You've properly prepared your home's subsurface, and allowed it to dry after pressure-washing. Now, today in Part IV of our winter-survivor series, we discuss what to do when it's time to paint. The first step is to prime the surface -- to hold the finish paint for many years to come. If you've made any replacements, always prime "new" wood on all sides and edges. Any bare areas that were sanded or heavily scraped should be "extra-primed." Primer can be oil-based or latex and must be compatible with the finish paint you use. While oil-based paints once were preferred, new acrylic latex has become the paint of choice, and should be smoothly applied using the best brushes and rollers. While value and bargains are attractive, remember that whereas good paint is expensive, cheap paint costs more in the long run. Tomorrow in Part V of winter survivor, you'll learn how to outfit, outwit, outlast and survive by seeing the big picture. And that's the On The House tip for today.