There are a few steps for any exterior paint job to ensure it will last a considerable amount of time. First step is to pressure wash the surface that is being painted. Without pressure washing the paint will stick to the surface just fine, but will not last for a long time. Fixing all cracks is another "must do" item prior to painting. If the cracks are not fixed the paint job will not look as good cosmetically, and when the moisture gets inside the cracks, the paint might start pealing. Spot priming repaired areas. Some less expensive paints have primer already pre-mixed in them and that eliminates the necessity of spot priming. When using premium paints usually spot priming is required. Spot priming will insure that the patch or caulk is not visible after the top coat is applied. Depending on how perfect the job needs to be done some sanding of the repaired areas may be required. Masking the areas that are not painted to avoid overspary. After one coat of paint is applied and the paint dried, the second coat of paint can be applied. Depending on the weather the time between coats will vary. During the summer time it may take as little as an hour. During colder weather paint may need to dry overnight before the second coat of paint can be applied. Using appropriate primers and paints for each surface is another requirement for a long lasting paint job.