Exterior Painting Cost: 7 Expensive Mistakes to Avoid

Are you planning to repaint your home’s exterior? Don’t let preventable mistakes drive up your expenses. Many homeowners underestimate the true cost of exterior painting, only to find themselves facing costly do-overs due to poor preparation, rash decisions, and incautious shortcuts.

We’ve seen it many times—a fresh coat of paint ruined due to poor planning and execution. Storm Guard, as the trusted partner for flawless, cost-effective painting results, we’ll walk you through seven common painting mistakes and show you how to avoid racking up the exterior painting cost.

Mistake #1: Skipping Surface Prep

Your mind is teeming with many ideas, and now you’re too excited that your surface prep is becoming inadequate. However, rushing through prep work can be a costly shortcut. Skipping surface prep can lead to chipping, peeling, bubbling, and a short-lived paint job.

Cleaning, sanding, and patching are essential to ensure a smooth, even finish. This meticulous process will enhance the paint’s adhesion and bring out the desired texture and beauty of your walls. Take the time to prep and you’ll be rewarded with a lasting paint job.

Mistake #2: Not Using Primer When Needed

You’ve slapped a fresh coat of paint, only to watch your masterpiece deteriorate. This left you wondering what went wrong. Here’s what you missed: priming. Skipping the primer can result in weak adhesion and uneven finish, particularly on raw wood, patched spots, or when making color changes.

The cost to repaint a house exterior can be substantial. And neglecting primer can lead to costly touch-ups or even a full repaint. To avoid this pitfall, consider using a paint with a built-in primer for convenience or a stain-blocking primer to tackle stubborn stains and uneven surfaces.

Mistake #3: Painting in the Wrong Weather

Extreme heat, humidity, or cold temperatures can compromise paint drying and performance. Painting at the wrong time of the year can lead to disappointing results, such as uneven finishes and premature paint fading. Even premium paints can fall short if applied in nonideal conditions.

To avoid unsatisfactory results, plan accordingly. Be sure to check the forecast before you start painting. Typically, the mild temperatures and low humidity during spring and fall are often the ideal weather conditions. Avoid racking up exterior painting costs by planning ahead of time.

Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Paint Type

Surprisingly, using interior paint for the home exterior is a common mistake. The wrong paint choice can lead to early peeling, chipping, or color fading, as exterior paints should be weather-resistant to protect your home’s surface. So, what’s the right choice for your home’s exterior? 

• Oil-Based Paint: Ideal for wood or metal home exterior; adheres well but takes longer to dry.
• Latex Paint: A versatile paint that dries fast, is less messy, and offers excellent water resistance.

Often, high-quality latex paint is the top choice for exterior paint projects. However, if you’re working with wood trim or metal surfaces, oil-based paint might be the better option. Always look for paint labeled with “exterior” and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper application.

Mistake #5: Poor Color Planning

Consider looking at your home as a whole. A color that clashes with your roof or trim color can result in an undesirable look, hurting your property’s resale value. Avoid this mistake! A careful plan and preparation to paint the exterior of the house is key. Here are some tips you can follow:

• Choose a color that complements your home’s style and neighborhood
• Always test colors in natural light before making a final decision

Touch-ups or early repaints rack up the cost to paint the house exterior. Take your time to choose a color that complements your home’s style and neighborhood. After all, your home’s exterior color is a significant factor in how people perceive your home, so make it count.

Mistake #6: Using Low-Quality Tools or Materials

We’ve all been tempted to buy cheap brushes, rollers, and tape just to save a few bucks. However, while you may be able to save at the outset, cutting costs might lead to streaks, drips, or fast wear that’ll have you repainting sooner than you’d expect.

Similarly, using substandard paints may seem cost-effective initially. However, they can fade or lose their sheen faster than premium ones. Investing in premium paints and high-quality tools can save you big in the long run by reducing the need for touch-ups and repaints. 

Mistake #7: Rushing the Job

Home exterior painting projects require great attention to detail. Sacrificing quality for speed can lead to sloppy results. When you try to rush the process, you might miss critical details like trim work, edges, or corners, resulting in a subpar finish.

When considering the cost to paint a house exterior, factor in the time and effort required to do it right. A job well done may take a lot of your time and effort. However, prioritizing quality workmanship over a speedy but sloppy job can save you from costly touch-ups and repaints down the line.

What These Mistakes Can Cost You

Home improvement project mistakes can have costly consequences, and exterior painting is no exception. Each mistake can add up to the expense. Some potential costs include:

• Premature repainting due to poor prep and application
• Expensive professional intervention to fix DIY errors
• Wasted paint and materials from mistakes

At Storm Guard, we understand the frustration and financial strain that comes with exterior painting mistakes. That’s why we’re here to help homeowners like you avoid these problems from the start. Our professional guidance can help homeowners like you to avoid these problems from the start, ensuring you’ll have a smooth and cost-effective painting process.

The Takeaway:

Don’t take exterior painting lightly. It’s a crucial investment that requires attention to detail and a well-thought-out approach. By avoiding common mistakes, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, on your exterior painting cost and ensure a beautifully painted home that lasts.

Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring a pro, smart prep and smart choices matter. Want to protect your painting investment? Contact Storm Guard for expert advice or a free quote to get the desired results without wasting time or money.