How to Prep Exterior Walls Before Painting

The secret to paint that lasts a decade isn't the paint — it's what you do before the first brush stroke.

November 2, 2026

Surface preparation is the single most important factor in paint longevity. A premium paint applied to a poorly prepared surface will fail in 2–3 years. Follow these steps to get a 7–10 year result.

Step 1: Clean the Surface

Pressure-wash or scrub all dirt, algae, and loose paint. Allow 2–3 days to dry completely in Malaysian humidity before proceeding.

Step 2: Repair Cracks and Holes

Fill cracks wider than 1mm with exterior-grade crack filler. Sand flush when dry. Hairline cracks can be bridged by flexible exterior paints like Nippon Weatherbond Flex or Jotun Jotashield Extreme.

Step 3: Apply Primer

Prime all bare patches and new render. A good primer seals alkali from fresh cement, which would otherwise cause blistering. Allow full drying time — never rush this step.