The first thing to do is STOP. Re-eavaluate your goals on the project. Washing and sanding to a dull finish is required when painting over varnish. That is, if you want a long lasting, durable bond. Washing with Dirtex will clean away the dirt and grime (and there is some)and also do some deglossing. A light sanding with #180 sandpaper (aluminum oxide) will create a dull, open surface to which the primer can quickly bond to. Wash first, sand second. A high quality, Acrylic blocking primer will hide the dark stain. Have the primer tinted toward the finsh paint colors.After primer is dry, caulk all unsightly gaps and seams. That will create a seamless finish between trim and wall. Two coats, properly applied, (not thin) will cover well. Be sure you're using the highest quality, 100% Acrylic Latex paint, that you can afford. There is no short-cut to a quality paint job. When it comes to trim, you want to be able to stand back and say, "that's a very nice finish", not just, "well, the color is different". :) Michael

Start with paint thinner. It can clean surface dirt and wax and has the least chance of damaging most finishes. Whan the wood is clean you can decide how to proceed. Blending repairs into larger areas is difficult.

you are thinking in human time ... versus tree time e.g. if the house was built in a pre existing pine plantation .. and the area was bulldozed.. a basement dug.. and heavy machines drove all around ... the trees were injured then ... and are only now.. 'showing' the result ... that is tree time ... even if the house was built 10 or 20 years ago ... is your house 65 years old??? drought last year.. unless severely extreme.. if any damage.. it might show next winter or summer.. but again .. unless the tree was already in decline ... and 30 or 40 days of drought.. is a regular MI summer.. not severe drought ... call your county extension office.. and ask if there are any local pine bugs in abundance ... might also get the answer at a local high end nursery ... will any of these trees fall on your house???? ken

See the thread below - and other threads - about using oven cleaner to clean a bathtub. I also like Comet bathroom cleaner. The secret is to let it sit on the tub for a while and then use a plastic scrubby. Oven cleaner used on bathtub