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Yes, you can paint over old exterior paint, but success depends on the condition of the existing paint and proper surface preparation. If the previous coating is in good shape (not cracked, peeling, or flaky), you can paint over it with less prep work. However, for the most durable and professional-looking results, follow these key preparation steps:

• Clean the Surface: Thoroughly clean the exterior to remove all dirt, grime, and mildew. A pressure washer can be very effective for this.

• Scrape and Sand: If the old paint is peeling, cracked, or flaky, you must scrape off all loose paint. After scraping, sand the surface to create a smooth, even base for the new paint. Sanding is especially important for wood siding.

• Apply Primer: Using a quality exterior primer is highly recommended. It ensures the new paint adheres properly, improves durability, and provides a uniform finish. If you are painting a lighter color over a dark one, a tinted primer will help cover the old color more effectively.

Some brands offer paint-and-primer-in-one products for convenience. Taking the time to prepare the surface properly will not only increase your home's curb appeal but also help protect your siding and extend its life.

Yes, vinegar can remove polyurethane from wood, but it is a slow, inefficient, and inconsistent restoration method. Whatever your intention, it’s best to avoid using vinegar on wood with a polyurethane finish—though it can be an effective cleaner for other wood finishes.

Technically, mineral spirits are a type of paint thinner, so they can be used for the same purposes. In most cases, pure mineral spirits are preferable to other paint thinners. Still, if necessary, you can successfully use paint thinners for most of the same applications, such as thinning or cleaning oil paints.

While a pressure washer is certainly powerful enough to remove old and peeling paint, this is not a great idea to do yourself. The pressure washer is so powerful that you could actually damage the walls as you strip away the paint. It’s best to leave paint stripping to the pros.