Residential exterior painting is one of the easiest ways to give a home a fresh look. Whether you’re touching up faded siding or going for a total colour change, the results can be pretty rewarding. But before picking up a roller or arranging for a crew to arrive, your home needs to be properly prepped. Without that, fresh paint won’t last long, and you could end up dealing with cracking, peeling, and a whole lot of wasted time.
In Ottawa, summer is prime time for outdoor painting. By June, warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours create the right conditions for exterior work. A solid prep routine helps paint stick better, protects surfaces underneath, and leads to a cleaner, longer-lasting finish. Starting with a game plan makes a big difference.
Inspect and Clean the Exterior
Before anything else, take a good walk around your house. Look closely for signs that the outside might need a little work before painting starts. This includes things like peeling paint, mildew, rusty nails, or areas that look like they’ve taken a beating from the weather. Keep an eye out for signs of water damage or holes that need filling. Identifying these spots early can save you a headache later.
Once you’ve checked everything over, it’s time for a good clean. Dirt, cobwebs, mould, and old flaking paint can stop the new paint from sticking properly. Even dust can mess things up. A pressure washer can do the job fast, especially on textured surfaces, but if that’s not available, a garden hose and a strong cleaning brush work too. Be sure to wash off any soaps or cleaners, as leftovers can impact how well the new coat holds.
Focus on these during the cleaning process:
1. Remove all loose or peeling paint with a scraper.
2. Wash vinyl or wood siding with a mild detergent to get rid of grime.
3. Use a solution that helps eliminate mildew, especially near shaded areas.
4. Give the house enough time to dry completely before moving on. Paint won’t stick to damp surfaces.
It doesn’t matter how top-notch that paint is if the surface underneath is dirty or damaged; results won’t last. Taking your time here sets up the next steps for success.
Repair Any Damage
Once the home is clean, small flaws and repairs become easier to spot. Cracks around window frames, nail holes, soft wood, and dented trim are all places that need fixing. Ignoring them can lead to more serious damage later and might ruin an otherwise clean paint job.
Here’s where patching, sanding, and maybe even some replacements come in. For example, if your trim boards feel soft to the touch, there might be rot underneath. This will need more than just a coat of paint. Damaged wood may need to be replaced. Small gaps around windows or doors can be filled with caulk, but make sure it’s the type that works well outdoors and can be painted over.
For siding or stucco areas:
1. Scrape away any loose material.
2. Fill large holes or deep cracks with an exterior filler.
3. Let everything dry fully before sanding the patches smooth.
4. Check repair spots after drying to see if another layer is needed.
Skipping the repair step often leads to issues that show up way too soon. Paint won’t hide rough patches or fix rotting surfaces. It just covers them for a little while. Fixing everything properly first lays a better foundation for every coat that comes next.
Protecting Plants and Outdoor Furniture
With your home prepped, attention shifts to the garden and other outdoor areas. Protecting plants and outdoor furniture is important for keeping a neat environment during and after the painting process. Imagine the frustration of finishing a beautiful paint job, only to find splatters on your favourite garden bench or wilting plants under paint mist.
To keep plants safe, move potted ones away from the walls you’re painting. If they’re too big to move, cover them with lightweight fabric or plastic. Make sure there’s enough air circulation so they don’t become damaged or overheated. Most garden centres offer affordable plant covers that can be reused for various projects.
When it comes to outdoor furniture, shifting pieces away from the work area is best. If that’s not possible, use drop sheets or tarps to cover your items. These should be secured with clips or ropes to keep them in place, especially in windy conditions.
Don’t forget about any décor that may be fixed near the home’s exterior, such as bird feeders or decorative lighting. Temporarily removing these items avoids accidental drips or brush marks. A bit of preparation here helps your yard look just as good as your updated house.
Priming and Choosing the Right Paint
Priming is an important step you can’t skip. It lays the groundwork for the paint to stick properly, leading to a smooth and even finish. Whether you’re covering a bold colour or painting over a surface that holds paint poorly, primer helps take care of that. With Ottawa’s changing seasons, using the right primer goes a long way toward keeping your project looking great over time.
When you’re choosing paint, focus on quality and how well it holds up outdoors. Exterior paints should be designed to face Ottawa’s weather, resisting peeling, fading, and moisture. This saves you trouble and money down the line.
Here’s a quick rundown for better paint results:
1. Primer: Use one that matches the type of paint you’ll be applying. Oil-based primer matches oil-based paint, while latex primer suits latex paint.
2. Paint Type: Make sure it’s made for the material you’re covering, such as wood, vinyl, or metal.
3. Finish: Flat, satin, and gloss finishes all serve different purposes. Gloss is the most durable but shows flaws more easily, while satin offers a good middle ground.
Spending a little time choosing the right materials helps strike the right balance between style and durability. After all, good quality paint begins with the right foundation.
Final Preparations Before Painting
Now that the heavy lifting is done, it’s time to wrap up the final details that help things move smoothly. These last bits of prep make a difference and help things go as planned once painting starts.
Tape off all windows, doors, and trim. This keeps your lines neat and stops paint from ending up where it shouldn’t be. Use quality painter’s tape and press it down firmly for sharper results. On tighter spots, switch to narrower tape for better control.
Make sure your tools and materials are ready ahead of time. Brushes, rollers, drop sheets, ladders, trays, and extension poles should all be on hand and in working shape. Having your gear organised in advance cuts down on distractions once you begin.
These final steps wrap everything together. Proper preparation brings not only a better finish but a smoother painting experience without as many speed bumps along the way.
Enjoy a Freshly Painted Home
Getting ready for a residential exterior painting project in Ottawa can feel like a big job at first. But completing each of these steps one by one builds momentum and leads to results that last. Whether you’re updating tired siding or switching up colours, taking time to clean properly, fix damage, protect outdoor areas, and pick the right paint makes it all worthwhile.
At the end of the day, well-prepped surfaces are what allow high-quality paint jobs to shine and stay that way. When everything is lined up the right way before the first stroke, the results don’t just look good—they hold up against everything Ottawa’s climate throws at them. If you’re looking for a fresh start this summer, setting a strong foundation is the best way forward.
Transform your home’s exterior with the expert touch of Picasso Paints. Our team specialises in exterior painting in Ottawa, ensuring a meticulous process from preparation to final brushstroke for a finish that endures every season. Embrace a fresh look and lasting protection with the professionals who understand Ottawa’s unique climate demands. Contact us today to begin your home’s transformation with confidence.