How to Paint a House | DIY Exterior Painting Tips

Painting the exterior of your house is a big job, but if done right, it'll give a major boost to your curb appeal & add tremendous value to your home. Monica from The Weekender walks through each step of this project from start to beautiful finish.
Tools & Materials:
Ladder stabilizer - low.es/2M6HcAC
Werner 24' extension ladder - low.es/2X2C958
DeWalt 20V orbital sander - low.es/2WkoN73
Craftsman V20 finish nailer - low.es/2M7CYbN
Valspar exterior primer - low.es/2QgiXhA
Exterior paintable caulk - low.es/2EubwPh
Valspar Duramax trim paint - low.es/2JD4Qma
Valspar Duramax siding paint - low.es/2JBn9rX
Paint can hanging hook - low.es/2JAOESw
Copper wall lights - low.es/2JA6sgs
Indoor/outdoor ceiling fan - low.es/2JGI6Sr
Oil-based ceiling primer - low.es/2X4MfCC
Paint calculator - low.es/2HU4wMj
Colors:
Siding - "Chimney Smoke" (Valspar 4010-1)
Trim - "String of Pearls" (Valspar CI198)
Door - "Cashmere Pink" (Valspar CI119)
Ceiling - "Stone Mason Gray" (Valspar 4008-1)
Subscribe to Lowe's KZbin: bit.ly/1blLmvD or head to our channel: / lowes
For more ideas to improve your home, check out Lowe's How-To Library or our other social media channels:
Lowe's - www.lowes.com/h...
Facebook - / lowes
Twitter - / lowes
Pinterest - / lowes
Instagram - / loweshomeimprovement

[@wyndiefeatherstone948]

I am doing my house at this moment and it really can be a daunting job but made it look very doable if you just take your time and do not get frustrated. I last painted this house in 2007 when my father died along with my mother who was in her late 70's at the time and I was in my 50's. Now I am 71 and doing it alone this time. Thank you for all your input, your video is helpful.

[@MaysField]

Gosh I reallly appreciate how dedicated Lowes and Monica are. We can learn so much and it's so encouraging. This is a rough house and a big project but you guys make such a complete tutorial. A lot of KZbinrs would just pick the easiest project to film or do and you can barely learn as much

[@krisward7720]

I'm a painter I literally do almost exactly the same process as this video, great video and good detail.

[@beaubrummelmotorizedbicycles]

Here's a tip they left out, with all the peeling paint they had you must use a bonding primer on the peeling areas such as Peel Stop, Peel Bond, etc. It is a clear bonding primer that actually seals the edges of the peel spot to diminish future peeling. It actually works like glue. Once I found this product I would never paint a house that had peeling paint without it It will decrease your future peeling by as much as 95%. I'm surprised a Lowe's video left this out since they sell it. But, I've known pro painters that still don't use it and spend a lot of time doing customer service work going back to a house that keeps peeling sometimes with in months.

[@nowirehangers2815]

Still need to sand it tho?

[@c1rca23]

If you properly scrape, sand and and prime the wood, it’s most likely you don’t need the peel stop. However if you do a quick budget job and don’t remove all of the loose paint and sand to a smooth finish, it may be more helpful

[@wyndiefeatherstone948]

Thank you for that bit of information, I appreciate it!!

[@JB-rl4ik]

That’s why they don’t use it, so they are paid to keep going back 😂

[@MrVara411]

Great video! Thanks for using a challenging project as an example. It always drives me crazy when DIY videos use an easy project that never is as complicated as the real thing!

[@stephenpollard2662]

I thought this was very helpful. There are always critics but I thought it was very good for the first time DYI person. If you are a pro or experienced, you probably do not need to watch this video. I am going to have my college age daughter watch this and then this will be a summer father / daughter project. Can't wait to get started.

[@lowes]

Thanks Stephen...and that sounds like a great project for you two! Good luck!

[@rookzie]

I have been a DIY'r for many years, from my businesses to my home. This is the most detailed and best video walkthrough I've ever seen.

[@ernestgeorge862]

Great video Monica, I learned a lot considering I've painted a house three times. The first was my dad's house when I was 17 and had just graduated from high school. My own house I've painted twice before. It is a stucco house. It's been a good 20 or more years since I painted it last (we've lived here 43 years) and even though it still looks pretty good, I'm 70 now, so I need to paint it while I'm still young. Next time it needs paint I'll be dead. Thanks for all the good tips, I learned a few things.

