Preparing Your Home for Exterior Painting: A Checklist

Exterior painting is one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal, protect its surfaces, and increase overall value. However, a high-quality, long-lasting paint job starts long before the first brushstroke. Proper preparation is key to ensuring that your home’s exterior looks beautiful and withstands the challenging Colorado elements.

At Xtreme Painting, we provide professional exterior painting services throughout Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, Longmont, and the surrounding communities. We’ve created this comprehensive checklist to help you prepare your home for exterior painting.

Why Preparation Matters Before Exterior Painting

Proper prep work sets the foundation for a flawless finish. Without it, even the best paints can peel, crack, or fade prematurely. Exterior surfaces are constantly exposed to moisture, sun, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. Preparing the surface correctly ensures that the new paint adheres properly and lasts for years to come.

Exterior Painting Preparation Checklist

1. Schedule Your Paint Job at the Right Time

In Northern Colorado, spring through early fall is the ideal window for exterior painting. Mild temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal precipitation allow paint to dry and cure properly.

• Best Months: May through October.
• Ideal Conditions: Temperatures between 50°F and 80°F, with dry weather forecasted for at least 2-3 days.

2. Inspect Your Home’s Exterior

Before painting, conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s siding, trim, fascia, and doors.

• Check for Cracks and Holes: Pay attention to gaps, peeling paint, and wood rot.
• Inspect Caulking: Ensure joints around windows and doors are sealed.
• Evaluate for Mold or Mildew: Especially on shaded or moist areas.

3. Clean the Exterior Surfaces Thoroughly

Before any exterior painting can begin, the surface must be clean, dry, and free of dirt, mildew, and old flaking paint. Skipping this step can prevent paint from properly adhering, leading to premature peeling or bubbling.

At Xtreme Painting, we offer professional pressure washing services as part of our exterior painting preparation. Our team uses commercial-grade equipment to safely and effectively remove:

• Dirt, dust, and pollen buildup
• Mold, mildew, and algae growth
• Old, chalky residue from deteriorating paint
• Spider webs and other debris

Why pressure washing matters:

• Ensures a clean, sound surface for primer and paint
• Eliminates contaminants that could interfere with adhesion
• Saves time and helps maintain consistent results

After pressure washing, all surfaces must be allowed to dry completely—typically 24 to 48 hours depending on conditions. This is especially important in Colorado’s fluctuating climate to prevent moisture-related paint failure.

4. Scrape and Sand Flaking or Peeling Paint

Removing old, loose paint creates a smooth surface for new paint to adhere.

• Use a Scraper: Remove all peeling or chipped paint.
• Sand Rough Areas: Smooth out transitions between bare surfaces and existing paint.
• Use sanding blocks or electric sanders for larger surfaces

This step is essential to prevent the new paint from bubbling or flaking prematurely.

5. Repair Damaged Surfaces

Addressing damage ensures your home is protected from the elements.

• Patch Holes and Cracks: Use exterior-grade filler or putty.
• Replace Rotted Wood: Never paint over rotting wood—it must be replaced.
• Re-Caulk Seams: Apply new caulk where needed to seal gaps.

A solid, sealed surface is key to long-term durability.

6. Protect Landscaping and Surroundings

Professional painting crews like Xtreme Painting take precautions, but as a homeowner, you can help too.

• Trim Bushes and Trees: Allow space for painters to access surfaces.
• Cover Plants and Furniture: Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Relocate Vehicles: Move cars, bikes, and other outdoor items out of the painting zone.

7. Prime Bare or Problem Areas

Priming is essential, especially on repaired areas, exposed wood, or metal.

• Use High-Quality Primer: Prevent staining and improve paint adhesion.
• Spot Prime Repairs: Ensure patched and bare areas are sealed.

8. Choose the Right Exterior Paint

Selecting the correct paint is vital for longevity, especially in Northern Colorado’s climate.

• Opt for High-Quality Paint: Premium exterior acrylic latex paint offers superior durability.
• Select the Right Sheen: Satin or semi-gloss is typically best for siding, trim, and doors.
• Color Selection Matters: Choose colors that complement your home’s style and fit the neighborhood aesthetics in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Longmont.

9. Inform Neighbors

Be courteous and let your neighbors know about the upcoming work, especially if equipment or ladders might block shared spaces or sidewalks.

10. Work with Professional Painters

Working with a professional painting company like Xtreme Painting ensures that all prep work and painting are done right the first time. Hiring a trusted local team offers more than just technical expertise—it also delivers peace of mind through reliable service and clear communication.

• Licensed and Insured Exterior House Painters: Peace of mind for homeowners in Windsor, Greeley, and nearby areas.
• Experienced Crews: Our painters follow best practices for prep, priming, and painting to ensure long-lasting results.
• Efficient Process: Minimize disruption to your daily routine with our organized and streamlined approach.
• Communication and Customer Satisfaction: At Xtreme Painting, we prioritize transparent communication throughout the project to ensure your expectations are met at every stage. From the initial estimate to project completion, your satisfaction is always our top priority.
• Reputation for Excellence: Our reputation as one of Northern Colorado’s most trusted exterior home painting companies is built on years of delivering high-quality work and exceptional customer experiences.

The Importance of Working With A Local Painting Company

Living in Northern Colorado means facing unique weather conditions, including intense sun exposure, hailstorms, and wide temperature swings. These factors make thorough prep and the right materials even more important.

• UV Resistance: Choose paints with UV protection to withstand Colorado’s high-altitude sunlight.
• Moisture Protection: Ensure your exterior is sealed and protected against snow and summer rain.
• Wind Exposure: Proper adhesion prevents premature peeling in windy areas like Greeley and Windsor.

Get Your Free Estimate Today!

Preparing your home for an exterior paint job is a step-by-step process that ensures stunning, long-lasting results. Whether you live in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, Longmont, or any surrounding Northern Colorado community, the team at Xtreme Painting is here to help. From thorough preparation to expert application, we guarantee a superior finish that adds beauty and protection to your home.

Contact our exterior painters today and let’s start your next house painting project. With our local expertise, commitment to excellence, and proven exterior home painting services, your house will be the best-looking home on the block this season.