For many homeowners, spring means more than listening to birds sing and planting new flowers – it also means taking care of all the exterior cleaning that was neglected during the winter. 

Spring cleaning may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but taking care of your house’s exterior paint can easily elevate your home’s value and aesthetic. That is, if you do it right (which includes using the right paint!). We’ve compiled our best spring house-painting tips so you can take your home to the next level.

KNOW THE WEATHER FORECAST

Exterior painting introduces a major variable to house-painting: weather. If it rains, you have to cover any exterior parts that aren’t dry or weather-proofed. If it’s humid, you need to know how your chosen paint brand interacts with humidity. And the list goes on. The point is, know what the weather will be like before you start painting. Try to aim for weather that’s not too hot or too cold, and find a window when rain or other adverse weather conditions probably won’t occur. 

KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Before you commit to painting your exterior, figure out precisely what you want to do. Survey your house and examine the following aspects:

1. Exterior: Check for peeling paint or cracks. These can cause rot due to moisture. If your house does have damage, like rot, you’ll need to repair it before you can start painting. Give your home a once-over for termites or other pests. If you notice that any parts of the exterior sound hollow or look like they’re infested, get an exterminator to check the property. 
2. Windows and doors: Check for air leaks and cracks. You’ll want to seal any gaps with caulk to prevent paint from getting in these areas. Additionally, check for discarded wings near windowsills – these can be a sign of termites. 
3. Wood decks: Check for cracks, chips or peels. Nails can pop out of decks during the winter due to the way cold weather makes wood expand and contract, so hammer down any loose nails. If you notice major structural problems, they’ll need to be repaired. 

MAKE SURE YOU PREP PROPERLY

Once you’ve surveyed the home and repaired any damage, it’s time to start painting. You need to prep your exterior properly:

• Clean the exterior. The easiest way to do this is by pressure-washing. However, it’s important to note that this method can damage certain exteriors. Research your home’s exterior type to find the cleaning method that’s best.
• Sand the outside. Sanding will remove any bumps or impurities on the exterior, allowing new paint to go on smoothly. Sanding the exterior will also give it more “grip,” allowing paint to adhere more easily. 

When you’re done prepping your home, it’s time to find the right painters (unless, of course, you want to paint your house yourself). No matter which route you choose, McCormick Paints is right for you! We’ve been providing high-quality exterior paints to our customers for almost 60 years – and we’d love to add you to that list! Explore our website to learn more.