[@bagelbytes69420]

Hope youre doing well and staying safe during these crazy times Ernest.

[@kathydunlap3715]

You are gonna live to be 120... Right? =)

[@KLuna-lp8dm]

🤣

[@stupidsnek]

:(

[@toyas400]

Wya Ernest?

[@elisabatheresia3230]

I’m not even planning to paint anything, but I watch and listen carefully what Monica said.

[@yushi911]

This is why I like brick and stone house. But it's beautiful once freshly paint! Good job!

[@fionafiona1146]

Depending on the insulation they provide exterior paint might still be advantageous... Not that Americans are expected to insulate well 😅. Not having wood warping with moisture changing is good too.

[@saulgoodman2018]

I hate painted bricks.

[@beautifuldayzee5942]

@@saulgoodman2018 - some bricks are really ugly though! 'Traditional' red bricks that are not 'perfect' though, yea, those types should NEVER be painted

[@ronemtae3468]

The stabilizing hardware placed on that ladder is an absolute must if you don’t work on ladders regularly you need this tool

[@jonplatz2929]

Dang, what a massive project. Looks awesome.

[@ellenwhittington5545]

So great thank you!! You have made it seem so simple and doable !!! Thanks for the instructions, my house isn’t that big and I’m going to save thousands and do it my self!! I’m a 50 single mom , always relying on ex for home projects - which never completed. I got this!

[@sumocupid8461]

She killed it! I’ve been a painter for quite a long time and she quite literally covered everything. I like the way the video is instructed aswell. For any beginner or DIY’er looking to do this, this is the best video to go off of.

[@kenrandall4753]

Watching this video made me feel better about painting my house and knowing that my house will have a lot of character.

[@KrisRD1306]

Haha I thought the ame thing, even if it looks raggidy I,ll just call it “character”

[@TriniLush7]

How did it go?

[@leahs.6780]

These videos are awesome, Lowe's. Thank you! I am ready to paint my house!

[@clairehudson3802]

Give us more Monica in the Weekender!!! Please!!!

[@imagesinla8575]

This video held my attention for the entire nineteen minutes and four seconds. Excellent!

[@olgasamchuk4593]

God, how much patience you have - to carry out such a volume of work! It looks great! Very fresh)

[@katrinawilliams9095]

Absolutely beautiful transformation. I’m going to Lowe’s this weekend to start our painting project. Thank you so much for the tutorial.

[@ladybee9921]

Do this for my house. These are amazing tips. Thanks, Monica. We love your work.

[@demmiehie]

Absolutely love the color and the door against the copper lighting! I also love the shingles tip!

[@annacabella6982]

Great Job! It looks like a newly built home and the tips are very helpful to someone who never painted before. Way to Go!

[@jt6661]

Great Video..!!!! The detail and instructions were awesome. This was a big job, but this video shows that it is possible. Thank you

[@yvonneboykin8760]

Awesome transformation and you've made me feel more secure that I can do it. Thank you!

[@tiarrab.8267]

🌸Wow!!!!! The finished product was amazing!!!!!💕 How many people actually worked on this project???? Just you two????😳

[@nobytes2]

Those jobs are done by a crew not two people lol

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

That is a *ton ton ton* of work! The result is amazing! The tips in this video are excellent! However, omg, let's be serious, that is sooooo much *prep work* !!!!! I can imagine staring at the before project being completely overwhelmed. Really you need a team crew to paint this! That whole house requires paint! Yikes! Up the ladder, down the ladder a zillion times! taping, cleaning, cleanup!!!!, it's all why I have huge respect for pro painters.

[@mjt9590]

Dayummmmmm... it looks elegant and majestic

[@elsolitarioangelito]

This type of house it will take 3 guys and 3 weeks around to be finished. And all 3 pro painters shingles are harder to paint with a brush between the gaps than with the airless. They make it look so easy. I liked all the colors it looks amazing, good job btw.

[@djb6496]

I'm sure behind the scenes there was a team of a dozen people working on this.

[@evervillalobos9446]

So? What’s your point?

