What do I need to do to get my house ready to paint outside

Assuming this is diy, power wash and rinse. Just as you would inside, clean up peeling paint, fix any boo boo, and one side at a time I’d good painters tape or tarp anything thats not to be painted - or dripped on.

Make a check list of all the supplies your paint provider or the web suggests you use. Make sure your ladders are tall enough and sturdy. The best paint brushes and rollers for the specific surface (wood? Aluminum. Vinyl? Shakes?) Penny wise and all that.

It’s a fabulously rewarding project. But not if it takes twice as long because you didn’t prep fully.

Wash the siding. There are products that will attatch to a hose, big box diy should have it. Don’t use a pressure washer it can damage some siding. I have a broom that can connect to a hose to scrub with. Let it dry before priming and painting. Set enough time to complete one side at a time. I’ve always painted top to bottom, working in sections.there are 2 thoughts on painting trim. Do it first, or do it last. I’ve always done it first..then the main body. If you rent a sprayer it goes much faster than a brush and roller.

Pressure wash, make any needed repairs and start with a nice clean house to paint.

Great tips on these sites!

https://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/how-to-prepare-for-house-painting/view-all/

https://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/prepare-your-house-for-exterior-painting/project

Do not forget to cover all your plants and shrubs!

Power wash first.

OK. You'll need a good scraper for loose paint. You won't be able to scrape it all off, but scrape til you've left loose particles you can't scrape off. Next, go around and sand into the scrape marks to make the paint more level with the scraped paint. Now, apply an outdoor primer. When done, apply an outdoor paint (exterior) paint. Dry and add another coat of paint.

My husband who painted, etc. painted homes etc. from the time he was 9 with his father who was a big contractor in MN . also did paper hanging. He would not hear of using paint & primer mixed. He always bought top quality primer and paint separately. He always said "The materials I use will allow my work to last for many years. So I still do it that way. I've found that as long as I like the color on the house it lasted and for many years.

What is the house made of and what was on the siding before? Was it already painted or stained. Is there chipping paint? Those questions will determine your process and also the products you need for the job.