How to Paint Exterior Walls and Walls with Graco Airless Guns

Suggested Tools and Equipment

• Graco, Magnum or TrueCoat paint sprayer ( visit the Paint Guns category page to compare models )
• Protective paints or lacquers (depending on surfaces)
• Spray nozzles: wider spray pattern for larger surfaces and narrow size for smaller surfaces (see nozzle selector )
• Empty buckets for priming sprayer and cleanup (two needed)
• Stir sticks or paint stirring tools (disposable, as you will not be able to reuse them)
• Paint strainer screen or cloth - helps prevent tip clogs and provides a better finish
• Tarps, drop cloths, or plastic sheeting
• Masking tape
• Touch-up brush
• Magnum tip extension (optional) - for hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder
• Pressure roller kit (optional)
• Additional airless hose sections if needed
• Pump Armor fluid storage (see Pump Guard product details)
• Cleaning rags
• Stiff nylon cleaning brushes.
• Safety and protective equipment: safety glasses, dust mask / respirator, paint mask or head covering hat.

Introduction and Surface Preparation

Before painting the exterior of a home, it is best to start by moving all outdoor furniture or any other items, such as a grill, away from the area to be sprayed. Leave plenty of room for your tools and equipment. Tape any edges and cover any surfaces you don't want to spray, such as windows or shrubbery, with plastic

Use a pressure washer and cleaning solution to wash the entire exterior surface, including eaves or soffits, to be painted. Allow the surface to dry for a considerable time.

Remove dirt, mildew or mold and scrape off peeling paint.

Repair any damaged siding, soffit or trim. Nail loose nails flush. Sand rough surfaces and seal gaps as needed.

Exterior Paint Spraying

Select the spray nozzle that best suits the paint you are using and the surface to be sprayed. Make sure the nozzle orifice size does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer (see nozzle information). If you are using paint from multiple containers, mix it in an empty 5-gallon container to ensure uniform color even if there are slight color differences between individual paint cans.

If you don't have a lot of experience spraying, choose a flat surface such as the side of the house or another area that is not easily seen to begin. Start at the top of the area and work your way down, spraying the eaves or underside of overhangs first. The direction in which you spray depends on the construction; as a general rule, spray wood beams, wood rafters or exposed boards, aiming the spray fan pattern to follow along.

Helpful Hint: When painting the eaves of the house, a tip extension is a useful accessory, as it will allow you to safely spray hard-to-reach areas or other overhangs of your stairway.

Work in sections only as far as you can comfortably reach, keeping the spray nozzle approximately 30cm from the surface. Spray the outside edges first, "fringing" the area to be sprayed. For inside corners, aim the spray nozzle directly into the corner so that the spray fan overlaps on both sides. Overlap your spray passes by 50%.

Once you have completed the eaves, spray the exterior walls. First cut around windows and doors and then spray the remaining flat areas, overlapping each pass by 50%.

Visit How to Use a Paint Sprayer: Spraying Techniques for more spraying tips.

Clean up

Allow the paint to dry for a considerable time before removing the tape from the trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.

Remove all shrubbery, bushes and plant coverings. Carefully remove all tape and plastic covering from window and door trim.

Replace any hardware, such as light fixtures, house numbers or shutters that you removed.

Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual for cleaning Power Flush with water-based materials or use the bucket cleaning method, if applicable. For more information, see the Power Flush video or refer to the Sprayer Operation Manual.

Return any other items (furniture, grill, etc.) to their proper place.

Safety Notice

Whenever operating spray equipment, take proper safety precautions, stay alert and be aware of potential hazards. Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses/goggles, spray sock (hood), hat, appropriate footwear, dust masks and respirators. Make sure there is adequate ventilation. If you are painting near appliances, turn them off (See Safety Precautions in the Sprayer Operation Manual). Always refer to the specific instructions and safety procedures for the spray equipment you are using.