Prepare your facade for successful painting

You have chosen the colour, consulted several professionals, and your exterior painting project is taking shape. But before opening the first can, one question arises: is your facade ready for this new coat? Preparing a facade before painting means avoiding defects and gaining durability over time1. A poorly prepared surface can compromise the entire project, regardless of the budget invested.

Why facade preparation is non-negotiable

Preparation determines the lifespan of your exterior paint. A facade repainted directly over cracks, moss or flaking old coating will see its finish degrade within just a few months. This renovation must take into account the condition of the facade, analyse any potential problems to address them: paint or render peeling, cracks, efflorescence (salt deposits), colour deterioration (due to atmospheric and/or biological pollution), degradation of facade joints2. In the Paris region as well as in Lyon or Marseille, atmospheric pollution accelerates the ageing of exterior walls. A well-cleaned and repaired facade guarantees optimal adhesion, avoids costly rework and preserves the aesthetics of your property for years to come.

Three key steps before any paint application

Deep cleaning without damaging the surface

Cleaning removes dust, moss, algae and pollution deposits that prevent paint from adhering properly. In humid regions such as Brittany or Normandy, moss quickly establishes itself on north-facing facades. Use a high-pressure cleaner with care to avoid opening the pores of the render or damaging the joints. On fragile renders or old renders, manual brushing followed by rinsing is often sufficient. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving to the next step: a damp facade compromises the adhesion of repair render and paint.

Treating cracks and imperfections with care

Before painting, it is essential to repair all cracks and imperfections on the facade3. Microcracks less than 0.5 mm can be filled directly with flexible render or suitable anti-crack paint. For wider cracks, widen them slightly into a V shape with a triangular scraper, dust them out then fill with fibred exterior repair render. This type of render better absorbs the building movements caused by temperature variations, which are frequent in the Paris region or in the South-West where temperature swings are significant. If the facade shows heavily damaged areas, it may be necessary to replace certain parts of the render. Once repairs are complete, let the render dry before applying the preparation primer coat.

Apply a fixing primer

The primer coat uniformises the surface, improves the adhesion of the topcoat and reduces product consumption. It is particularly essential on porous renders, old powdery paints or repaired surfaces. Choose a primer compatible with the type of substrate (concrete, render, stone) and allow at least 24 hours drying time before applying the first coat of paint. This step, often overlooked by time-pressed DIYers, makes all the difference in the final durability of the coating.

When to schedule your preparation work

Weather plays a decisive role in the drying of render and primer. Early autumn, particularly between mid-September and mid-October, also offers an excellent window for exterior painting. At this time, the intense summer heat has passed and temperatures stabilise around 15 to 22 °C. The atmosphere is generally dry, with fewer risks of sudden showers. Avoid working in damp, windy or direct sunlight conditions: these affect drying and can cause adhesion defects. If you live in a city where 4 of them have issued a prefectural decree making facade renovation compulsory every 10 years - Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse - rigorous preparation of your facade is all the more important to comply with this legal obligation and guarantee a lasting result.

What our platform checks before presenting you with a quote

When you request an exterior painting quote on our platform, the professional must always view the space before offering you a final price. This inspection can be done through photos and videos or during an on-site visit: both methods work the same way and allow assessment of the true condition of the facade (presence of cracks, moss, flaking old paint, damp areas). A quote per square metre remains indicative as long as the professional has not assessed the condition of the substrate, as two surfaces of the same size may require completely different preparation work. Our platform systematically requests these photos and videos before finalising any proposal, precisely to avoid unpleasant surprises during the project. All project details (cleaning, repairs, number of coats, timelines) are then visible online for you, the professional and the platform. Finally, each painter presented is verified: we validate that they have a valid SIRET number before displaying them among the available options.

A well-prepared facade guarantees a finish that lasts, protects your investment and adds value to your property. Take the time for this step: it determines the success of the entire project.