A good exterior painting job will extend the life of your siding and trim and increase the value of your house. Learn the best techniques for applying paint quickly and thoroughly.

1. Wash

A thorough washing is a must before painting any exterior surface.

2. Scrape

Paint that has peeled, bubbled, or blistered has got to go.

3. Sand

With loose paint removed, it’s time to step back and assess what remains. If most of the paint still adheres well and it’s not too bumpy, the boundary between the paint and the  bare wood can be smoothed with 50- or 80-grit sandpaper.

4. Patch and fill

After the sanding is done, it’s time to fill minor cracks and dents, repair any rot, and replace any pieces that are too far gone.

5. Paint!