Exterior Painting Prep Work — Why It Matters in Boston

Prep work is the part of exterior painting most homeowners don't see — but it's what determines whether your paint job looks great at year 3 or year 10. Here's exactly what proper exterior prep involves and why every step matters for Boston homes.

Pressure Washing

Everything starts with a full pressure wash. Mildew, algae, dirt, road grime, and chalking old paint all prevent new paint from bonding properly. We wash the entire exterior and let it dry for at least 24-48 hours before doing anything else. This step alone is what separates professional exterior painting from a DIY job that fails in two years.

Scraping and Sanding

Any paint that's loose, peeling, or bubbling gets scraped off. We feather the edges with sandpaper so there's no visible line where old paint ends and bare wood begins. This is physically demanding work that most painters rush. We don't.

Caulking

Every gap around windows, doors, trim, and penetrations gets caulked with paintable exterior caulk. These gaps are where water gets in and causes paint failure from behind — something we see constantly on poorly maintained Boston homes. Energy Star recommends sealing all penetrations not just for paint longevity but for energy efficiency — properly caulked windows reduce heating costs.

Priming

Bare wood always gets primed. Color changes and stain blocking may require a full prime coat. Oil-based primer on bare wood or problem areas, then latex topcoats. The right primer for the right situation — not one product applied everywhere regardless of conditions.