Exterior Painted Wood Siding
Painted wood siding on a home is one of the best looking exteriors in the market today. However, painting wood siding on an entire home can be very time consuming to do yourself. We have compiled a list of recommended steps to take into consideration when planning your project. While doing this yourself can be personally rewarding and can save you some money, having a professional complete a project like this often takes much less time, and provides you with a superior finished appearance and long lasting product.
Power Wash the Siding
Adjust the pressure on the power washer to light and gently knock off any dirt or debris that may be attached to the surface of the wood siding. Use a stiff bristled brush to scrub away anything that may resist coming off. You can increase the pressure of the water as needed, but don’t increase it so much that it begins to damage the wood.
Remove Any Loose Paint or Debris
Remove any loose paint or debris using a wire brush, carbide scraper, sanding block or electric sander. Just be very careful with an electric sander not to disfigure the natural surface texture of custom wood planks or shaker siding. If you are using an electric sander, maintain even, yet firm pressure so you don’t gouge the surface of the wood. Depending on the age of the siding, the edges may be a little rough. Sand away any splintered areas and remove any loose pieces of wood that may be sticking out.
Fill Holes and Make Any Necessary Repairs
Use an exterior paintable wood filler to fill any holes. You will need to allow the filler to dry and apply a second coat to make sure that it is evenly filled. If there are any pieces of siding that are cracked or damaged, now would be a good time to replace them with new pieces.
Sand and Smooth Patched Areas
Once the wood filler has dried, take fine-grit sandpaper and smooth over the patched areas. This will eliminate any bumps or ridges that may have been created during the process. Filling and sanding holes may have to be performed more than once to ensure the hole is completely filled. It’s also important to run the sander over each piece of siding from edge to edge, making sure to lightly sand the sides and edges to eliminate any rough areas. Make sure that the weather does not call for rain, as rain can damage any filled areas, and you will need to complete this step again.
Apply A Coat of Primer
Once the filler has completely dried and the area sanded smooth, the next step is to apply a coat of primer. If the wood absorbs the primer quickly, you may need to apply one or two more coats to ensure the wood is saturated and the paint fully covers the siding without leaving any bare areas. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly between each coat.
Caulk and Seal Any Cracks
As soon as the primer has dried, you will want to check any edges for holes or possible separation. Use a waterproof caulk to fill each hole and create an air-tight seal to prevent moisture from getting underneath the siding. Moisture can lead to black mold. Just like with the wood filler, go over each area once or twice to ensure that it is completely filled and sealed.
Apply Exterior Paint
After all of the prep work has been completed, it’s time to apply the exterior paint. You can brush or roll the paint on or you can use a paint gun that will evenly distribute the paint over large surfaces. Taking a small brush and painting around windows, trim, and doorways will make it easy to spray paint the rest of the house. Using slow, steady strokes is the best way to apply paint with both a sprayer as well as a brush.
Properly preparing your wood siding before painting will ensure that the resulting finish will last for many years without peeling or being damaged. Once you have prepared the wood and gathered the painting supplies, your next step will be to apply one or two finish coats, as needed, to complete the project. When painting any type of exterior surface, including wood, make sure that you allow ample time for the paint to dry.
HOA Paint Colors
Another thing you may need to take into consideration before painting are your local HOA rules regarding exterior house paint colors, trim colors, and rules around when homes can be painted. Some homeowners associations have strict guidelines around this topic, so make sure you contact them before starting your project to make sure you cover all of your bases.
Professional Paint Applications
We understand that painting a house can seem overwhelming. After taking into consideration the cost of your time, additional tools, paint and supplies required, you may be pleasantly surprised how affordable a professional painting company can be. So feel free to contact Van Tuinen Painting for all your exterior (or interior) painting needs. And remember, estimates are always free!
