There’s one thing you can count on in a New Orleans summer — the blazing sun bringing hot temps and long days. As our homes take a beating from the sun’s relentless rays, it may be a good time to check up on one of its most protective measures: exterior paint. This season, we’re asking experts what we need to know about painting a home — the process, the products, the dos and don’ts.
Do you remember the last time your home received a fresh coat? Perhaps you’re noticing some peeling, cracking, or fading. Is your paint a completely different color beneath its shutters? Oops — you’re overdue.
“Often, the clues are more subtle,” says Adam Broussard, owner of That 1 Painter New Orleans. “If your exterior has lost its vibrancy and shows signs of mildew, chalky residue, or water stains, the paint’s protective barrier will likely have worn away.”
That protective barrier is important. It protects your home from the elements, a necessary measure in New Orleans’ humid, storm-prone climate. The number of years between paint jobs can vary widely, and experts say it all depends on the quality of the previous paint job and the home’s location. How much light does the home receive? Is it near the salty air of the lake? Various factors can contribute to a home needing new paint anywhere from as low as every five years to up to every twelve years.
“Paying a good contractor a fair amount will help you avoid a repaint sooner than you would like,” says Brett Larrabee, owner of Richard’s Painting of New Orleans. “We are often called to recently completed jobs by low-bidding contractors that need to be completely redone because they used the wrong or substandard paint, did not apply enough coats, or did not prepare the surfaces properly.”
Power-washing is part of the preparation process, and this (or soft-washing) can also be done by homeowners to remove the mildew, dirt, algae, and other organisms that erode paint over time. Preparation also includes addressing damaged areas: replacing cracked wood, removing loose/peeling paint, and replacing loose caulk. Finally, priming new or repaired wood is essential for new paint adhesion and a smooth finish.
“Start by deciding what you want painted and what outcome you’re after — whether it’s a complete refresh, prep for resale, or addressing problem areas,” says Broussard. “We recommend getting a detailed, written estimate that includes the scope of work, prep, paint type, and number of coats.”
Some paint companies — like That 1 Painter and Richard’s Painting — are licensed general or home improvement contractors, which enables them to repair issues they uncover in the preparation process. According to these experts, a good contractor will help you prepare your home.
Your next important consideration is paint. How do you know what to buy and budget for?
“There is good, better, and best at all brands,” says Larrabee. “Always ask for the premium paint and make sure that the type of paint used is for the specific surface you are painting. Wood takes a different type of paint than stucco or brick, etc.”
According to Broussard, high-quality acrylic latex paints are the go-to for exteriors at That 1 Painter. “They’re breathable, mildew-resistant, and flexible enough to handle New Orleans’ weather swings. For stucco or masonry, we may recommend elastomeric paint for its ability to bridge hairline cracks.”
If you have a brick home, Broussard recommends mineral paint, especially for older or historic homes. It allows the brick to breathe, which is critical in humid climates, bonds with the material, and ages beautifully without compromising the integrity of the brick.
Experts agree that lower-cost paints seem appealing, but they inevitably require more coats and touch-ups. Premium products are a must-have in this climate. If your paint estimate is too low, experts say that your contractor is likely cutting corners either in prep work or paint. Larrabee says to trust experience, portfolio, and previous customer recommendations — do your research on your painter to make sure they have the necessary licenses, insurance, and a good reputation. Depending on the size and condition of your home, Larrabee says an exterior paint job should cost anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 give or take.
According to Broussard, a complete exterior repaint can take anywhere from three to seven days, sometimes longer depending on prep and weather delays. For a historic home or a home with repair needs, he says to allot up to a couple of weeks or more. Experts agree that spring and fall are ideal times to repaint in New Orleans (thanks to low humidity and moderate temperatures) but painting can generally happen year-round.
“Choosing the right professional means you don’t have to manage subcontractors or stress over missed details,” says Broussard. “A great paint job goes far beyond color — it’s about protection, longevity and peace of mind.”
