If you're looking to boost your curb appeal, little does the trick as well as a fresh coat of paint. But painting your home takes careful planning and prep work. If you plan to tackle the task yourself rather than hiring a pro company, consider the following for easier painting.

Set aside enough time. Nothing will blow your paint job like not setting aside enough time. Of course, this will depend on the size of your house, but generally, an exterior job can be completed in three days, including prep and cleanup. Set aside a long weekend and get to it.

Pick your paint. Choosing the right type of paint is key. The two main types of exterior paint are water-based latex paint, and oil-based alkyd. Beginners might be best to go with latex, which cleans easier (just soap and water), remains fluid longer, and dries quickly.

Know your needs. Look into the differences between paints, and how they should be treated. For instance, if you choose an alkyd paint, which goes on smoother and shows less brush strokes, you will need a paint thinner for cleanup. Or, if you're painting a latex paint over existing alkyd paint, you're going to need a primer to make sure the paint goes on properly. Chat with a pro at your local paint store for tips.

Prep the exterior. Before you can paint, the face of your home needs to be paint-ready. This means cleaning it of all dirt, which is best done with a power washer. After the home is clean, sand off any spots where paint is flaking, fill any small surface holes or cracks with caulk, and prime any areas showing bare wood. While power washers can be rented, if not done properly, power washing can damage your home's exterior, so consider bringing in a professional if you're unsure.

Work from the top down. When painting, start from the top and move down, so you avoid ruining your prior work by dripping or smearing. It's best to start near the center and paint out.

Paint with the sun. A shady spot to paint will not only be more comfortable for you - it will lessen the chance of the sun drying your fresh paint prematurely, which can lead to cracking and flaking. If you can, plan your painting process when the sun is on the other side of the house. When the sun moves, paint the other portion of the house.

Never paint alone. Always enlist the help of a buddy when painting. This will ensure safety as you climb on ladders and scaffolding, and it will also give you an extra set of eyes so you don't miss a spot.

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