{"id":2425,"date":"2024-06-21T12:00:23","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T16:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/grandrapids\/?post_type=community&p=2425"},"modified":"2025-06-17T11:09:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T15:09:23","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-exterior-painting","status":"publish","type":"community","link":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/grandrapids\/community\/how-to-prepare-for-exterior-painting\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Prepare For Exterior Painting"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is nothing that gives a transformation quite like a new coat of paint on your home exterior. Choosing to DIY such a project means taking on a big job, yes, but you know the work will have been worth it when you look up to your sparkling home that looks new again! And if there are\u00a0signs that it is time for exterior painting, it is time to get the preparation stage started!<\/p>\n

To help make your exterior painting DIY process as easy as possible,\u00a0our team<\/a>\u00a0of experienced\u00a0exterior painters\u00a0created a simple, 4-step guide. By following these steps, your exterior painting job will look great\u00a0AND<\/b>\u00a0ensure lasting coverage!<\/p>\n

Step 1: Plan & Assess<\/h2>\n

\"paint<\/p>\n

Your first step to prepare for exterior painting begins long before you touch a paint brush or roller. You\u2019ll want to figure out the best time to paint your home and take a good look around your home exterior to see what you\u2019ll be working with.<\/p>\n

Weather:<\/b>\u00a0Ideally, you\u2019ll want to complete an exterior painting job during mild and dry weather. Late spring or early fall is best for most areas. There are plenty of\u00a0benefits for summer painting. Mainly, however, this time of the year should allow you to avoid rain complications or too much heat, which can cause the paint to not adhere to the walls as well and deteriorate at a faster rate.<\/p>\n

Lead:\u00a0<\/b>If you\u2019re unsure about the history of the paint currently on your home, it is a good idea to\u00a0test for lead paint<\/a>. This is especially important for homes built before 1978, when the\u00a0EPA banned lead paint<\/a>\u00a0for residences. If your home does have lead, you may want to contact a\u00a0EPA Lead Certified professional<\/a>\u00a0for their services.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Clean & Power Wash<\/h2>\n

\"power<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve planned your process, it is time to start getting the surfaces ready. Properly cleaning your home\u2019s exterior will make for a more uniform finish. If this step isn\u2019t done correctly, you could finish painting and have patchy or peeling paint really soon afterward!<\/p>\n

Cleaning:<\/b>\u00a0While you may be focusing on the walls and trim of your home, make sure you don\u2019t forget to clean off any smaller surfaces. Elements such as lights, railings, window sills, could likely use a good cleaning. Then, while you\u2019re at it, go ahead and cover them up so they don\u2019t get paint on them later!<\/p>\n

Power Washing:<\/b>\u00a0Use a fan-type nozzle to\u00a0power wash\u00a0your home. Run it over the main surfaces and pay special attention to areas where dirt tends to accumulate or stick. Make sure to give ample amount of time for your home to dry before applying any paint to the surface. The exact amount of time it will take for your home to dry will depend on humidity levels, but should be around a few days.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Repair & Replace<\/h2>\n

\"repairing<\/p>\n

After your home is squeaky clean, it\u2019s time for some hands-on work. Most of the time, our homes will have issues outside of cleanliness that need to be addressed. Peeling paint, cracked caulk, and wood rot are all common problems we encounter before exterior painting.\u00a0These should be addressed\u00a0before the paint is brought out. If you can\u2019t repair it, it is likely time to replace it.<\/p>\n