Exterior painting in McKinney, Texas is not just about picking a color and putting paint on the house. A few key details done right can drastically improve how long the paint lasts and how clean a home looks over time, especially with the heat, sun, and weather we see in North Texas. These are some of the things we pay attention to on exterior painting projects around McKinney and the surrounding areas.

Start With a Proper Wash

Before any exterior painting begins, the home needs to be cleaned. A proper power wash removes dirt, mildew, and built up residue so the paint can bond correctly. In most McKinney exterior painting projects, a thorough wash is all that is needed before moving forward. You do not need to prime an entire house if the existing paint is still in good condition.

Address Cracks With the Right Caulk

Caulking is one of the most overlooked parts of exterior house painting. Using a quality exterior caulk in seams, joints, and small cracks helps seal out moisture and creates cleaner lines. It is important to paint over caulk once it cures. Unpainted caulk will yellow and break down from sun exposure, which is especially common on homes in North Texas.

Repair Rotted Wood Before Painting

Paint will not fix rotted wood. Any damaged trim, siding, or fascia should be repaired or replaced before exterior painting begins. Taking care of these issues early helps prevent future problems and allows the new paint system to perform the way it should on McKinney homes.

Prime Bare Wood, Not Everything

Primer is important, but it does not need to be used everywhere. We typically spot prime bare wood or repaired areas to seal the surface and promote proper adhesion. There is no benefit to priming over stable, existing paint that is already bonded well.

Use the Right Finish for the Exterior

On most residential exterior painting projects in McKinney, a satin finish works well across siding, trim, and other surfaces. Satin cleans easily, sheds dirt better than flatter finishes, and keeps the home looking consistent. If more durability is desired, upgrading the exterior paint product is a better solution than changing sheen.

Exterior painting works best when preparation and materials are handled thoughtfully. When surfaces are cleaned, sealed, repaired, and painted correctly, the result is an exterior paint job that looks clean and holds up far longer in the McKinney, Texas climate.