The end of summer, before the fall rains begin, is a good time to give the exterior of the old homestead a fresh coat of paint. Paint is best applied when temperatures are relatively mild.

Many folks think that a coat of paint should be applied only when a color change is desired. While color is a factor in the appearance and "curb appeal" of a home, a more important reason for painting is to safeguard the exterior from deterioration due to sun and rain. A fresh coat of paint will not only improve the home's appearance, it also will provide a protective shell to extend its lasting quality.

The most important element of painting is preparation. The balance is technique, paint quality and the tools used to apply the paint. Before the first drop of paint is applied, there are several steps that should be followed.

Dense shrubbery, vines and trees that come into contact with the home's exterior should be thinned. An alternative is to "tie back" the greenery drawing it away from the house, using twine and a couple of stakes. All shrubbery should be covered during the preparation and painting process to avoid damage. Use light canvas or plastic drop cloths. Never leave the drop cloths on the shrubbery overnight as this practice can inhibit "breathing," and result in damage.

The next step is to remove any loose, flaking paint and surface oils and debris that could prevent the new paint from sticking. One of the most effective ways for a do-it-yourselfer to accomplish this is by use of a power washer or "water blaster." This is not the spray nozzle that you attach to your garden hose. It is a power tool that can produce between 1,300 and 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi). It's similar to the water pressure produced by the wand at the neighborhood do-it-yourself car wash.

While traditionally a pressure washer was rented from a paint outlet or tool rental store, manufacturers, recognizing high consumer demand, are stocking home improvement centers with models designed for use by the do-it-yourselfer. All you need to do is to connect your garden hose to the pressure washer. If mildew is a problem, some pressure washers have a suction port that allows you to mix chlorine bleach with the water.

Be cautious when using a power washer. It can cut through wood siding like a saw blade. The right tip, the proper distance (10 to 12 inches) and constant movement are a must. Safety goggles, gloves, a ball cap and protective clothing help to prevent personal injury.

In addition to the power washer, professionals use heat guns, torches, sandblasters and chemical strippers to remove paint. We are reluctant to suggest these methods to the do-it-yourselfer due to the skill requirements.

For those living in older buildings that might be covered with paint that contains lead, we recommend that the building not be sanded. The dust created by sanding can create a health hazard. A professional using one of the alternative methods above (excluding sandblasting) is preferred. The chemical stripper is one of the safest and most effective products when lead is involved.

Once the exterior has been washed, and all chipped and peeling paint is removed, it's time to spackle and caulk. Voids and low spots should be filled with a high-quality exterior grade vinyl spackling compound. The material is best applied with a 4-inch putty knife. Once dry, it will require a light sanding followed by a second coat and a final sanding.

Cracks in siding, stucco and gaps in trim around windows and doors should be caulked with a paintable latex caulk that contains silicone.

Rust spots at gutters and downspouts should be scraped with a wire brush, wiped down with vinegar, caulked with a "liquid metal"-type caulking and primed with an oil-base primer. Bare wood and vinyl patch locations should also be primed with an oil-base primer.

One of the most user-friendly exterior house paints is latex. Latex paints are water base and can be cleaned with soap and water. What's more, a high-quality, 100 percent acrylic exterior grade latex paint offers high abrasion resistance and superior lasting quality. To get this you'll have to invest a bit more up front. Stay away from the $3 to $5 per gallon specials. Plan to spend in the neighborhood of $10 to $20 per gallon. High quality paint will save you in the long run.