[@matthewd4743]

this video is so well done. I actually feel like I know more than enough now. the host is excellent

[@tracyblack1509]

Holy Christopher, that is a huge job. Nice work. Yep, Im painting a one story house. I will not whine or complain!

[@lowes]

You can do it!

[@kimmychan1967]

Perfection...as always!!! I’m totally doing these colors for my house. I have the same shingle siding on the front of my house. 💙

[@dianastokes740]

Girl you are awesome! Being that high on a ladder is terrifying to me. I always enjoy every project you do.

[@jkj1459]

I like Monica and Monica seles , both are top professionals love from india

[@markmacaloi1977]

You are so amazing. I watched all of your projects and its awesome im from the Philippines 😭😭😭 how i wish for your creativity and magic

[@nancygross9422]

Wow, that paint job on that house looks amazing!

[@melissahunter2134]

This was right on time!!❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💁🏾

[@lakeshavallejo7889]

Great job! Great tips! Stay blessed!

[@nonameidonotwantmynametodi5804]

This transformation is beautiful and it looks great

[@TheTerminator1919]

Good Lord this is gonna take forever but appreciate the breakdown!

[@jeffmor02]

This video is so helpful. I have a paint project coming up and this video really inspired me. And the house you painted...the transformation is incredible, and the colors you chose were beautiful.

[@lowes]

We appreciate it Jeff, and know your project will come out great! 💙✨

[@hearinggodspeak707]

Super! Getting ready to paint a tiny house. Learned a lot. Thank you.

[@meganrussell12]

Good example… beautiful outcome🎉

[@juliuscastanostawagan3387]

I love the color gray and black it gives more personality

[@sylviaali1649]

Love the pink door too!

[@SF_Curious]

This girl has A LOT OF ENERGY last time I painted a house I couldn’t move for two weeks of the pain in both my arms and back!

[@deeferan7467]

Amazing color, just what i have in mind. Bring that house stand out from the other in that neighboor...im so obsessed.

[@jerry761007]

I really enjoyed this video, very informative and detailed, probably the best one I’ve seen.

[@Goose8219]

On the ladder situation he’s almost right but I’ll hold the rungs when climbing not the rails. Also the ratio for a ladder is 4:1 as in every four feet it goes up you give it one foot away from the wall.

[@volyb101]

Love the pro tips. They are going to save us a lot of frustration.

[@evacastillo3139]

This is such a good timing video for me I’m waiting for the weather to get better to paint my house and it’s going to be a diy work

[@nanetterode8100]

I love how this home came out.

[@megrizzo1385]

Monica miss you and the Weekender!!!!

[@malloryjohnson6192]

Her hair is so pretty!

[@codymcpherson5628]

Learned a lot about this project….to summarize, ain’t nobody got time for this. Hire a pro

[@Onlyonelivp]

😂😂😂 for real. This would take me MONTHS !

[@shataramcdonald2784]

😂😂😂😂

[@cynthiarutkowski5110]

Gorgeous! Great job explaining everything to do and why.

[@ronemtae3468]

Preparing to paint your house the most time-consuming part is replacing Rottenwood scraping off the old paint sanding replacing broken boards and of course caulking and priming painting really is about 30% of the actual work

[@candiepaxton5952]

Stunning! Thanks for the tips. I would've caulked before primer. Now I know!

[@riverraisin1]

A ladder stabilizer is a game changer when using an extension ladder. Without it you will feel like the ladder could shift at any minute and throw you off. With it, you will feel totally secure when working 15+ feet off the ground.

[@buddylove4089]

Only one word....Awesome.

[@mylynnj3792]

Looks great! The homeowners did very well on their color choices.

[@mariacastillo5787]

love the pink door

[@jesusherrera342]

I’m planning on painting my house. It’s 1/3 the size of this one in the video. I love the finished product.

[@seattlebeard]

I second her choice of painting with Duramax. I used it on my 1920 house, and it was the only paint that didn't peel off. I would avoid matte finish paint on a house, because it doesn't hold up to UV and rain as well as a slightly glossier finish.

[@mrsgalab920]

When does The Weekender come back? I miss it so much!

[@saulgoodman2018]

Never.

[@natalielawyerchick]

I don’t think it’s coming back either

[@gladyssanchez5928]

I wish they would. I wouldn't mind some outdoor projects.

