The Complete Prep Checklist: Power-Washing to Caulking Before Paint

When planning a paint project—whether it’s refreshing your home’s exterior or updating the interior—the most important phase isn’t the painting itself. It’s the prep. At Curb Appeal Pros, we know that a smooth, long-lasting finish is only possible when the right preparation steps are taken. While many homeowners focus on choosing the right color or paint brand, they often overlook the essential groundwork that determines the quality and durability of the final result.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re sharing our expert-level painting preparation checklist. This goes beyond cleaning and includes steps like repairing, sanding, caulking, and priming—all of which play a vital role in achieving that professional, high-end look. Whether you’re doing a DIY weekend project or hiring professionals, following this checklist will set your paint job up for success.

Why Proper Paint Prep Matters

Painting is not just cosmetic—it’s protection for your home. Without proper preparation, even the best paint on the market can peel, crack, bubble, or fade quickly. This is especially true in places like Florida, where constant heat, humidity, rain, and sun exposure take a toll on painted surfaces.

Here’s why proper prep is critical:

• It helps paint bond correctly to the surface, preventing early failures.
• It stops peeling and blistering by removing contaminants like dirt, mildew, or oils.
• It improves paint coverage and smoothness, reducing the number of coats required.
• It extends the life of your paint job, saving you money over time.

A clean, smooth, dry, and well-repaired surface is essential for paint to perform as it should. Think of prep work as laying the foundation for a beautiful, lasting result.

The Complete Exterior Painting Prep Checklist

At Curb Appeal Pros, our prep process is what sets us apart from the rest. We don’t cut corners, and that’s why our projects consistently deliver results that last. Here’s our full step-by-step checklist for prepping an exterior surface before painting:

✅ 1. Inspect the Surface

Before any cleaning or repairs begin, conduct a detailed inspection of the area to be painted.

• Check for cracks in siding, stucco, or trim.
• Look for mold, mildew, chalky residue, or water stains.
• Identify areas with peeling or flaking paint.

This inspection allows you to spot trouble areas early and address them properly before the painting begins. Painting over damage or contaminants is a fast track to failure.

✅ 2. Power-Wash the Surface

This step is absolutely essential and should never be skipped. Power washing prepares the surface by removing:

• Dirt
• Dust
• Mold and mildew
• Old, loose paint
• Insect nests or cobwebs
• Pollutants and contaminants

Tips:

• Use a pressure washer rated between 2,000–3,000 PSI.
• Wash from top to bottom and keep the nozzle moving to avoid gouging wood or stucco.
• Allow 24–48 hours for the surface to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Moisture trapped beneath new paint can cause bubbling, blistering, and eventual peeling.

✅ 3. Scrape & Sand

Once dry, it’s time to remove any remaining loose paint. Use a quality paint scraper, then:

• Sand rough edges to smooth transitions between old and new paint.
• Use medium-grit sandpaper (80–120 grit) for general smoothing.
• Use fine-grit (150–220 grit) for detail work or finishing.
• Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth to ensure the surface is clean.

This creates an ideal surface for your new paint to grip.

✅ 4. Repair Damaged Areas

Don’t attempt to paint over damaged or deteriorating surfaces. Repair them first to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.

• Use exterior-grade filler or wood putty to patch holes or cracks.
• Replace rotten or severely damaged boards and trim.
• Re-nail or secure any loose siding or trim.
• For large gaps, use expandable foam insulation followed by a finishing sealant.

Unrepaired areas will only get worse over time, and painting over them won’t stop moisture or pests from getting in.

✅ 5. Caulk All Gaps

Caulking is your best defense against moisture and weather intrusion. It also helps give your final paint job a crisp, professional appearance.

Where to caulk:

• Around windows and doors
• At trim joints and corners
• Along seams between siding materials
• Over nail holes or small cracks

Use a high-quality, paintable acrylic latex or elastomeric caulk. Allow it to cure fully according to the product instructions before priming or painting.

✅ 6. Mask & Protect Surroundings

Don’t let overspray or paint drips ruin your landscaping, fixtures, or windows.

• Use painter’s tape for clean lines on windows and trim.
• Cover nearby shrubs, walkways, and decks with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Remove or mask light fixtures, outlets, and other exterior features that shouldn’t be painted.

Taking the time to mask off areas properly will save you hours of cleanup later and keep your work site looking professional.

✅ 7. Prime Where Necessary

Priming helps paint adhere better and improves overall appearance. It also blocks stains and prevents bleed-through, especially when you’re transitioning from dark to light colors or painting over raw materials.

Always prime:

• Bare wood, stucco, or masonry
• Repaired or patched areas
• Areas with heavy staining or discoloration
• Surfaces being painted a drastically different color

At Curb Appeal Pros, we often use stain-blocking or bonding primers for increased durability, especially in high-exposure areas.

Bonus: Interior Painting Prep Tips

Even though interior walls are less exposed to the elements, prep is just as important for indoor painting.

Steps to follow:

• Wash walls with a mild soap solution to remove grease and dirt.
• Fill nail holes and dents with spackle or lightweight filler.
• Sand patched areas for a smooth finish.
• Use painter’s tape on trim, windows, and baseboards.
• Protect floors and furniture with drop cloths.
• Allow all surfaces to dry completely before painting.

Skipping interior prep leads to the same issues—poor adhesion, uneven coverage, and reduced lifespan.

Why Choose Curb Appeal Pros for Your Next Painting Project

At Curb Appeal Pros, our commitment to preparation is what sets us apart. We don’t believe in shortcuts—because we know that every great paint job starts with careful, detailed prep. From the first power-wash to the final coat of paint, we handle every step with precision and care.

We proudly serve Palm Harbor and surrounding Florida communities, delivering high-quality residential and commercial painting solutions. Whether you’re updating a single room or repainting your entire exterior, our team is equipped with the tools, experience, and know-how to get it done right—the first time.

Let’s Get Started

Ready to boost your curb appeal with a fresh, professional finish? Contact Curb Appeal Pros today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step of the process and ensure your home or business gets the long-lasting results it deserves. Your project is only as good as its preparation—trust Curb Appeal Pros to do it right.