Painting - Painting woodwork in outside patio

Got a covered patio, and the posts (4x4s) holding it up, as well as the wood (2x4s and 2x6s) holding up the roof, are painted white. However, the outside pieces of wood are quite weathered; pieces of paint have flaked off, some are in the process of doing so, etc.

What is the best thing to do before painting? Should we sand the woodwork down, scrape it with a blade, ot use a steel brush? Also, should we kilz it before painting?

Any suggestions on the best way to tackle this project are apppreciated. Thank you.

Moisture tends to be the number one cause of peeling paint. You will need to scrape away and sand the peeled paint, prime with a couple coats of primer, and then repaint.

http://www.paintcolours.com/nofr_ext-prep.html

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/diy/exterior/commonproblems/default.asp

http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/faq6.html

Thank you again.

Followed several suggestions, and the project turned out great.