[@asadshah78]

@@saulgoodman2018 Zain

[@MrOneJuan]

I miss Monica and the weekender soooo much 😭

[@awesometaxes]

I think I'll just hire my Uncle. Great tutorial and awesome work.

[@hugor6329]

That's an amazing tutorial. Thanks for a great tips. I'll do my next project base on what I have learn here. I am a rookie but I consider myself a quick learning

[@dogcomb47]

I like the pink door and the light gray ceiling.

[@tracybuford9243]

I love this color

[@jackieclark817]

Beautiful job 😍. Thanks for another great video Monica!

[@supanneeshrestha139]

This is my first time watching and listening to you. It is very helpful, good tips, and more details from you, thank you

[@christinemastorides6344]

Wow - you have inspired me!! THANK YOU!

[@pgadeb]

Nice tutorial; wish I had found this video before we painted our house. Halfway thru I realized it's easier to paint underneath each board first.

[@lindapassos]

Monica!!!!! When are you coming with The Weekender again? It's always nice to see your videos, you are so good at explaining things and make it look easy :-) Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!!! xx

[@elizabethgermanesolsen7057]

Im looking a video to help me how to paint a wood house, and i saw your video. So i watched it! And im going to watch more video about painting house, because somebody will hire me to paint their house haha

[@manny4686]

I love your hair came up so beautiful. Thank you for all those tips. This was a very good video I enjoyed it. 👍🇺🇸🙏🏼

[@sulanok]

Great job and so much work now I know why people pay for it to be done lol thanks for thr tutorial!

[@mschiltz1]

Nice tutorial and love the Rutgers hat!

[@lancer234567]

great job, great presentation!

[@CarolinvonPetzholdt]

Wonderful transformation

[@howardfinn9890]

sorry to be off topic but does anyone know of a method to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the password. I love any tricks you can offer me

[@finncallan1087]

@Howard Finn Instablaster ;)

[@howardfinn9890]

@Finn Callan Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@howardfinn9890]

@Finn Callan it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@finncallan1087]

@Howard Finn you are welcome :)

[@erinhensley4015]

Thank you- this video was a great first tutorial.

[@ericthegeologist]

Very nice video, clear instructions. Keep up the good work!

[@vikhes121]

Your information on this was the best. Now I have the tools to paint my house.

[@lisaschreiber2893]

absolutely stunning

[@lxsgoad]

Not trying to be a know it all but ...you shouldn't caulk the bottom edge of wood siding like she's telling you to do...it's not overlapped just for looks...those laps allow water and moisture to escape, as well as airflow into the siding to keep out mold and mildew. There is also no way that the caulking will move enough to allow the paint to stay in place when the siding expands and contracts.

[@vermarc1]

That,s right just as with sky lights, you have to give the water some were to go so the bottom end has a way for water to get out.

[@johnhisley3386]

Great job on the whole project, but I was always told not to completely seal the siding laps to let the house breathe and for moisture to wick away. Especially a much older home, 100 yrs plus since this is way before a vapor barrier was ever used. Great job great video beatiful job!!!😍😍😍

[@ellygarcia6986]

Totally! She is so I'll informed and only repeating what contractors are relaying. My contract friend... Is helping me out with this entire project! Don't you mean ALL of the project. Oh sorry I'll just hold the ladder!

[@johnsonraj9646]

What a fantastic job so proud of you 😍

[@akinigiri]

Hej hej hej Monica Hej pa dig Monica~ I love your shows!!! Keep them coming!

[@keeshm3601]

I’ll be painting my house this month 🤗

[@mjpmbombz88]

I missed you!!! -love from the Philippines 🙂

[@mahfeww]

Woah! I just discovered these Lowes videos. This is a very good instructional vid! I'll watch more

[@mostaza1464]

Beautiful outcome

[@americaneaglepainting187]

How many people and how many days did it take to complete all the painting on this house?

[@00godlovesus]

You're a legend thank you for the inspiration

[@michellelopez5264]

Omg love this!

[@zenrix8422]

thanks! very helpful and the house looks great

[@aprilis92]

Wow this was a lot of work.

[@TheTravelDiaries486]

Very good service thanks

[@mildredwest2541]

Great job, appreciate the how to's. ❤ the pink door.