Avoid unsightly drips, cracked finishes and even physical injury with some good painterly sense.
 
There's an "order of business" in exterior painting that will help your  project run more smoothly.
 
Follow the weather. Stay abreast of the forecast and avoid stormy weather—rain can ruin a fresh coat of paint. And avoid painting when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. F

Work in sections. As suggested under “Pre-Prep Like a Pro,” prep and prime your house in sections to avoid moisture ruining the results.

Start in the shade. Begin on the side of the house that is the least exposed to sunlight. In direct sunlight paint will dry faster than appropriate, producing blistering and lap marks.

Top to bottom. Start at the roof and work your way down to minimize touchups. However, if you want gutters and eaves to match the color of your siding, paint them first.

Plan your ladder moves. Map out your moves systematically in increments that allow you to complete sections in a timely fashion.    

Clapboard surfaces. Work top to bottom, but paint each board from left to right (if you are right-handed) or right to left (if you’re left-handed). Start by painting the area where the to boards meet and force paint up under the pal with the narrow side of the brush. Use the flat side of your brush to coat the surface of the board.