How to Prep a Home for Exterior Painting

There are several steps to take before painting the exterior of a home, and while they require some extra time, they are vital for a quality paint job. These preparations not only save money in the long run, but also protect property from damages and mistakes. Here is how to prep a home for exterior painting:

Step 1: Power Wash

The first step is to power wash all exterior surfaces being painted. This will remove the dirt and mildew from the home ensuring a nice clean surface for new paint to adhere to. Neglecting this step can cause paint failure and a poor final result. Once the home has been washed, it will need adequate time to dry. Paint, primer and caulk will not adhere to a damp exterior surface.

Step 2: Wood Repair

The second step is to replace any rotting wood with fresh and primed new pieces.  Inspect the home’s exterior for any soft or rotting wood that could get worse over time. Failing wood is the enemy of fresh paint, and these efforts will be pointless if bad wood is not identified and repaired before exterior painting.

Step 3: Cover All Surroundings

The third step is to cover all windows, driveways, sidewalks and patios–basically anything you don’t want paint on. Covering these areas is important to protect against accidental paint drips and spills. It is also important to protect all landscaping around the home. This process may include trimming back trees, bushes and other vegetation surrounding the exterior.

Step 4: Scrape Away Old Paint

The fourth step is to scrape away any and all loose paint. Once all the loose paint has been scraped away, ensure that exposed wood is primed. This will help the new paint adhere better and prevent failing paint in the future. Neglecting this step or failing to do it properly will affect the quality and lifespan of your exterior painting project.

Step 5: Caulk Exterior

The fifth and final step before applying any paint is to caulk all cracks and gaps around the exterior. This step will contribute to a clean and crisp paint job while also protecting the home against water and other elements that cause wood to rot. Proper caulking can help prevent the need for future wood repair.    

Consult an Expert

Now you should be ready to apply paint to the exterior! Our team at Elite Pro Painting takes pride in each step of this process, and we would be happy to assist you on your exterior paint project. Contact us for free quote!