Skip to main content

FCI's Painting Blog

Exterior House Painting – Here are the Top 8 Things To Keep In Mind!

Exterior House Painting – Here are the Top 8 Things To Keep In Mind!

1: Work Around The Natural Elements

We’re sure it doesn’t come as a surprise that rain, humidity, and debris-carrying wind could potentially ruin a paint job if proper planning and precaution are not taken. To minimize the risks posed by mother nature, plan on starting your painting project during a time of year with mild weather, and don’t forget to check the forecast!

2: Buy High-Quality Paint

Bargain paint brands may tempt you with a lower price tag, and while it will take a sizeable quantity of paint to properly cover the exterior walls of most homes, we strongly advise buying paint based on quality rather than price! A better class of paint will last much longer, and that’s especially relevant for an exterior paint job where the surfaces will be put under the most strain. Plus, better paint will save you money in the long run by putting off the need to repaint by a margin of years!

3: Make Sure Your Surfaces are Ready

If the exterior surfaces of your home are dirty, or if the previous coat of paint is beginning to peal, be sure to wash, scrape, and sand before getting started. Depending on the state of your walls this could be a labor-intensive part of the job, but if you rush through it we guarantee you will regret it later!

4: Clear or Protect The Surrounding Area

Painting can be a messy job, and no matter how careful you are, uncovered furniture, outdoor appliances, and decorations are bound to get splattered or dripped on if you leave them unprotected near the surfaces you’re painting. Covering them up or moving them out of the way is a must. Be sure to use canvas or another suitable protective cover to prevent paint from splattering the ground as well.

5: Primer is A Must, One Way or Another

Primer has always been a necessity for a high-quality paint job. Nothing about that has changed, so be sure to factor priming into the job. However, depending on your case, a combination paint + primer may be able to get the job done just as well. But be sure to do your research on the product before diving in!

6: Combine Paint Cans Into A Larger Container

This is a secret that pros like the painters at FCI Painting Corp follow, but homeowners may not know about. To ensure the paint color matches across your entire project, it’s a good practice to combine smaller cans of paint into a larger container like a 5-gallon bucket. This is particularly important if you’ve purchased the paint on separate occasions (e.g. you ended up needing to go back for more paint after you made your initial purchase). As a bonus, this will make storing your paint easier with fewer containers to worry about.

7: Start From The Top!

This one feels like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many first-timers get it wrong! If you paint from the top down, you will be able to better control drips and eliminate streaking. Drips are all but inevitable, but working with gravity will allow you to smooth them out as you go.

8: Seal Your Cans Well to Save Your Paint

Paint cans can be frustrating to open and can be even more tricky to close. If you’re storing your paint in the original cans, using a rubber mallet to ensure a tight seal can mean the difference between fresh paint and a dry, crusty film forming on the top. Taking this step is important at the end of each day’s work, and it’s even more essential when you’ve finished the job and the paint is destined for long-term storage.

To Guarantee A Quality Job, Call The Pros!

These eight tips are enough to get you started, but be sure to do your research about proper painting tools and techniques that will best suit your job. And if it all feels like a bit much, feel free to call the pros! We have more than 25 years of experience helping southwest Florida homeowners and businesses with all of their painting needs and can be reached by our online contact form, or by giving us a call at (239) 435-1001.

Check Out Our Residential and Commercial Painting Galleries!

Take a look at our Residential and Commercial Painting Galleries for a preview of the exceptional work FCI Painting Corp provides for all of our clients. Click the links below to learn why we're the preferred Naples painters for the past 30 years!

6 Stars

The entire process from start to finish was professional. They did a great job and left everything clean. Ryan wouldn’t leave until everything was perfect. The entire team was so responsive. I would recommend FCI to anyone. I would give them 6 stars if I could.

Bruce G

Reasonably Priced & Very Detailed

We have a three unit, two story condo building that needed an exterior painting job we awarded to FCI Painting. Their proposal was reasonably priced and very detailed. Richard Foden’s came to estimate the job and took the time to explain the process, answer questions and provide recommendations (that help us in our process). We received four proposals and FCI’s stood out making our decision straight forward. FCI crew was professional and the foreman ‘Eduardo’ exceptional. On a daily basis’s he communicated what to expect, what they would be achieving and the crews next steps. Crew was courteous and cleaned up the grounds every evening. We highly recommend FCI Painting company. Thanks

Leo G

Incredible Service

I honestly cannot recommend this company enough. I was attempting to find painters in Naples while I was still in Canada. Richard and his team were so helpful in the process, going above and beyond what I could have ever imagined. They were thorough, professional, and one of the best prices I found in the area. Incredible service.

Jeremy S

Definitely Use Them Again

Richard and his team were great to work with. They were polite, cleaned up and did an awesome job! I have already recommended them to people and would definitely use them again.

Helen R

Ahead of schedule

Very professional, prompt… even ahead of schedule. I will always use them from now on.

Brittany K

Can’t Recommend FCI Painting enough

I can’t recommend FCI Painting enough! Owner Richard Foden runs one of the finest painting companies I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. When my business moved into our new office, we started researching painters in Naples, FL and FCI came highly recommended. The commercial painters that Richard works with are prompt, thorough and professional. After working with them in a business setting, I’ll be certain to give Richard a call next time I’m in need of house painters as well.

Martin V

Professional & Friendly

Had my condo painted by FCI Painting and they did an outstanding job! They were professional and friendly.

Eileen F

Competitive & Fair

FCI Painting did an outstanding job for us and we are more than pleased with the results. We found the pricing to be competitive and fair. Our painter, Chris, was an expert craftsman, patched several areas of drywall that needed attention and helped us work through a problem we had with one of the colors we chose. We would definitely recommend FCI painting for anyone looking for a quality job at a fair price.

Donna C

Way Above Expectation

Big thanks to FCI, I had them paint my house inside and out and they did a fantastic job, way above my expectations, there employees were punctual and polite, and the work was completed 2 days before the scheduled completion date. Would not hesitate to recommend A++++++++++

Neil S

Highly Suggest Their Work

FCI Painting did a fantastic job on my driveway. They were swift, neat, and very sharp eye on quality. I would highly suggest there work and I would call them again.

Tom D

Pleasure to Deal With

FCI did a great job painting our home! Job was done on time & on budget, no surprises! Rich was a pleasure to deal with & was very prompt when responding to a question or request. Chris, our painter, was on-time each day, always prepared, cleaned up every afternoon, worked at a good pace & super friendly. Would definitely use them again & recommend them highly!

Christine C

Always an Outstanding Job

My family has used FCI in our homes and businesses. They have always done an outstanding job, neat and clean and Richard is wonderful accommodating owner to work with. I would highly recommend this company to anyone.

Valerie G

Great Company, Great Results

Great Company, Great Results! We use FCI whenever we can!

Bill

Easy to Deal With

Pleasant and easy to deal with. Did exactly what they said they would, when they said they would do it. Would highly recommend.

Christopher G

Beautiful Work

Beautiful work and very friendly respectful employees. Couldn’t be happier.

Tiffany K

GET MORE TIME TO PAY WITH FCI'S FINANCING PLANS