Preparation begins with inspection. Peeling, chalking, cracking, open seams, stains, deteriorated siding, damaged stucco, exposed substrate, rust, and previous repairs are documented. Property protection is planned around windows, roofing, walkways, landscaping, fixtures, vehicles, signage, and neighboring areas.
Pressure washing is used before exterior painting when appropriate for the surface. It removes dirt, chalk, cobwebs, and other buildup that could interfere with adhesion. Washing is followed by suitable drying time. Loose coating and rough transitions are then addressed, repairs are completed as agreed, and primer is applied where bare material, stains, repairs, or the selected coating system require it.
Preparation does not hide active leaks or unsound construction. If the inspection reveals a roof, flashing, drainage, or structural issue outside the painting scope, that condition should be corrected before the affected area is treated as a normal repaint.