How to Properly Prepare Your Home for Exterior Painting

When it comes to refreshing your home, we’ll never underestimate the power of a crisp, clean coat of exterior paint! But after decades in this business, trust us when we say, preparation matters! Before that first brushstroke hits your siding, properly preparing your house for painting exterior surfaces is key to achieving long-lasting, high-quality results. Let’s dive in!

Why Exterior House Paint Prep Matters

Painting a house exterior isn’t just about improving curb appeal. It’s about protection, too. Your paint serves as a barrier against weather, moisture, and pests. We only use the highest quality paint and materials, but even the best paint won’t stick well to dirty, peeling, or damaged surfaces. With the right prep work, your new paint will bond effectively, look smooth, and last for years. Cutting corners during this stage can lead to frustrating eyesores like chipping, bubbling, and premature wear—wasting your time and money.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prep Exterior for Painting

1. Inspect and Plan

Before getting started, you have to see what you’re working with. Walk around your home’s exterior, keeping an eye out for signs of mold, mildew, wood rot, or peeling paint. Create a checklist of areas that need special attention. Having this to look back on will guide the rest of your prep work and help you gather the right supplies.

2. Wash the Exterior

The first physical step in prepping exterior for paint is a thorough cleaning. We’re not afraid of using some elbow grease! Use a pressure washer or garden hose with scrub brushes and detergent to remove dirt, cobwebs, mildew, and loose paint. You should allow time for surfaces to dry completely before moving forward—typically at least 24 hours.

3. Scrape and Sand

Now it’s time to take care of the texture! Once the house exterior is dry, you can remove flaking or peeling paint. Use a paint scraper or wire brush for large flakes, then follow up with sanding to smooth the surface. Give a little extra attention to areas with chipping or rough edges. This step helps create a clean canvas for your new paint.

4. Repair Damaged Surfaces

Exterior house paint prep isn’t complete without taking care of any damage. You’ll want to stock up on your trip to the neighborhood hardware store, for sure! Fill in cracks and holes with exterior-grade filler, patch damaged siding, and replace any rotting wood. Caulk gaps around windows, doors, and trim to improve insulation and prevent pesky moisture from getting in.

5. Protect the Surroundings

You may be in love with the color of paint you chose for your exterior, but that doesn’t mean you want it splashing everywhere! Cover landscaping, sidewalks, windows, and doors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to keep things tidy. Make sure to tape around the edges and trim to make sure the lines stay sharp. This preparation protects your home and garden from accidental drips and overspray.

6. Prime Where Necessary

Priming is a crucial part of preparing your house for painting exterior walls, especially on bare wood, repaired areas, or drastic color changes. A quality primer helps the topcoat adhere better and improves coverage, making your paint job more vibrant.

Can You Prep Your Home Yourself?

The answer is yes—but there are a few things to consider. Prepping a house for exterior painting is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and can even be risky. Climbing ladders, using power tools, and dealing with old, potentially lead-based paint requires caution and experience. If you’re not confident in your skills or don’t have the time, calling in a professional team like George Schneider Painting can save you a lot of hassle.

We handle every step of the process—from pressure washing and repairs to precise priming and painting. Our full-time, insured crew is trained in safety protocols and brings decades of experience to every job. We also use specialized equipment like bucket trucks so that we can access hard-to-reach with no problem!

Why Let George Schneider Painting Do the Prep Work for You

While knowing the steps to paint a house exterior is helpful, it doesn’t mean you need to do it all yourself. Choosing George Schneider Painting means choosing peace of mind. We take care of the prep, the painting, and the cleanup—so you don’t have to lift a finger.

With transparent pricing and a sharp eye for detail, our team makes the entire process simple and stress-free. Serving Blue Bell, Ambler, Horsham, and the Greater Philadelphia Area, we treat your home like it’s our own. And that means every surface is prepped and painted to perfection.

Ready to Refresh Your Home?

We want you to be excited about your home! Don’t let prep work stand between you and an exterior you’re proud of. Contact George Schneider Painting today for a free quote. Let our pros handle the hard work so you can enjoy the results. We can’t wait to speak with you!

Call now or fill out our online form to schedule your exterior painting consultation.