You look at your home’s exterior and notice the paint has seen better days. Maybe the color feels faded, or small patches are peeling in spots. You start wondering if you need to scrape every bit of it off before painting again, or if you can simply paint over the old exterior paint and refresh your home’s look. The thought of tackling years of layered paint can feel overwhelming, especially when you just want your house to look good and be protected from Nebraska’s weather.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve served Omaha homeowners since 1996, working on all types of homes with different paint conditions. Over the decades, we’ve seen it all, peeling siding, chalky paint, multiple layers that never bonded right, and also homes with well-maintained paint that made for a smooth project. Because of this, we know the right steps to take before painting over old paint to ensure the new finish lasts.
This article will give you a clear answer to whether you can paint over old exterior paint and exactly what needs to be done before picking up a brush or sprayer. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know what to look for on your own home’s exterior, why prep work is the deciding factor, and how high-quality paint, such as Benjamin Moore’s Aura, makes all the difference for durability.
Can You Put Paint Over Old Exterior Paint?
Yes, you can definitely paint over old exterior paint. In fact, most homes in Omaha that get repainted still have layers of older paint underneath. The key is not whether you can, but whether the surface is properly prepared. If the old paint is still adhering well, it can serve as a solid base for a fresh coat. However, if it’s peeling, chalking, or bubbling, those areas need attention before the new paint goes on.
Think of it like painting a piece of furniture. If the old paint is flaking off, the new coat won’t magically fix that; it will peel too. But if the old paint is intact, smooth, and cleaned properly, new paint bonds well and creates a long-lasting finish.
Why Exterior Prep Work Matters Most
The difference between a paint job that lasts 3 years and one that lasts 10 often comes down to prep work. Omaha homeowners know how tough Nebraska weather can be with hot summers, freezing winters, and spring storms. Without thorough prep, even the best paint can fail early.
Here’s what thorough exterior prep should include:
1. Power Washing with Cleaning Solution
A simple rinse with a garden hose isn’t enough. Homes accumulate dirt, mildew, pollen, and chalky residue from old paint. Power washing with the right cleaning solution ensures the surface is free of anything that could prevent the new paint from sticking. If this step is skipped or rushed, the paint can peel or blister.
2. Repairs Before Painting
Wood rot, loose boards, and cracked trim need fixing before painting. If repairs aren’t done, paint may hide the damage temporarily, but the problem will get worse underneath. Taking care of these repairs first means the paint job not only looks better but also protects your home properly.
3. Caulking for Sealed Joints
Every gap around windows, doors, and siding joints needs fresh caulking. Caulk acts as a seal, preventing water from sneaking in and causing damage. Omaha’s freeze-and-thaw cycles can be especially hard on unsealed gaps. Skipping caulking means leaving your home vulnerable.
4. Sanding Rough Edges
Flaking paint leaves behind rough ridges. Sanding smooths those edges so the new coat blends evenly. Without sanding, the finished surface can look patchy and uneven.
5. Spot Priming Bare Areas
Where old paint has peeled away or bare wood is showing, primer is necessary. Primer helps the new paint grip and keeps stains or tannins from bleeding through. Not every inch of the home may need primer, but spot priming the bare spots ensures the finish is consistent.
What Happens if You Skip Exterior Painting Prep Work?
Painting over old paint without proper prep is like putting a band-aid on a leaky pipe. It might look good at first, but the underlying issues show up quickly.
Here’s what Omaha homeowners risk if they cut corners:
- Peeling within a year or two: Old, loose paint will continue to pull away, taking the new paint with it.
- Blistering from trapped moisture: If dirt, mildew, or moisture are sealed under fresh paint, it can bubble up and ruin the finish.
- Uneven appearance: Without sanding or priming, you’ll see every ridge and patch underneath.
- Wasted investment: Even with a premium paint, the job won’t last if the surface isn’t sound.
Why High-Quality Exterior Paint Makes a Difference
Prep work builds the foundation, but the paint you choose also matters. High-quality paints are designed to last longer, resist fading, and stand up to Omaha’s climate.
A product we love and trust is Aura by Benjamin Moore. It’s known for excellent adhesion, rich coverage, and fade resistance. Because Aura is self-priming on most surfaces, when paired with proper prep work, it helps create a finish that can last years longer than cheaper paints.
A lower-quality paint may save money upfront, but it often requires repainting sooner, which ends up costing more in the long run. When you’re painting over old paint, a strong bonding paint like Aura helps ensure the fresh coat doesn’t just sit on top but truly adheres to the surface.
How to Know if Your Home Is Ready for New Exterior Paint
Not sure if your old paint can be painted over? Here’s a checklist Omaha homeowners can use:
- Peeling or flaking? If less than 20% of the surface is peeling, you can scrape and sand those areas, then paint over the rest. If much more is peeling, stripping, or major prep may be required.
- Chalking? Rub your hand across the siding. If it comes away with a powdery residue, power washing and possibly a bonding primer are needed before painting.
- Faded or discolored? Paint can fade over time, but if it’s still adhering well, it’s fine to paint over it.
- Wood rot present? If boards are soft or crumbling, they need replacement before painting.
- Cracks around trim and siding? These need fresh caulk before painting.
If you check these items and most of the old paint is holding strong, you can paint right over it after the prep steps we outlined.
Common Questions from Omaha Homeowners about Painting Over Old Exterior Paint
Do I need to remove all the old paint before repainting?
No, only the areas that are peeling or loose. As long as the majority of the old paint is sound, it can stay in place.
Will painting over old paint make my house look bad?
Not if it’s prepped correctly. Scraping, sanding, and priming ensure the new coat blends smoothly.
Can I use any type of paint over old paint?
Stick with a high-quality exterior paint. Products like Benjamin Moore Aura are designed to bond well to existing painted surfaces.
How long will new paint last if applied over old paint?
With thorough prep and quality paint, Omaha homeowners can expect 7 to 10 years on average. Poor prep can cut that down to just 2 or 3 years.
Exterior Painting in Omaha, NE
Painting over old exterior paint is not only possible, it’s the standard approach for most homes in Omaha. The real key is whether the surface has been properly washed, repaired, caulked, primed where needed, and sanded. Pair that with a premium paint such as Benjamin Moore’s Aura, and you’ll have a finish that looks great and protects your home for years.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve painted over old exterior paint since 1996. Our goal is to help you understand what makes a lasting paint job so that you can make the best decision for your home.
If you’re ready to refresh your exterior, click the button below to get a quote.
And if you’re still thinking it over, click the button below to go to an exterior painting pricing calculator. This calculator provides a rough estimate of the cost to professionally prep and paint your home.
