What prep work do I need to do before starting an exterior painting project?
• Remove loose, flaking, chalky or blistered paint with a paint scraper, putty knife and wire brush. Loose paint can also be removed with a power washer. Sand the edges of the areas where paint has been removed to create a smooth surface. • Fill gouges or holes in wood siding with an exterior-grade patching compound. If damage is more extensive, replace the damaged piece(s) altogether. • Seal cracks, seams and gaps with paintable exterior caulk. • Clean the outside of the house from top to bottom. If you use soap, rinse the siding well. Allow the surface to dry. • Mask off areas that are not to be painted. You can put newspaper or plastic drop cloths over things like windows, doors, sidewalks and driveways to protect them from drips.
