Prepare the Surface and Masking
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What happens here
Before applying any paint, thorough preparation is essential. This includes cleaning the entire exterior surface to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Any damaged areas, cracks, or holes should be repaired and sanded smooth. All windows, doors, light fixtures, and other elements not to be painted must be carefully masked off using plastic sheeting, painter's tape, and brown paper. Ladders (extension ladders and a stepladder) should be set up securely to reach all areas safely. The video begins with some pre-masking and a painter using a brush or roller for cut-in work near a window, indicating the start of the painting process.
Goal: Ready the house for painting by cleaning, repairing, and masking all non-painted surfaces.
Tools and materials
- Brown Paper — Protecting trim, gutters, or other linear surfaces from overspray
- Extension Ladder Little Giant — Reaching high areas of the house for preparation and painting
- Paint Brush — Performing cut-in work or painting areas difficult to reach with a sprayer
- Painter's Tape — Securing plastic sheeting and masking edges
- Plastic Sheeting Premium Easy Mask — Masking windows, doors, and other large areas to protect them from overspray
- Putty Knife — Applying patching compound for repairs
- Sandpaper — Smoothing repaired areas
- Stepladder Little Giant — Accessing lower and mid-height areas, such as porches and ground-floor windows
- Cleaning Solution — Washing the house exterior
- Exterior Wood Filler / Spackle — Repairing cracks, holes, and imperfections