DIY Outdoor Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide for Northern Utah Homes

Exterior Paint not only looks good it's essential to protect your home!

Thinking about refreshing your home’s exterior with a new coat of paint? Whether you're doing it yourself or considering hiring a professional painting company, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about DIY outdoor painting—with special tips for homes in Northern Utah.

Why Exterior Painting Matters

A well-done exterior paint job does more than just look great, it protects your home from the elements, prevents costly repairs, and boosts curb appeal. Whether you're painting siding, trim, fencing, or decks, the right preparation and materials can make all the difference.

Step 1: Plan Your Painting Project

Before diving in, determine:

• What surfaces need painting (siding, trim, doors, fences)

• The right type of exterior paint for those surfaces (We use Sherwin Williams)

• Color options that complement your home and neighborhood

If you're struggling to come up with the right colors for your home I would recommend talking to a color consultant. If you'd like to speak with the color consultant we use for our projects give us a call and we'll get you in touch.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a virtual paint color tool to preview your selections in real time.

Step 2: Prep the Surface Like a Pro

Proper prep work is crucial for any successful paint job—especially outdoors. Be sure to:

• Clean the surface (power wash or scrub)

• Repair cracks, peeling areas, or wood rot

• Scrape peeling paint to remove it from the wall

• Sand rough spots for smooth application

• Prime if you’re painting bare wood or changing colors

It's easy to get excited and start putting paint on before the prep is done, but doing good preparation is the difference between needing to paint in 10 years instead of 1. If you're not careful you may paint over something that actually needed to be repaired first which will cause much more headache in the future.

🛠️ This is where most DIYers run into trouble. Want to skip the prep? Our professional painters in Northern Utah can handle it for you!

Step 3: Choose Quality Tools & Materials

Invest in the right tools for a smoother project:

• Exterior-grade paint & primer

• Brushes, rollers, or paint sprayer

• Painter’s tape, drop cloths, and ladders

• Safety gear: gloves, goggles, and masks

Painting requires more than just the paint and a brush. Different tools do various jobs much better and when you're painting the entire exterior of a home, the amount of time you'll save by having the right tool for the job will more than makeup for the hassle of getting those tools.

🎯 Pro Tip: Use sprayers for broad areas and rollers/brushes for detail work.

Step 4: Paint in the Right Weather

Timing your project with the weather is key. Avoid painting if:

• It’s below 50°F or above 85°F

• Rain is in the 24–48 hour forecast

• It’s overly humid or windy

In northern Utah, the ideal season for exterior house painting is late spring through early fall. Fortunately, with Utah being a desert humidity isn't as much of a concern but you still need to be careful about the temperature outside. If it's either too hot or cold the paint won't properly adhere to the surface and will flake off much faster. During the summer painting in the morning or afternoon helps a lot as well as painting in the shade.

Step 5: Tips for Painting Homes in Northern Utah

Utah’s climate presents unique challenges—hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters can wreak havoc on low-quality paint jobs. Here’s how to paint smarter:

• Use UV-resistant and flexible exterior paint

• Paint during stable temperatures (usually May–September)

• Seal all cracks to prevent moisture damage

Utah's constantly fluctuating weather can seriously damage a home that isn't properly painted. Ensure you have the right materials for the job and be careful when applying the paint to not miss any spots where moisture can seep through.

🌄 Not sure what products work best in Utah? Elevate Paint Pros specializes in exterior painting for northern Utah homes and knows what holds up over time.

Step 6: Apply Paint Correctly

Start from the top and work down. Apply two coats for solid coverage, allowing full drying time between coats. Be patient and consistent with your technique to avoid drips and uneven coverage.

🎨 Want a flawless, streak-free look? Our professional exterior painting services deliver pro results without the DIY headache.

Step 7: Clean Up & Final Inspection

Once you're done:

• Clean all tools and brushes

• Dispose of or safely store leftover paint

• Walk around your home and check for touch-ups

• Admire your hard work!

Deciding to paint your exterior is not an easy task to take on by yourself but there's no denying the satisfaction of hard work turning into results. Be sure to take care of your tools properly so that when painting comes up again in the future you don't need to make unnecessary trips to the painting store.

When to Hire Professional Painters

DIY can be rewarding, but sometimes it's better (and safer) to call in the pros—especially if:

• Your home is multi-story

• You have limited time or equipment

• You want guaranteed, long-lasting results

• You're not confident in prep or paint technique

We’re proud to help homeowners across northern Utah from Ogden to Salt Lake City transform their properties with high-quality, weather-resistant paint jobs. From prep to final touch-up, our team handles every detail so you don’t have to.

📞 Ready for a fresh new look? Contact us today for a free estimate on exterior house painting in Northern Utah—and let’s bring your vision to life!

Need more home improvement tips?

Check out our Painting Tips Blog or follow us on Instagram for project inspiration and before-and-after shots.