Siding & Surface Prep
What separates an exterior paint job that lasts 8–10 years from one that fails in two.
Exterior paint failure is almost always a prep failure — paint applied over chalking, peeling edges, failed caulk, or unrepaired rot. Here's the exterior prep checklist we run on every Omaha-area exterior project, and why each step matters.
Our exterior prep sequence
Every exterior repaint moves through these steps before the first finish coat.
- Soft pressure wash to remove chalking, mildew, dirt, and loose material
- Hand-scrape loose and peeling paint to a stable edge
- Sand glossy and rough areas for adhesion
- Replace small rot in trim, fascia, and window sills
- Spot-prime all bare wood and any stained areas
- Remove failed caulk and recaulk seams at trim, windows, and corners
- Mask windows, lights, and landscaping
Surface-specific notes
Omaha homes use a mix of siding materials and each needs different treatment.
- LP SmartSide / engineered wood — sensitive to water intrusion at end-cuts; we seal cuts before paint
- Hardie board / fiber cement — durable but caulk seams fail faster than the board itself
- Cedar and wood siding — needs thorough scraping and full primer on bare spots
- Stucco — washed and patched with elastomeric crack filler before topcoat
- Brick — we typically don't recommend painting brick unless cosmetic damage forces it
Frequently Asked Questions
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