How to Prepare for Exterior Home Painting
A fresh coat of paint can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal and protect its surfaces from the elements. But before you open that first can of exterior paint, proper preparation is key. Without adequate preparation, even the best-quality paint can peel, blister, or fade prematurely.
In the Pacific Northwest, where the weather can shift from rainy to sunny within hours, thorough surface preparation becomes even more crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of properly preparing your Vancouver or Portland-area home for exterior painting.
Assess the Condition of Your Exterior
Before doing anything, walk around your home and carefully examine the exterior.
- Look for peeling or chipping paint
- Check for mildew or algae
- Identify any rotting or cracked siding, trim, or wood
- Take note of damaged caulking or warped boards
Take photos if necessary, especially if you’re working with a contractor. Knowing what needs attention helps create a realistic timeline and budget.
Clean the Surfaces Thoroughly
Dirt, mold, and old paint residue will prevent new paint from adhering properly. Start with a thorough cleaning:
- Use a garden hose and soft-bristle scrub brush with mild detergent for light grime
- For deeper cleaning, especially in shady or damp areas, use a pressure washer for power washing
- Add a mild solution of bleach (1 part bleach to 3 parts water) to remove mildew and algae
- Allow at least 24–48 hours for the surface to fully dry before painting
Tip: In the Vancouver-Portland area, allow extra dry time if it’s been particularly humid or rainy.
Scrape, Sand, and Remove Old Paint
Once the surface is dry:
- Use a paint scraper or wire brush to remove any loose or flaking paint
- Sand the edges to feather transitions between bare and painted areas
- Use an orbital sander for larger surfaces, being careful not to gouge wood
- If your home was built before 1978, test for lead paint and follow EPA safety protocols
Repair and Patch Where Needed
Prep is also your chance to fix structural and cosmetic issues:
- Replace any rotted wood, loose boards, or warped trim
- Fill small holes and cracks with wood filler or epoxy
- Apply high-quality exterior caulk around windows, door frames, and trim
- Allow all repairs and fillers to dry completely before priming
Protect Landscaping, Fixtures, and Windows
You don’t want to overspray on your hydrangeas or porch lights:
- Cover shrubs and flower beds with drop cloths
- Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to mask off windows, doors, and light fixtures
- Move patio furniture or grills away from the work area
- Don’t forget to remove or cover house numbers, mailboxes, and outdoor cameras
When and Why to Prime
Primer improves adhesion and helps paint last longer, especially in the Pacific Northwest where damp wood and porous surfaces are common.
Use primer when:
- You’ve scraped down to bare wood
- You’re covering stains or dark colors
- You’ve repaired or patched surfaces
- You’re switching from oil-based to latex paint
Select a high-quality exterior primer suitable for the surface type (e.g., wood, fiber cement, stucco).
Watch the Weather
In Vancouver and Portland, dry windows are precious and crucial for a successful paint job.
- Paint when temps are between 50°F and 85°F
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight to prevent premature drying and uneven coverage.
- Don’t paint if rain is expected within 24–48 hours
- High humidity can extend drying time and affect adhesion
Exterior Home Painting Services: Final Checklist Before You Paint
Make sure everything’s ready:
- The surfaces are completely clean and dry
- Old paint has been scraped or sanded
- Repairs and caulking are cured
- Primer is applied where needed
- Landscaping and fixtures are protected
- The weather looks dry for at least two days
Work With a Home Painting Company in Vancouver and Portland
Proper preparation isn’t the most glamorous part of painting your home or any exterior project, but it’s the most important. With the right prep, your paint job will look better, last longer, and protect your home more effectively against the Pacific Northwest’s rainy climate. Painting contractors consider it one of the most, if not the most important, aspects of painting exterior or interior parts of your home.
If you’re considering a professional touch, Amplified Renovations proudly serves homeowners throughout Vancouver, WA, and the Portland metro area. Work with a professional painting company near you that has years of experience and trusted results. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us take the hassle out of your next exterior painting project!
