Which of the following steps is part of exterior wood surface preparation before painting?

• A. Remove loose paint, clean, treat rot, dry thoroughly, sand.
• B. Apply topcoat directly after washing.
• C. Sand without cleaning.
• D. Apply primer before removing loose paint.

Answer: (A)

Before painting exterior wood, you must create a sound, clean, dry, and slightly abraded surface so the finish can adhere properly and last. The best sequence is to first remove all loose or peeling paint so nothing unstable remains, then clean the surface to remove dirt, mildew, and oils, then treat any wood rot to stop deterioration, ensure the wood is dry, and finally sand to roughen the surface and provide a good key for the primer and paint.

This is why the chosen steps are correct: removing loose paint prevents the new coat from being applied over unstable material, cleaning removes contaminants that would weaken adhesion, treating rot stops ongoing damage, drying ensures moisture doesn’t get trapped under the coating, and sanding creates the proper profile for bonding.

Why the other options aren’t correct: washing alone without removing loose paint can leave flaky material that will peel again under the new finish; sanding without cleaning leaves dirt and oils that hinder adhesion; applying primer before removing loose paint can trap peeling layers and moisture, compromising the finish’s bond and longevity.