Why Prep Work Makes or Breaks a Paint Job (Exterior Edition)

Why Prep Work Makes or Breaks an Exterior Paint Job

When it comes to painting your home’s exterior, what happens before the first coat of paint is just as important as the paint itself. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, where our homes take a beating from rain, moisture, and sun, prep work can make or break the longevity and appearance of your paint job.

Here’s how professional painters like Gullard Painting ensure a strong foundation—and what you should look for when hiring a painter in Lewis County, WA.

1️⃣ Cleaning the Surface First

The first step in any high-quality paint job is a thorough cleaning of the exterior. We pressure wash the entire surface to remove dirt, mildew, spider webs, and loose paint. This ensures paint adheres properly.

💡 Pro Tip: If you skip this step, the paint can trap contaminants underneath—leading to peeling, bubbling, or mildew growth.

2️⃣ Scraping & Removing Loose Paint

After washing, any peeling or flaking paint must be scraped away. This helps create a smooth surface and ensures the new paint bonds directly to the siding, not to an unstable layer.

🎯 Why It Matters: Painting over flaking paint causes early failure—sometimes within the first year. Proper removal protects your investment.

3️⃣ Spot Priming Exposed Surfaces

If raw wood or bare siding is exposed after scraping, we always spot prime it. Primer helps seal porous surfaces and improves adhesion of the topcoat.

💡 Pro Tip: On homes in rough condition, we may recommend a full primer coat followed by two finish coats for optimal protection.

4️⃣ Caulking Gaps and Seams

We apply caulk to fill gaps around windows, trim, and siding joints. This helps prevent moisture intrusion and gives a smooth, finished look.

🎯 Why It Matters: Proper caulking can prevent water damage, mold growth, and even improve energy efficiency.

5️⃣ Protecting Your Property

Before we paint, we take time to mask off all areas that shouldn’t get paint on them—windows, fixtures, plants, walkways, etc. Then we lay down drop cloths and ensure your home and yard stay clean.

💡 Pro Tip: A clean job site isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about professionalism and respect for your home.

6️⃣ Choosing the Right Application Method

Most homes in Lewis County are sprayed and back rolled for maximum coverage and adhesion—especially wood or textured siding. Trim is usually hand-painted using a brush and roller for precision.

🎯 Why It Matters: Using the right method for the surface ensures the paint goes on evenly and lasts longer.

The Bottom Line

In Centralia, Chehalis, and throughout Lewis County, proper prep work is what separates a paint job that lasts 3–5 years from one that holds strong for 10–15. At Gullard Painting, we take the time to do it right—because your home deserves to be protected from the PNW’s toughest conditions.

Thinking about repainting your home this year? Make sure your painter isn’t skipping the steps that matter most.