How to Paint a Mobile Home Like a Pro

Painting any type of home - including a mobile home - can seem like a daunting task, but it can actually be fun and not too difficult if you know how to do it right! Painting your home can increase its value and improve its curb appeal while also preserving the exterior of it, meaning there are plenty of good reasons to complete the job. 
 
If you’re looking to paint a mobile home like a pro, here are some things you should know. 
 
First, you should always clean your mobile home before painting it, as you want to get rid of any existing dirt and debris instead of painting over it because this could cause bumps, slight but noticeable discolorations, and paint chipping. While many choose to have their mobile homes power washed or professionally cleaned, this can get expensive. If you’re looking to preserve those funds, even just a rinse with soap and water can do the trick to prepare your home to be painted. Of course, you should also inspect your mobile home for rust or any other wear and tear that needs to be fixed first. 
 
Now for the fun part: You’ll need to pick the right paint color. Seeing as you literally have to look at your home every day, it is important to choose a color you enjoy that will fit your mobile home perfectly. Local home improvement stores typically have trained experts who can help you choose the best paint for your home and the materials it is built with. And of course you'll be sure to get enough paint to finish the job. Paint experts at the store will help you to determine how much paint you'll need to paint your mobile home.
 
Regardless what painting method you choose (more on that later), if you’re a newbie to home painting, you may wish to tape off doors and windows with masking tape. A paint job can require more touch than it initially looks like, so protecting your doors and windows from any splashes or drips of paint can save you from having a mess in the future. 
 
In general, there are three painting options to choose from when painting your mobile home like an expert. These include using a paintbrush/roller, an aerosol can, and an electric sprayer. 
 
Painting your mobile home with a paintbrush and rollers can be cost effective and should take a week or less, especially if you have other people helping you. Mobile homes normally require around five gallons of paint, and even though using this method takes longer, you can be sure your paint layers are even and uniform. Of course, rollers will be faster but brushes are best for fine details and any missed spots or touch-ups. 
 
Aerosol cans are another decent way to paint your mobile home, especially if your mobile home features metal siding. Rust-Oleum Enamel Spray is an extremely popular choice for this, but regardless what brand you use, you’ll likely need up to 40 cans of it to cover your whole house. Be sure to ask your local hardware store if they have what you need in stock beforehand; if not, they can order it for you. Using aerosol cans can be less accurate than painting with a brush or roller, but it saves a lot of time and can be completed in a few days. 
 
A third option painting pros would recommend is renting or buying an electric sprayer. This can exponentially cut down on the time it takes to paint your mobile home and, in many cases, can be done in just one day. As long as you have properly prepped the rest of the mobile home (e.g., taped off doors and windows), evenly applied sprays along the siding can have your home looking great. (Pro tip: Make sure you do this on a day with little to no wind!)
 
Overall, painting your mobile home doesn’t have to be another miserable house chore. With the right tools and plans, you can get your home looking great and beautiful again in a matter of days or less.