If you’ve been thinking about painting your home’s cedar siding, you’ve likely done a lot of research already. As an incredibly popular natural wood option, this style of home siding should be replaced every five to seven years. But, with some special precautions, you can get up to ten years from one paint application. In order to do this, though, you’ll need to take steps to ensure that the surface is properly prepared. To get the most out of your paint job, there are a number of steps you should take. Today, we’re going to look at a few things that you can do to be certain that your cedar siding paint job will last.
1. Pick the right paint and primer
When painting cedar siding, standard paint won’t deliver the best results. As cedar is extremely porous, it soaks up normal paint. This results in a very thin layer of paint on the wood’s exterior that, over time, will begin to crack and peel. To avoid this, it’s best to utilize a stain blocking primer and 100% acrylic-latex paint. Using these two things will help to ensure that you achieve thick, weather-resistant coats that ensure longevity by completely filling the wood’s pores.
2. Apply the paint properly
Depending on the tools you use during your project, you can achieve thicker or thinner coats of paint. While a hand brush is the best option, it can also be tedious and time consuming. But, no matter what method you choose, be sure to apply the paint while it’s wet, as this will ensure that the wood’s pores are filled. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that paint will not adhere to old, weathered siding as well as it does to new siding. If your siding is more than ten years old, it’s recommended that you reach out to a professional.
3. Consider the climate
As a siding material, cedar is more prone to sun damage than other options. With long-term exposure, it can weaken and discolor. As this can affect the durability of your paint job and – more importantly – its longevity, you’ll want to use the absolute best paint available. You’ll also want to enlist the help of a professional to be certain that the siding is thoroughly prepared and properly painted.
At Van Tuinen Painting, we can help you get the most out of your cedar siding. Our team will work with you to achieve the results that you’re looking for. We’ll help you select the longest lasting colors, the most durable paints, and the most trusted primers. So, if you’re looking to paint your cedar siding this year, reach out to us to learn how we can help!
