Exterior painting covers more than a coat of color. A proper job starts with washing the siding, scraping failed paint, sanding edges, spot-priming bare wood, and replacing caulk at joints and trim. Only then does the finish go on, usually two coats. Most of the lasting value is in that prep, since paint applied over chalking, mildew or loose layers peels early.
What to look for
Ask each painter for a written scope that names the prep steps, the paint brand and product line, the number of coats, and who handles repairs to rotted trim. Check for liability insurance and workers' compensation, and ask about their plan for weather delays. Be wary of quotes that are far below the rest, because they often skip prep.
How our scoring helps
We list 8 exterior painting businesses in Middletown and score them on the evidence available, so you can compare them before you call. To see the full ranking, read the best painters in Middletown guide. To see how scores are built and weighted, read our methodology. Use the scores to build a shortlist, then get at least three written quotes and compare them line by line.