Exterior Paint Prep Checklist: The Hidden 70% of the Job

70% of a quality exterior paint job is prep. Painters who skip steps get callbacks within months — peeling, blistering, mildew. Here's the full checklist.

Week before

• Trim back vegetation 2–3 feet from the house
• Repair any damaged siding, fascia, or trim
• Check the forecast — need a 3-day dry window

Day 1: Wash and dry

• Power wash entire house (low pressure on wood)
• Treat mildew areas with bleach solution
• Allow 24 hours minimum to dry

Day 2: Scrape and sand

• Scrape all loose paint with a 5-in-1 tool
• Sand rough edges where scraping ended
• Wear an N95 — pre-1978 homes may have lead paint (test first)

Day 3: Caulk and prime

• Caulk gaps around windows, doors, trim joints (exterior-grade caulk)
• Prime all bare wood with exterior-grade primer
• Spot prime scraped areas

Day 4: Protect what you don't want painted

• Cover all plants with drop cloths or plastic
• Mask windows, doors, light fixtures with plastic + tape
• Cover walkways and driveways

Now you can paint

The actual painting takes 2–3 days. Two coats minimum on south-facing walls (which get the most UV damage). Paint when temperature is 50–85°F with low humidity.