You never have a second chance to make a first impression. First dates, job interviews, that first parent-teacher conference of the year (if Jeffrey hasn’t bitten someone, we’ll call it a win). The outside of a house is its first impression; whether you’re trying to sell your home or make that first date last a little longer, the “curb appeal” of your home begins with your exterior paint.

Painting your home can seem like a daunting task, and it is one of those chores that people love to put off. But everyone can agree that there is nothing quite like a freshly-painted house. With the following tips, you can lengthen the time between paintings and ensure your home makes a great first impression for years to come.

Prepare and Paint Properly


Paint is only as good as the surface to which it is applied. To make your exterior paint last as long as possible, be sure to prepare the surface properly by following these few steps. The key is to paint (or touch up paint) over as 1. clean, 2. dry and 3. level a surface as possible . This will help avoid chipping and bubbling in the short term, and give paint the best chance to last years to come. The following steps will ensure the best surface possible:

1. Cleaning the surface, using a power washer is very effective

2. Sanding the surface

3. Filling and leveling damaged or uneven area with wood fill

2. Keep the Surface Dry

As a rule, water is always a no-no for everything on a home. From wood trim, to windows, water damage is one of the main culprits for paint damage. And, we're not talking about rainfall. We're talking about consistent water deposits, pooling, or otherwise wet surfaces that are regularly exposed to water. When it comes to paint, long-term water exposure leads to many problems, including peeling, molding, bubbling, and overall erosion of paint curing. Here are a few tips:

Seal cracks and other water-friendly spaces, like windows and trim

Keep sprinkler water spray away from painted surfaces


Install gutters


Keep wooden surfaces treated (either with paint, stain or sealant) to avoid moisture penetration


3. Enhancing Your Paint

As oil-based paints have become less and less popular for many reasons, painters are discovering new ways to enhance latex-based paint to share the long-lasting and quality look and feel of Oil-Based paints. When choosing a paint, we suggest using two additives from our product line: Hard Coat and Dirt Repel.

Use Hard Coat

Hard Coat latex provides a tougher, more durable finish when added to latex paints. The technology is ceramic based, similar to ceramic based exterior paints. The technology uniquely suspends the ceramic particles throughout the latex paint with unique resins that “lock” the ceramic particles evenly throughout the applied paint. Most paints also hide and level better with the Hard Coat added at 16 ounces per gallon of paint. Adding Hard Coat will give your paint a longer lifespan, and will even improve its leveling.

Use Dirt Repel

Paint customers are always worried if these new latex paints will resists stains and shrug off dirt like the old oil based paints. With Dirt Repel, it's possible. Dirt Repel contains micro particles of a high-tech blend of protectants and resins that work together to resist water, dirt and common stains. The technology evenly distributes the dirt fighting particles and resins throughout the paint. The protection provided by Dirt Repel will not wear off due to weathering or oxidation of the paint giving your paint a key advantage over other paints for a long-term and beautiful paint job.

4. Repair Damaged Areas

The final step we'd suggest for keeping the life of your paint as long as possible is to repair damaged areas. Each year, scan over every nook and cranny to determine any damage. Repeat the previous steps for areas showing signs of chipping, or damaged paint. And for larger damages, like gashes, use wood fill, and paint again.

Note: Do not use two additives in the same paint. It will dilute the paint and cause problems. We suggest doing the first coat of paint with Hard Coat, then a second coat treated with Dirt Repel.

Let us know in the comments if you have any more steps for longer lasting exterior paint!