🏡 Exterior Painting Prep: Why Proper Prep Makes All the Difference

At ModPaint, we believe a beautiful paint job starts long before the first coat goes on. When it comes to exterior painting in St. Louis, surface prep is everything. Skipping or rushing prep leads to peeling, cracking, and early failure — and nobody wants that.

Here's how we prep your home to make sure your exterior paint not only looks amazing but also lasts for years to come.

🔨 Step 1: Inspect + Identify Problem Areas

We walk your home with a detailed eye. The most common issues we see in the St. Louis area:

• Peeling paint on wood trim or fascia

• Moisture damage near gutters, soffits, or window sills

• Cracks or hairline gaps in siding, especially near seams

• Chalking paint (a dusty residue that needs to be removed before painting)

We document and flag these areas before any sanding or scraping begins.

🧼 Step 2: Power Washing

Paint needs a clean surface to bond properly.

We soft-wash or power wash your home to remove:

• Dirt, dust, spiderwebs, and pollen

• Mildew and algae buildup (common in shady or damp spots)

• Old chalky residue from failing paint

This creates a clean slate and prevents future peeling or mold growth.

🪚 Step 3: Scrape + Sand Loose Paint

Anywhere the paint is peeling or bubbling, we:

• Scrape away loose edges

• Feather-sand the transitions to smooth them out

We don’t paint over problem areas — we fix them. This extra step keeps your new paint from lifting later.

🧱 Step 4: Repair Damaged Surfaces

We fill minor cracks with exterior-grade caulk and can replace:

• Rotten trim boards

• Warped fascia

• Loose or damaged siding panels

In Missouri’s climate, wood trim especially takes a beating. Replacing or restoring it now helps avoid costly repairs later.

🖌️ Step 5: Prime as Needed

Not every inch of your house needs primer — but raw wood, repaired sections, and problem spots absolutely do.

We use the right primers based on your surface:

• Wood, Hardie board, or metal all require specific primers

• Stain-blocking primers are used on watermarks or knotty wood

This helps the top coat stick better and look more even.

🎨 Step 6: Mask, Protect, and Prep to Paint

We protect your:

• Landscaping and hardscapes (bushes, driveways, patios)

• Windows, doors, and fixtures

• Neighboring surfaces (fences, siding transitions)

We take the time to mask and tarp what needs covering, so when we spray, roll, or brush — it’s just your home that gets a makeover.

🧡 Why It All Matters

A great paint job isn’t just about the color — it’s about durability and pride in the finish. Prep work is what separates a two-year paint job from a ten-year one.

At ModPaint, we don’t cut corners. We prep your exterior like we’re painting our own home — because to us, it’s about quality, reliability, and making sure your house stands out for all the right reasons.

📍 Serving St. Louis and surrounding areas, we specialize in:

• Exterior painting

• Wood trim repair

• Fence and deck staining

• Interior paint and refinishing

• Color consultations

🖌️ Need a free estimate?Let’s take a walk around your home and build a plan that lasts. Contact ModPaint today.