Exterior Cleaning & Prep

Exterior Cleaning & Prep sets the stage for durable paint, exterior stains, and floor coatings by delivering a clean, sound, and properly profiled surface. The right tools and cleaners remove dirt, chalk, mildew, algae, loose paint, oil, and efflorescence so coatings bond better, look sharper, and last longer across siding, decks, fences, stucco, brick, masonry, and concrete.

Choose pressure washers and soft-wash sprayers with the right PSI, GPM, and nozzle angles to match the material—low pressure for wood and older siding, higher pressure and rotary surface cleaners for driveways and patios. Pair them with biodegradable detergents, degreasers, oxygenated cleaners, mold and mildew removers, rust and efflorescence removers, deck and wood brighteners, and concrete etchers to cut through buildup and restore color without damaging the substrate.

For paint preparation, stock up on scrapers, carbide blades, wire brushes, and oscillating tools to lift peeling coatings. Use chemical paint strippers or graffiti removers where heat or abrasion is risky. Repair defects with exterior spackling, masonry crack fillers, polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealants, and two-part epoxy wood consolidants and fillers. Finish the profile with sanding sponges, pole sanders, or random orbit sanders, then dust off and spot-prime bare areas with a bonding primer.

Mask and protect with painter’s tape, masking film, plastic sheeting, and drop cloths to control overspray and keep landscaping clean. For safety and compliance, add PPE such as cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, respirators or cartridges rated for the chemistry, non-marking hoses, and GFCI protection. Respect dwell times, rinse thoroughly, allow proper dry-down, and verify moisture before coating. A thoughtful exterior surface preparation plan saves time, reduces callbacks, and delivers a longer-lasting, professional finish.

Match products to the substrate: exterior paint preparation for siding and trim, deck cleaning before staining, fence washing, and driveway prep for concrete sealers—plus coverage, dilution, dwell-time guidance.