Tip #1: If you intend to store left over paint to touch up scrapes and smudges later, be sure to replace the lid tightly. Store the paint away from extreme heat, cold, or flame sources. Always keep paint out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure the paint lid is secured tightly and store the paint can upside down. The paint will create a seal around the lid preserving the paint quality.

Tip #2: Disposal of Painting Products. Most latex paint used by homeowners can be disposed of by pouring the left over paint you are trying to dispose of onto an absorbent material such as kitty litter. Allow the mixture to dry completely and dispose of it in your regular trash. Oil based paints need special handling, as do products such as paint thinners and strippers. Stains, wood preservatives, and turpentines also require special disposal. You can re-use thinner, turpentine, etc. Allow paint particles to settle to the bottom and then pour the clear liquid off into a separate clean container. When the left over residue has dried, you can dispose of this with your normal trash. You can help this drying process by adding kitty litter to the discarded left over paint particles. Many communities have special household hazardous collection days. When you are getting rid of solvent paint or paint removers and thinners, take them to these collection sites. Be very cautious in getting rid of aerosol spray paint containers as they are pressurized.

Tip #3: What to do before you begin painting. Fresh paint of neutral colors that blend with neighboring houses will be appreciated by your neighbors. Even a new trim color will add a new look to your home. Coordinating roof colors and exterior paint is also a nice touch. Many people will also blend their paint color to match brick and/or mortar joints. The most important step in painting any surface is surface preparation. Proper surface preparation will make your house look better longer and save time and money in years to come. Dirt and dust will not allow paint to adhere. Moisture and mildew may cause it to blister and peel. If needed, wash rust stains from nail heads and sand the surface. Fill nails and cracks with paintable exterior acrylic caulk. Never use silicone caulk. If the previous paint was a chalking type, you will need to wash the surface to remove the chalk. You may decide to use a primer, which binds the chalking to the substrate. Painting over a damp surface results in more mildew seeping through the new paint. Painting over a hot surface in direct sunlight causes blistering and peeling of the paint. Wait for decent weather conditions before attempting the task. Using top quality paint will give you more durability, flexibility, and color retention. The higher cost of the paint will be saved in the years to come as the paint job will last much longer. The higher the solid content of paint, the better the paint. Applying two coats of paint is strongly recommended. The second coat of paint doubles the life of the job and is far better than scraping five years later.