Exterior painting
Exterior Paint Preparation for South Georgia Homes
A field-focused checklist for washing, drying, scraping, sealing and preparing exterior surfaces before finish paint.
Heat, humidity, rain, pollen and organic growth all affect exterior coatings in South Georgia. The visible color is only the final layer; preparation determines whether the new system has a sound surface to hold onto.
Wash for the actual condition
Pressure should be adjusted to the material instead of using maximum force everywhere. Dirt, chalking and biological growth must be removed without driving water behind siding or damaging softer wood and trim.
The building needs adequate drying time after washing. Painting a surface that still holds moisture can trap problems below the new coating.
Repair and seal before priming
Loose paint is scraped and feather-sanded. Failed caulk is removed where necessary, joints are resealed, and deteriorated wood is identified for repair or replacement. Painting over rot does not restore the strength of the material.
Choose primer by surface
Bare wood, stained areas, metal and previously painted siding may require different primers. Product selection should follow the substrate and manufacturer instructions, not a single one-primer-for-everything approach.
- ✓ Controlled exterior washing
- ✓ Drying time
- ✓ Scraping and sanding
- ✓ Caulk and minor repair
- ✓ Spot or full priming as required
- ✓ Two consistent finish coats when specified