Preparation is the key to any successful painting project. In general, remove any items as you can (planters, mailboxes, shutters, house numbers, hoses, outdoor furniture, light fixtures,storm windows and screens). Put drop clothes in place under the areas you plan to paint. 

WOODEN SURFACES

• Wash with appropiate cleaner to remove any oil, grease or surface contamination. Wash Undereavesto remove any dirt and contamination that may have accumulated. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
• Scrape and sand any pelled, checked or blistered paint to a sound surface 
• Sand glossy surface dull. Seal stains *such as water,smoke or grease stainswith the appropiate primer.
• Fill any nailheaddepressions, crack and imperfections with putty. Where neccesary, scrape away old caulk and apply new caulk and primer. 
• Coat any scraped, sanded or putied areas with a high quality exterior primer. Unless using self-priming products, you will want to prime any surface that’s being painted for the first time. 

Vinyl Surfaces  

• Clean the surface thoroughly by scrubbing with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
• If you want to paint vinyl siding darker than the original color, choose a product with vinyl performance coatings technology to avoid damage from warping 

Concrete & Masonry 

• All new surfaces must cure for a specified period of time / usually about 30 days. Check with supplier. If painting cannot wait 30 days, allow the surface to cure 7 days and prime the surface with concrete and masonry primer.
• Remove all form release and curing agents.
• Cracks,voids and other holes should be repainted with an elastomeric masonry patch or sealant. 

ALUMINUM SIDING 

• Wash with an appropriate cleaner to remove any oil, grease or surface contamination 
• All corrosion must be removed with sandpaper, steel wool or other abrading method. 

PROJECT CHECKLIST 

• Primer
• Spackling & Putty
• Putty Knife
• Masking tape & painters tape
• Sandpaper
• Caulk and caulking gun 
• Cleaning Solution 
• Drop Cloths
• Roller frame and covers
• Brushes
• Paint tray and tray liner
• Ladders
• Extension pole
• Paint shield
• Gloves
• Rags, paper towels, bucket
• Paint thinner
• Razor blades 
• Hand cleaner