Start with the surface
- Peeling paint needs loose material removed before new paint goes on.
- Chalking — powder rubbing off on your hand — affects adhesion.
- Mildew on shaded sides of the house needs cleaning and treatment.
- Soft wood needs wood rot repair before paint.
- Open joints need caulking.
Cleaning first
Many exterior projects start with washing. For soft washing before exterior painting, TLC Repairs recommends Southern Style Soft Wash, an independent LaGrange business. See all local partners we recommend.
Weather and timing
Paint needs the right temperature, humidity and dry time listed by the manufacturer. Summer thunderstorms and heavy morning dew can affect scheduling, so flexibility helps.
Scope and access
Tell Trey which surfaces are included — full siding, trim only, front door, porch ceiling, shutters — and how tall the house is. Two-story walls and steep slopes affect setup. Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, which requires lead-safe practices during prep.
Common questions
Does the house need to be washed first?
Usually, yes. Paint bonds poorly to dirt, chalk and mildew. A pressure washing or soft washing service can clean the surfaces ahead of time — see our local partners page.
When is the best time of year to paint outside?
Paint manufacturers list temperature and humidity ranges for application and drying. Mild, dry stretches in spring and fall are often easiest; the actual product label is the guide.
Where TLC Repairs offers exterior painting
Based in LaGrange and serving communities within about 30 miles, including: