Exterior painting preparation: what actually matters

Inspect coating condition

Look for peeling, flaking, chalking, exposed substrate, cracking, mould staining and water-related failure. The amount of preparation should follow the condition, not a generic checklist.

Clean before coating

Dust, dirt, chalk and contaminants interfere with adhesion. Exterior surfaces should be appropriately cleaned and allowed to dry.

Remove unstable material

Loose coating needs to be removed back to a sound edge. Sanding helps smooth transitions and provides a better surface for subsequent coating.

Prime where required

Bare timber, repairs and some exposed substrates may need spot or full priming depending on the coating system.

Separate painting from building repairs

Rotten timber, active leaks and structural defects are not solved by additional paint. A good scope identifies when repair should happen first.

Allow for Melbourne conditions

Rain, dew, shade, temperature and surface moisture influence application and drying. Scheduling exterior work around suitable conditions is part of the job.