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Think hard before deciding to German schmear your home’s exterior brickwork. If you do not like the look, you are pretty much stuck with it, as it is impossible to remove this finish the way you can remove paint. You risk damaging the underlying brick if you have to chisel and acid-wash it away. It will also take a very long time, and remnants of the mortar wash will always remain.

To fix bubbling paint, scrape away any loose or blistered areas using a putty knife. Lightly sand the surface to smooth out rough edges and create a level finish. Clean the area thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and any residue. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a quality primer suited to the material you're painting. Finally, repaint the area, making sure to work in proper temperature and humidity conditions to prevent new bubbles from forming.

Scrape softened caulk with a putty knife or slice hardened caulk with a utility knife. Hard-to-remove caulk generally requires more time exposed to a softening solution, like a commercial product or rubbing alcohol. A few hours to a day later, the softened caulk will come off with the help of common household tools. In many cases, you can grab needle-nosed pliers for caulk with multiple old layers and pull the material off its base. 

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.