How Exterior House Painting Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Painting the exterior of a home is a major project—and when it’s done right, it not only improves curb appeal but also protects your home from the elements. At Glacier Painters, we follow a proven step-by-step process to ensure every exterior paint job is clean, durable, and beautiful.

1. Initial Walkthrough & Estimate

We start by meeting with the homeowner to:

• Assess the condition of the existing paint and surfaces

• Identify areas that may need repairs

• Discuss color options and finishes

• Provide a detailed written estimate with scope, timeline, and cost

2. Scheduling & Planning

Once approved, we:

• Schedule a start date (weather permitting)

• Coordinate any necessary approvals (like HOA or city permits, if required)

• Share prep instructions with the homeowner (like trimming plants, moving outdoor furniture, etc.)

3. Exterior Surface Preparation

Preparation is the key to a long-lasting paint job. Our team:

• Pressure washes the entire exterior to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint

• Scrapes any peeling or flaking paint

• Sands rough areas to ensure smooth adhesion

• Caulks gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and trim to seal out moisture

• Masks and covers all windows, lights, landscaping, and areas not being painted

Prep work usually takes more time than painting itself—but it’s critical for a high-quality result.

4. Repairs (If Needed)

If we discover:

• Rotted trim or siding

• Loose boards or nails

• Damaged stucco or surfaces

  
  

We handle those minor repairs before painting. Larger repairs may require homeowner approval or subcontracted work.

5. Priming

We apply primer to:

• Bare wood

• Patched areas

• Stained surfaces

• Entire surface (if needed for color change or improved adhesion)

6. Painting

Now the transformation begins. We use:

• High-quality exterior-grade paint suited to your home’s surface (wood, stucco, brick, etc.)

• Either sprayers, rollers, or brushes depending on the surface and detail work

• Two coats when needed for maximum coverage and durability

  
  

We always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and conditions.

7. Final Touch-Ups & Cleanup

After the paint dries:

• We walk through and do touch-ups where needed

• Remove masking and drop cloths

• Clean up paint chips, tools, and debris

• Replace moved items and ensure all surfaces are neat

8. Final Walkthrough

Before we wrap up, we:

• Walk the job with the homeowner to ensure satisfaction

• Answer questions about care and maintenance

• Provide paint labels or leftover paint for future touch-ups

9. Warranty & Follow-Up

We stand behind our work. Glacier Painters offers:

• A workmanship warranty (length based on the job)

• Post-job support if any issues come up

Conclusion

A professional exterior paint job doesn’t just change how your home looks—it extends its life. By following a detailed process from start to finish, Glacier Painters ensures you get results that are beautiful, protective, and built to last.