Painting the exterior of your Wilkes-Barre or Scranton PA home is one of the best ways to boost curb appeal and protect it from the elements. Especially the harsh frozen winters of higher elevations like White Haven or the Poconos. But if you’ve ever started an outdoor painting project and realized halfway through that things weren’t going as planned — you’re not alone.
Here in NEPA, we see homeowners make the same few mistakes when tackling exterior painting. A little preparation (and the right approach) can make all the difference between a paint job that lasts for years — and one that starts peeling before the next season.
At House Painting Direct, we’ve seen it all. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when painting your home’s exterior.
Exterior Painting Prep
Paint only sticks as well as the surface underneath. Dirt, mildew, and old, flaking paint can prevent new paint from bonding properly.
Always start by washing the exterior, scraping off loose paint, and sanding rough spots. This clears off all the old dirt that may have accumulated over a particularly long PA winter, or dusty summer. Then, apply primer before painting. Skipping this step might save you time now — but you’ll pay for it when the paint starts peeling next year.
Painting in the Wrong Weather
NEPA weather can be unpredictable, and that’s exactly why timing matters.
Paint doesn’t like extreme temperatures — too hot and it dries unevenly, too cold and it won’t cure properly. The sweet spot? Between 50°F and 85°F, with low humidity and no rain for at least 24 hours. Professional painters also have access to paints with a higher range of temperature ratings so that they can be applied at different times and last longer during those extreme winter months full of Noreasters and PA Blizzards.
Avoid painting in direct sunlight too — shade or overcast days are your friend. The can be especially useful to pay attention to in the cooler autumn months of PA.
Choosing the Wrong Paint or Finish
Applying the wrong type of paint or finish to your home’s exterior can lead to serious problems — especially in NEPA’s harsh weather conditions. Using an interior-grade or low-quality paint outdoors often results in peeling, fading, and moisture damage within just one season. Professional exterior painters in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Hazleton know which products are formulated to withstand sun, snow, and humidity — from flexible, weather-resistant coatings to mildew-resistant finishes for siding, trim, and decks. Choosing the right paint sheen, primer, and finish system ensures long-lasting color, better protection, and a clean, durable surface that keeps your home looking beautiful year after year.
Ignoring Cracks, Holes, and Moisture Damage
Proper prep work is the foundation of any lasting paint job — and that starts with repairing cracks, holes, and water-damaged areas before a single brush touches the surface. In Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Hazleton, where older homes often face shifting foundations and humid weather, even small imperfections can lead to peeling, bubbling, or mold growth if left untreated. Professional house painters in NEPA take time to fill gaps, seal joints, and dry out moisture spots to create a smooth, stable base that locks in paint and extends the life of your finish. Skipping this step may save a day now, but it can cost you years off your paint’s durability later.
Our Advice
Painting your home’s exterior isn’t just about looks — it’s about protecting your investment.
Take the time to clean, prep, and paint properly, or let professionals handle the job for you. At House Painting Direct, we use premium paints, proven prep techniques, and weather-tested methods to make sure your home stays beautiful and protected through every NEPA season.
Because out here, your home deserves more than just a quick coat — it deserves a paint job that lasts.