Exterior Painting Prep for Chilliwack Homes: Power Washing, Caulking & More

Exterior Painting Prep for Chilliwack Homes: Power Washing, Caulking & More

Thinking about painting the exterior of your home here in Chilliwack? Whether you're freshening up your siding after a rainy winter or getting your place summer-ready, one thing’s for sure: proper prep work is key to a paint job that looks great and lasts through our West Coast weather.

Here’s a local’s guide to prepping your house for exterior painting—from power washing to caulking and everything in between.

1. Clean Off That West Coast Grime: Power Washing

Let’s be honest—Chilliwack sees its fair share of rain, and that means your home’s exterior probably has a buildup of dirt, moss, and mildew. Before you even think about painting, it all needs to go.

• Use a power washer to clean your siding, trim, eaves, and gutters.

• Pay extra attention to shaded areas where mildew tends to grow.

• Use moderate pressure to avoid damaging wood or siding.

• Let your home dry completely—which might take longer in damp spring or fall weather (aim for at least 24-48 hours of dry time).

Pro tip: If mildew is an issue, add a little household bleach to your cleaning solution to help kill it off.

2. Scrape and Sand Where Paint is Peeling

After the wash and dry, check for peeling or flaking paint—common after damp winters.

• Use a paint scraper or wire brush to remove any loose paint.

• Follow up with light sanding to feather out edges and smooth rough spots.

• If you’ve got a larger home, a power sander might be worth renting.

You’re not trying to strip the whole wall—just make sure your new paint sticks cleanly.

3. Look for Rot or Damage

Moisture can sneak into the smallest gaps—especially with our Chilliwack rain and mountain air. Now’s the time to check for:

• Rotting trim or fascia boards

• Cracked or warped siding

• Loose nails or damaged flashing

Make repairs before you paint. Otherwise, you’ll be sealing in a problem that gets worse over time.

4. Caulking: A Must in the Fraser Valley Climate

Exterior caulking might not seem exciting, but in a place like Chilliwack—where we deal with rain, damp air, and even some winter frost—it’s essential.

• Use high-quality exterior caulk to seal gaps and joints around doors, windows, vents, and siding seams.

• Smooth it out with a damp finger or tool.

• Let it cure fully (check the label, but usually 24 hours) before painting.

This helps keep moisture out, improves energy efficiency, and gives your home that crisp, finished look.

5. Prime Bare Wood and Trouble Spots

If you’ve scraped down to the bare wood or have some stained areas, don’t skip the primer.

• Use an exterior-grade primer to seal the wood and help the paint adhere.

• Spot-prime any patched or sanded areas.

• If your whole home is faded or heavily stained (hello, old cedar), consider priming the entire surface.

Primer is like insurance for your paint job—especially in a place where the weather likes to test your exterior.

Before You Paint: Cover & Protect

Last but not least, prep your surroundings:

• Cover shrubs, garden beds, walkways, and windows with drop cloths or plastic.

• Use painter’s tape for sharp, clean edges.

• Plan around the weather forecast—pick a stretch of dry, mild days (not too hot, not too humid) for best results.

Chilliwack’s painting sweet spot? Late spring to early fall, when temps are mild and rain is less frequent.

Final Thoughts

Painting your exterior is a great investment—both for looks and protection. But in Chilliwack’s climate, prep is everything. Clean, smooth, sealed surfaces will help your paint go on better and last much longer through sun, rain, and snow.

Whether you're doing it yourself or calling in a pro, don’t rush the prep. It's what turns a good paint job into a great one.

Need a hand with your Chilliwack home?
We offer full-service exterior painting and prep, including power washing, minor repairs, caulking, and more. Reach out for a free quote—we’re local, and we’re here to help.