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Painting the exterior of your home is a huge undertaking. There's a lot of surface area out there, and failing to properly prepare and cover each surface will result in paint that peels and flakes all too quickly. To do the job right, there are some simple steps to follow.

Evaluate the Condition of Your Home

• The south side is invariably the worst because of sun exposure. Run your hand over the siding. Is there a chalky residue? Then you must power wash the house. Acrylic paints will not adhere to the chalking. Power washing will also take care of dirt, mildew and some loose paint. They are inexpensive to rent.
  
• Check under eaves, along soffet and on the north side of your home for mildew. Generally, mildew won't grow where it's sunny, but it loves shady, moist spaces. Mildew will bleed through your new paint. To get rid of it, use a commercial mildew removal solution or a strong solution of bleach. You can also ask at the paint store about mildew-resistant paints or additives that can be used with any paint to kill mildew.
  
• With a screwdriver, poke at the trim to check for rotting wood. Any wood that remains damp for extended periods may rot. Check windowsills and doorsills, wood siding close to the ground and soffit that may get damp from water backing up in gutters. Replace anything that's rotted. Clean and align the gutters while you're there to remedy the problem.
  
• Take note of any rusted metal on your home.
  
• Carefully inspect any trim that's made of pine. Lower grades of pine will have knots that ooze sap. This must be sealed before you paint, or the sap will discolor the paint.
  
• Check for wasps, bats and squirrels. You don't want to have a close encounter with wildlife while you're up on a ladder.

Make a List of Work and Supplies Needed
Only use good quality tools and materials. Cheap tools and paint cost in time and touching up what you thought you saved with that bargain price....
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