What this covers
Exterior painting protects the house as much as it decorates it. The surface is washed, loose paint scraped and sanded, rotted wood repaired, gaps caulked, bare wood primed, and two coats applied by brush, roller or sprayer. Work at height is done from ladders and staging with fall protection. Homes built before 1978 are tested for lead paint first.
When to call
- Peeling, chalking or cracking paint on siding or trim.
- Bare or gray wood showing through.
- Caulk pulling away around windows and trim, or a color change after siding repairs.
What to expect
- Wash and inspectThe house is pressure washed and inspected for rot, failed caulk and loose paint. Pre-1978 homes are tested for lead.
- PrepareScraping, sanding, wood repair, caulking and priming of bare areas.
- PaintTwo coats on siding, then trim, doors and shutters, in dry weather within the product's temperature range.
- Walk-throughYou walk the house with the company and touch-ups are done before the job closes.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
What time of year is best?
Dry weather with temperatures the paint manufacturer allows, usually late spring through early fall in most of the country. The company schedules around rain.
Spray or brush?
Spraying is fast and even on siding; back-rolling or brushing works the paint into the surface. Many crews spray and back-roll. Trim and doors are usually brushed.
How long does exterior paint last?
It depends on the surface, the preparation, the product and the climate. Good preparation is the biggest factor, which is why it takes most of the time on the job.
Related: Lead-safe painting · Pressure washing · Deck staining · All painting and wall finishes
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.