Wood Home Exterior Painting: Prepping

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a wood-sided house. But it’s what’s underneath the paint that can really count. Doing the right prep work will make your painting efforts last longer and look better.

Preparation

The prep work will help make your paint job a success. And taking the time to do it will pay off in the end. The five steps to the painting prep process include: scraping, cleaning, patching, masking and priming.

TIP: Before starting an exterior painting project, check the weather forecast. The prep work may take less than a day to complete, but make sure you can finish it before any rain falls.

Scraping

01 Refer to the Scraping Materials and Tools list for recommendations.

02 Remove all loose chips and paint around cracked surfaces with a putty knife or scraper. If you try to paint over these
areas the new coat may soon flake off and require repainting.

03 Sand the edges of the existing paint smooth with sandpaper. Ask a Lowe’s associate for the appropriate sandpaper for your house.

TIP: Remove any paint chips and old caulk from tight spaces around trim and windows with the corner of a putty knife or 5-in-1 tool.

04 Sand any glossy painted surfaces to ensure that the primer will adhere.

TIP: If the exterior of your home has metal components or trim, it may be easier to remove the old paint with a drill and brush attachment or paint remover.
CAUTION: Do not use a wire brush on wood because it may damage the surface.

Cleaning

01 Refer to the Cleaning Materials and Tools list for recommendations.

02 Visually inspect the exterior for algae, mildew and lichens—organisms that can grow on siding and damage the wood. If found, refer to the video and printable instructions on Wood Home Exterior Painting: Troubleshooting for specific recommendations on removal.

03 Remove any loose dust and debris with a broom or paint brush.

04 Wash the exterior siding with Trisodium Phosphate(TSP) and water, working from bottom to top of the surfaces.

05 Rinse the exterior siding with clean water, working from top to bottom.

TIP: Be careful spraying water around electrical outlets and accessories. Cover them with masking tape and a plastic bag, and turn off the appropriate circuit.

Patching

01 Refer to the Patching Materials and Tools list for recommendations.

02 Visually inspect the exterior siding for holes, divots or large cracks.

03 Remove dirt, debris and loose paint from holes and cracks.

04 Fill the holes and divots with a patching compound using a putty knife, scraping away excess for a smooth surface.

Fill any cracks with wood putty.

05 Allow the compound to dry following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

06 When dry, sand the filled area smooth with sandpaper.

07 Apply new caulk along seams around windows and trim.

TIP:A good rule is to apply caulk anywhere water could enter the home.

08 Verify that new caulk has dried to the touch before continuing.

Masking

01 Refer to the Masking Materials and Tools list for recommendations.

02 Tack plastic or paper sheeting in place over the window or door with painter’s tape.

03 Cut the sheeting to the size of the window or door with a utility knife.

04 Seal loose edges of the sheeting with additional tape.

05 Remove or cover lights and electrical outlets with plastic and tape.

06 Cover faucet spigots with plastic bags and seal with tape.

Priming

Priming is the application of a primer paint that seals the wood surface and allows the exterior paint to adhere better and last longer.

01 Refer to the Priming Materials and Tools list for recommendations.

02 Select a primer that meets the requirements of your home’s exterior surfaces, climate conditions and the paint type and color you will use. Ask a Lowe’s associate for a recommendation.

03 Apply the primer following the manufacturer’s recommendation, printed on the container. Most homeowners prefer to use brushes and rollers for primer application.

TIP: You don’t have to prime the entire surface. Just make sure you fully prime any areas where the original surface is exposed, any patched areas and all exposed nail and screw heads.

04 Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.

Prepping your home’s wood exterior will make the painting easier, and the paint will last longer. The steps to quality
exterior painting are available at Lowes.com/Videos.

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