Exterior Painting

Exterior House Painting Preparation Checklist

Updated September 2026

Exterior House Painting Preparation Checklist: the direct answer

Exterior painting preparation includes cleaning, scraping loose coating, sanding edges, repairing damaged surfaces, replacing failed caulk, priming exposed substrate, and protecting landscaping. This sequence removes adhesion problems before color is applied and is the main factor separating a durable exterior repaint from a short-term cosmetic coat.

Surface preparation

Clean contaminants, remove loose paint, smooth edges, repair damaged material, and prime bare areas.

Protection and cleanup

Cover plants, walkways, windows, fixtures, and entry points, then inspect the work before cleanup.

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