By Joy Gebarah, Owner of Kernvestors | More than 100 homes flipped
Painting the exterior of a home with a sprayer can save a great deal of time, but good results depend more on preparation than spraying technique. I’m Joy Gebarah, owner of Kernvestors, and after flipping more than 100 homes, I’ve learned that exterior painting is one of those projects where rushing the first steps usually creates more work later.
Before renting or purchasing a paint sprayer, inspect the exterior carefully. Look for peeling paint, cracked stucco, damaged siding, loose trim, mildew, and gaps around windows or doors. A fresh coat of paint will not hide damaged surfaces for long. Scrape away loose paint, repair cracks, replace deteriorated wood, and allow all repairs to dry before continuing.
Next, wash the exterior thoroughly. A pressure washer can remove dirt, chalky paint, dust, and cobwebs, but avoid holding the nozzle too close to stucco or siding. Water can damage the surface or get behind exterior materials. After washing, give the house at least one or two dry days before painting.
Masking is probably the most important part of spraying. Cover windows, doors, light fixtures, roofing, plants, concrete, and anything else you do not want painted. Use exterior painter’s tape, masking paper, plastic sheeting, and drop cloths. Wind can carry paint farther than expected, so vehicles and neighboring surfaces should also be protected.
Choose an exterior paint designed for your home’s material. Stucco, wood siding, brick, and metal may require different products or primers. Ask the paint supplier which spray tip and pressure setting work best for the paint you select. Always strain the paint before placing it in the sprayer.
Practice on a large piece of cardboard first. Hold the spray gun approximately 10 to 12 inches from the surface and keep it perpendicular to the wall. Move your arm steadily before pulling the trigger, then release the trigger before stopping your movement. Each pass should overlap the previous pass by roughly 50 percent.
Spray in manageable sections and avoid painting in strong wind, direct midday heat, or damp conditions. For the most consistent finish, one person can spray while another follows with a roller. This technique, called back-rolling, helps push paint into textured stucco and creates more even coverage.
Safety also matters. Wear protective glasses, gloves, old clothing, and a proper respirator. Use ladders cautiously, and never stretch sideways to reach an area. Reposition the ladder instead. Two-story homes or homes with difficult rooflines may be safer left to professionals.
At Kernvestors, we buy houses in Bakersfield and other cities in California, so I regularly see homes in every stage of maintenance. A company that specializes in buying houses in Bakersfield, CA, may purchase a property as-is. This can help someone sell a house fast in Bakersfield without taking on a major painting project.
Whether you decide to paint or leave the home as it is, understanding the process helps you make a more informed decision.