Guides
November 17, 2025
Summary:
Before any tools come out, we conduct a thorough surface inspection. This isn’t a quick glance—it’s a systematic evaluation that determines every step that follows.
Surface inspection begins with a thorough examination of surfaces to be painted, looking for signs of damage such as peeling paint, flaking paint, or bare wood, which can compromise the new paint job. We know that addressing these issues early prevents further deterioration and ensures proper paint adhesion.
The inspection reveals whether you’re dealing with previously painted surfaces, bare wood, or other materials that each require different preparation approaches. This step also identifies any underlying moisture issues, structural problems, or surface contamination that could cause paint failure down the road.
All surfaces should be free of dirt, grease, and old paint, which might involve scrubbing with a scrub brush, using a pressure washer for exterior work, or wiping down walls with a damp cloth indoors. This cleaning phase is more critical than most homeowners realize.
For interior surfaces, cleaning removes everyday buildup like cooking grease, fingerprints, and dust that can prevent paint from bonding properly. Professional cleaning involves washing off dirt, grease, soap and oil buildup with appropriate cleaners and rinsing thoroughly, plus removing loose paint and powdery substances.
Exterior surfaces face different challenges. Washing the entire exterior allows paint to adhere to the surface, using a pressure washer with cleaning solution or a hose and scrub brush if there isn’t much peeling and flaking paint. For Michigan homes dealing with mildew, we use specific solutions to eliminate these problems before painting.
The cleaning process also reveals surface conditions that weren’t visible under dirt and grime. Sometimes what looks like a simple cleaning job uncovers areas that need repair or additional preparation. We adjust our approach based on what the cleaning reveals, ensuring no shortcuts are taken that could compromise the final result.
This thorough cleaning creates the clean foundation that quality paint needs to perform properly. Skipping or rushing this step is one of the most common reasons DIY paint jobs fail prematurely.
Surface repairs include filling holes, fixing cracks, and re-caulking seams where necessary, with exterior work potentially including replacing weathered wood or repairing old siding. This repair phase addresses structural issues that could affect paint performance.
For interior walls, repair work focuses on nail holes, cracks, and damaged drywall. Professional repair involves filling nail holes, joints and cracks with patching paste, sanding smooth and removing sanding dust with a tack cloth, then priming all bare wood and patched areas. Each type of damage requires specific materials and techniques to ensure a smooth, uniform surface.
Exterior repairs are more complex due to weather exposure. Filling cracks and seams around siding and trim makes the paint job look better and last longer, with caulking around windows, door frames, and new or repaired wood siding and trim using top-quality outdoor caulking suitable for all weather conditions.
Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles create unique challenges for exterior surfaces. Wood expands and contracts, creating gaps and cracks that need professional attention. Metal surfaces may show rust or corrosion that requires special treatment before painting.
The repair phase also includes addressing any moisture issues. In Michigan’s climate, trapped moisture can cause paint to bubble, peel, or fail completely. We identify and resolve these issues before they become expensive problems later.
Quality repairs take time, but they’re essential for paint longevity. A properly repaired surface provides the stable foundation that allows paint to perform as designed, protecting your property and maintaining its appearance for years.
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Sanding smooths out rough edges and removes glossy finish on previously painted surfaces, providing better grip for new paint, using fine-grit sandpaper to avoid damaging the surface. This mechanical preparation creates the texture that new paint needs to bond properly.
Sanding serves multiple purposes beyond just smoothing surfaces. It removes any remaining loose paint, creates uniform texture, and slightly roughens glossy surfaces so new paint can adhere. The grit selection matters—too coarse damages the surface, too fine doesn’t create enough texture for proper adhesion.
Priming is essential, especially when dealing with bare wood or making drastic color changes, as good primer helps paint stick and enhances the paint’s true color. We understand that primer isn’t just undercoat—it’s a specialized product designed to solve specific surface challenges.
Sanding creates mechanical bond between paint coats, using 80-grit sandpaper when paint isn’t lumpy and bumpy, speeding up the process with pad or orbit sanders, then using 100 to 120-grit paper to remove scratches, with medium-grit for weathered wood and fine-grit for trim and doors.
Different surfaces require different sanding approaches. Previously painted walls need light sanding to remove gloss and create tooth for new paint. Bare wood requires more aggressive sanding to smooth grain and remove any mill marks or weathering. Metal surfaces need specialized treatment to remove rust and create proper adhesion.
For interior work, sanding generates dust that must be controlled and removed completely. We use dust collection systems and thorough cleanup to prevent contamination of the prepared surface. Any dust left behind can cause adhesion problems and surface imperfections.
Exterior sanding faces additional challenges from Michigan’s weather exposure. When sanding is complete, we replace any siding or trim that can’t be salvaged and use epoxy to repair rotting wood or replace the wood entirely. This ensures the surface is structurally sound before painting.
Hand sanding versus power sanding each have their place in professional preparation. Detailed areas like trim and molding often require hand sanding for precision, while large flat surfaces benefit from power sanders for efficiency and consistency.
The sanding phase reveals the true condition of surfaces and often uncovers issues that weren’t apparent during initial inspection. We adjust our approach based on what sanding reveals, ensuring every surface receives appropriate treatment.
Primer safeguards wood and should be applied to any stains or exposed areas with stain-blocking primer using a paintbrush, as primer penetrates and seals the area so paint bonds to the surface, with full primer coats needed when changing paint color more than a few shades.
Primer selection depends on surface type, existing conditions, and final paint choice. Bare wood requires different primer than previously painted surfaces. Stained or damaged areas need specialized blocking primers to prevent bleed-through. Metal surfaces require rust-inhibiting primers for long-term protection.
Michigan’s climate demands primers that can handle temperature extremes and moisture exposure. Acrylic-latex paints are particularly favored for their ability to expand and contract with siding, preventing cracking and blistering. Quality primers provide this flexibility while creating strong adhesion.
Application technique affects primer performance significantly. We apply primer in thin, even coats using appropriate tools for each surface type. Brush application works best for detailed areas, while rollers handle large flat surfaces efficiently. Spray application may be used for textured surfaces or large exterior areas.
Temperature and humidity during primer application affect curing and performance. For exterior surfaces, we avoid painting immediately after rain, during foggy weather, or when temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, unless using products specifically designed for these conditions.
Proper primer coverage is essential for paint system performance. Thin spots or missed areas create weak points where paint can fail prematurely. We inspect primer coverage carefully and apply additional coats where needed before proceeding to finish painting.
Proper surface preparation is the key to achieving a flawless, professional paint job that lasts for years to come, and by mastering the essential steps of cleaning, repairing, sanding, and priming, you create a perfect canvas for your chosen paint colors.
The steps we’ve covered—thorough inspection, complete cleaning, careful repairs, proper sanding, and quality priming—represent the difference between amateur and professional results. Each step builds on the previous one, creating a foundation that allows paint to perform as designed.
Understanding these preparation steps helps you recognize quality work and make informed decisions about your painting projects. Whether you tackle the work yourself or hire professionals, proper preparation protects your investment and ensures beautiful, lasting results. For professional surface preparation and painting services Macomb County, MI and Oakland Counties, we at Legends Construction LLC bring over 10 years of experience to every project, ensuring your surfaces are properly prepared for long-lasting, beautiful results.
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