Key takeaways
- Paint sticks to clean, dull, sound surfaces
- Most of a good paint job is prep
- Primer solves specific problems
- Skipping prep is the most common reason paint fails
When a paint job fails, it is rarely the paint. It is usually what was underneath: dirt, chalk, gloss, mildew, loose old paint or damaged wood. That is why a careful crew spends most of its time before the first coat.
What good prep includes
- Washing away dirt, grease, chalk and mildew
- Scraping and sanding loose or glossy paint
- Repairing cracks, holes and rotted wood
- Caulking gaps so water stays out
- Priming bare spots and stains
Why primer matters
Primer is not just thin paint. It bonds to tricky surfaces, blocks stains and evens out repairs so the finish coat looks uniform. Using the right primer for the surface is a small step with a big payoff.
How to judge a quote
If a quote does not mention washing, scraping, repairs, caulk and primer, ask what is included. A lower price often means less prep, and less prep means paint that does not last.
Related services
Questions about your own space? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the quote form below.