How to Properly Paint Your Home's Exterior in Broward County

Materials Needed:

• Exterior flat or eggshell paint
• Exterior semigloss paint
• Pressure washer
• Paint sprayer
• Paintbrush
• Painter's tape
• Drop cloths
• Ladder
• Paint scraper
• Stain-blocking primer
• Epoxy filler
• Medium-grit sanding block
• Spackle knife
• Exterior caulk
• Caulk gun
• Plastic sheeting

Step 1: Pressure-Wash Walls

Broward County's humid climate can lead to dirt and dust buildup on your home's exterior. Start by using a pressure washer to clean the walls. Work from top to bottom in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by about 8 inches to ensure thorough cleaning.

Step 2: Repair Damaged Surfaces

Walk around your home and inspect for any damaged surfaces such as wood, masonry, metal, siding, or stucco. Use epoxy filler to repair any cracks or holes. Once the filler is dry, lightly sand the area with a medium-grit sanding block to create a smooth surface.

Step 3: Remove Loose Paint

Once the exterior is dry, inspect for any loose or chipped paint. Place drop cloths on the ground to catch debris, then use a paint scraper or medium-grit sanding block to remove any loose paint. 

Step 4: Caulk Trim

 Use exterior caulk and a caulk gun to fill any gaps between the house and trim around doors and windows. If your home has mixed materials, such as siding and brick, apply caulk along the surfaces where these materials meet to prevent moisture from getting in.

Step 5: Prime Stains

Look for any stains or visible wood knots on the exterior. Apply a coat of stain-blocking primer to these areas using a paintbrush. This will help ensure that the final paint job is even and long-lasting.

Step 6: Protect Doors, Windows, and Lights

Cover doors, windows, and lighting fixtures with plastic sheeting and painter's tape to protect them from paint splatters.

Step 7: Paint Exterior

Load your chosen flat or eggshell exterior paint color into a paint sprayer. Start from the top of the house and work your way down, applying one or two coats of paint as needed. Overlap each stroke by 8 inches to ensure even coverage. If you're changing the color significantly, consider starting with a coat of primer. 

Step 8: Paint Trim and Doors

 Once the main coat is dry, remove the plastic sheeting from doors, windows, and lighting fixtures. Use a paintbrush to apply two coats of exterior semigloss paint to the trim and doors for a polished finish.

Local Tips for Broward County Homeowners

• Weather Considerations: Broward County's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and high humidity. Check the weather forecast before you start painting to ensure you have a few dry days in a row.
• Hurricane Preparedness: If you're painting in the hurricane season, ensure that all repairs and paint jobs are completed well in advance to avoid damage from storms.
• Local Regulations: Be aware of any local regulations or homeowner association rules regarding exterior paint colors and finishes.