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Anybody who has participated in exterior house painting knows that the process takes a great deal of patience and attention to detail. Over the years, professional painters have offered many suggestions on how to do the best overall job on paint the outside of a home. What I have done here is compiled the top 5 suggestions and placed them in a comprehensive format for your review and implementation.

So let's take it from the top, shall we?

1. Preparation!

Now, this is an ideal that people have been trying to pound into our heads since we were youngsters. We have always been told to "Be Prepared!" It's a great idea, in theory; however, life does not always allow for preparation. In spite of life's quarrels, exterior house painting is one task that requires preparation in order to create a smooth operating procedure.

So, the point here is to make sure that you know what materials are going to be needed and have them all on hand and ready to go BEFORE you start your project.

2. Take it From the top

This probably sounds like an elementary tip but believe it or not, there are still people out there who seem to forget about that little thing called gravity.

If you are planning on your finished product looking professional and neat, then you will always want to start painting from the top of the wall and work your way down.

3. Don't Let the Brush Dry out

If you are anything like me, your favorite part of painting (or any work for that matter) is the breaks. I LOVE to take breaks. It makes the "work" part of the day go by so much faster because you have something to look forward to.

Now, when performing exterior house painting, you will need to prepare for your breaks. You will want to wrap your paint brushes to insure that they do not dry out. Your best (and cheapest) bet is to use a plastic grocery bag. Any plastic bag will do; however, I recommend a plastic grocery bag simply because most people have these laying around the house somewhere.

This keeps your paint brushes from drying out and will ultimately save you a lot of unnecessary hassle.

4. Water Based Pain = Easy Clean Up

Unless you plan on making yourself into a living piece of abstract art, then water based paint is going to be the safest route. Oil based paint works great.............if you are a professional and have years of experience in managing it. However, for novice painters, water based paint will keep you out of harms way. Water based paint washes out of clothing very easily and comes off of your skin with minimal effort. It also works just fine for exterior house painting purposes.

5. Patience is a Virtue

And last but not least, the timeless virtue of patience. As I have already mentioned, exterior house painting takes quite a bit of patience and attention to detail. If you are the ill-tempered type or become enraged very easily. It may be beneficial for you to hire a professional painting crew.

However, if you have the ability to monitor your temper and maintain a level head in frustrating conditions, then go into this process fully prepared to exercise your power of will. You are going to need all of the patience you can muster with this project.

And that's all she wrote! At least for now.................

Here you have the top 5 tips for carrying out a successful exterior house painting. I extend my best wishes to you in your upcoming endeavor and would strongly advise that you put the family counselor on notice; you may need a few counseling sessions to release your frustration.

Enjoy!