YOUR home’s exterior requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition, so give it some TLC now to get it looking its best for summer.

The perfect conditions for decorating outside are dry, warm and overcast weather, as high temperatures can cause paint to blister. Like any decorating task, preparation usually takes much longer than the painting itself, but it’s essential for a good finish and to prolong the life of the redecoration.

It’s important not to cut corners with the quality of your tools and materials. You’ll need a range of different-sized brushes, preferably no-bristle-loss ones, as well as a long-pile exterior roller, or – if the walls are very rough – a 15cm-wide brush (you can get brushes designed for masonry paint).

You’ll also need masonry paint or exterior emulsion for the walls. Opt for products that are hard-wearing and quick-drying, have added ingredients such as fungicide to inhibit mould growth, and come with a guarantee.

New rendering and masonry with a chalky feel should be sealed with a stabilising solution before you do anything else. Before painting fill any cracks and holes with exterior filler, clean off any mould and use a wire brush on any rust and flaking paint.

Choose a quick-drying satinwood or gloss for the exterior metal and woodwork because you’ll get the job done in a fraction of the time it will take with oil-based paints.

Unlike the latter, quick-drying paints are water-based and so shouldn’t yellow over time, which is important if the paint is white.

Start by treating the knots in bare wood with knot-sealing solution, otherwise the resin could bleed through and spoil your paintwork.

That done, apply primer and undercoat (or the two combined). Again, it’s best to use a quick-drying product.

It’s a good idea to cover the garden adjoining the house with plastic dustsheets to protect it from paint splashes.

You may also want to mask off gutters, downpipes and woodwork when painting the walls.

Don’t forget to do the same to the surrounding walls when painting the metal and woodwork.

Seasonal task

May 25-31 was National BBQ Week. If you got into the spirit of things and realised how much you enjoy cooking outside, why not set yourself up for summer by building a brick barbecue in your garden? Consult a good DIY book or website for instructions.