The Importance of Good Preparation

dguy • November 17, 2023
Blue house with white trim and multiple windows, adjacent to a beige house, both near a beach.
Two-story building with weathered blue-brown shingles, multiple windows, and a ladder leaning against it.

Most people have heard the saying, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." While this is applicable to many aspects of life, it is particularly relevant when it comes to painting. Poor preparation leads to a significantly shorter lifespan on your paint job. Conversely, diligent preparation can extend the life of your paint job.

To protect your home, your painting contractor needs to account for the following:

Cleaning: Paint will not adhere to a dirty surface. It is imperative that a house be chemically treated to kill mildew and power washed to remove dirt and peeling paint.

Scraping/Sanding: After sufficient drying time, any remaining peeling paint needs to be addressed by scraping. If not, the original paint will continue to peel after the new paint is applied. It is also critical to "feather" sand the rough edges where paint has been removed to diminish the chances of further peeling.

Repairing Surface Flaws: Cracks and dings in your siding should be repaired with exterior spackle, caulk, or wood putty to prevent further deterioration and improve overall appearance.

Caulking: This is a critical step in preventing moisture infiltration. Any caulk that is cracked or separating from the surface must be removed. A high grade exterior acrylic latex or elastomeric caulk must be applied to these areas. Special attention should be applied at all window, door, and corner trim.

Rust Treatment: Rusty fasteners should be treated with a rust-inhibiting primer after removing loose rust scale.

Spot Priming: all bare wood should be primed with an exterior stain-blocking primer.

Wrapping: landscaping should be covered with drop cloths or plastic. Air conditioning units, decks, and any unpainted surfaces should also be covered with drop cloths. Window and door openings should be covered with plastic prior to spraying. Cardboard shields are typically used along the roof line when painting fascia boards.

One major distinction between a reputable painting contractor and a less-than-reputable one is the amount of preparation that is included in a painting proposal. My experience is that 35-50% of the labor required in an exterior repaint is the prep work described above. If the house exterior hasn't been routinely maintained, the percentage of prep work will be higher.

If you are collecting quotes for a project and find one of your bidders is significantly less than the others, one reason may be that he has not included the prep work required for a quality paint job. All too often, this leads to paint failure within 2-3 years.

The old adage that we get what we pay for rings true, especially when it comes to painting preparation.

Person looking up, reaching towards a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, framed by a white wall.

Color Trends 2026

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Workers in lift painting the exterior of a white house with a blue sky background.

Winter Maintenance

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Overhead view of a hurricane swirling over a deep blue ocean, white clouds form a spiral.

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Light green three-story house with white trim, balconies, and turret under a blue sky.

The Real Value of Quality Work

By beachpainting • July 9, 2025
When it comes to home improvement, few things make an instant visual impact like a fresh coat of paint. Whether it's reviving weather-worn siding or refreshing an outdated interior, painting can breathe new life into your space. But as you start collecting quotes, you may wonder: why does a good painting contractor cost more than others?
Gray house with white trim, red door, and a circular driveway.

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By beachpainting • June 24, 2025
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Two-story house with weathered blue shingles, several windows. Ladder leans against the side.

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By beachpainting • June 10, 2025
If you’ve been putting off painting your house, you’re not alone—but it may cost you more than you think. Summer is the best time of year to paint your Outer Banks home. If you've noticed signs of paint failure (e.g. fading, peeling, blistering, chalking), give us a call today.
Hand with dusty fingers next to light-colored, horizontal wall siding.

How to Fix Paint Chalking

By beachpainting • May 27, 2025
If you've noticed a fine, powdery residue on your painted walls or outdoor surfaces, you may be dealing with chalking paint. This is a fairly common issue that occurs when paint breaks down over time due to weather exposure, UV rays, or low-quality paint ingredients. It’s especially prevalent on exterior surfaces (especially fiber cement siding). What Causes Chalking? Chalking happens when the paint binder deteriorates, allowing pigment particles to loosen and form a chalky dust. While it’s a natural part of aging for some paints, excessive chalking can affect appearance, stain surrounding surfaces, and prevent new paint from adhering properly. How to Fix Chalking Paint Test for Chalking: Rub your hand or a dark cloth over the surface. If it comes away dusty, you have chalking. Clean the Surface: Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove as much chalk as possible. Follow up with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Let It Dry: Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Prime If Necessary: For areas with stubborn residue or if you're repainting, apply a high-quality, binding primer suited for chalky surfaces. Repaint: Choose a premium, weather-resistant paint and apply as recommended. Preventing Future Chalking Invest in high-quality paint with strong UV resistance and proper binders. Regular maintenance, such as gentle washing and inspections, also helps keep surfaces looking fresh. By addressing chalking early and using the right materials, you can extend the life and look of your paint job for years to come!
Person on a ladder painting a house's exterior siding near an oval vent.

Picking the Right Color

By beachpainting • May 8, 2025
Summer is a great time to paint your Outer Banks home if it is not in rental program. Temperatures and humidity are relatively consistent and longer daylight hours generally lead to shorter project durations.
Hand touching rotted wood siding with damaged building wrap, revealing underlying rot, outdoors.

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By beachpainting • October 29, 2024
Wood rot in homes and buildings on the OBX is a common occurrence. It is caused when bacteria and fungi have a chance to grow in a damp environment. Our weather (high humidity, nor’easters, hurricanes, etc…) provides enough moisture to promote wood rot. If you know what to look for, you can often catch the rot early enough to avoid major structural damage.
Paint roller and tray with a paint can in the background; preparing to paint.

A Guide to Wall Touch-Ups

By beachpainting • June 25, 2024
In a previous blog post, we tackled the topic of how to determine whether your house needs to be repainted. If your paint job is holding up well, but you have minor paint damage to your walls from children, pets, or summer guests, the following guide will help you. Step-by-Step Guide to Wall Touch-Ups: Clean the Surface: Begin by cleaning the damaged areas with a mild detergent and water. Remove any dust, dirt, or greased that may affect paint adhesion. Prepare the Surface: Use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to smooth rough edges around the damaged area. Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust. Prime (if necessary): For significant repairs or bare patches, apply a primer to ensure proper adhesion and uniformity of the topcoat. Apply Paint: Use a small brush (angled brushes work well for corners and edges) or a roller for larger areas. Apply the paint in thin layers, feathering the edges to blend with the surround wall. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. Blend and Feather: To achieve a seamless finish, father the edges of the touch-up paint into the existing paint. This technique helps to minimize visible lines and ensure a uniform finish. Expert Tip: Matching Paint SheenSatin and eggshell finishes will lose their sheen over time, which means your wall touch-up may be visible to the naked eye (even if the color match is perfect). One method to assure uniformity in sheen is to add a few drops of water into your paint bucket (assuming you are using a water-based paint). If you are touching up an oil-based paint, add a little paint thinner.