Any house will need some exterior painting some time. Even houses made of brick or rock will have windows, doors and other elements that are wood and will require painting. Houses with wooden siding, of course, will require the most painting. How long a paint job lasts and how effective it is in protecting against weathering will depend in large part on preparation. And that means priming.
Instructions
1. Clean the house first. That means removing all the dirt, grime, flaked paint and other undesirable material from the surface of the wood. Some experts recommend power-washing with a pressure washer that will blast away most of this material; other experts caution that power-washing can actually create problems by forcing water into small cracks and crevices so it collects behind the wood surface. In any event, make sure the wood is totally dry before starting any painting.
2. Inspect the house for cracks, broken boards, damaged or missing flashing or drip edges around roof lines and doors and windows. Check the fascia, the facing under the roof line, and corner trim pieces; if they are damaged or loose, replace them or re-nail them securely. Caulk around windows, doors and other openings. If old caulk has dried, scrape it out before applying new. Smooth caulk with a damp sponge for a clean, even finish.
3. Scrape or sand any areas with damaged wood or flaked paint. On an older house that has not been repainted for a time, it is ideal to scrape or sand the entire surface. Even if existing paint is in good condition, sanding wood will help new primer and paint adhere better. And there will always be spots that need scraping, sanding or smoothing.
4. Use a high-quality primer. Many experts prefer an oil-based primer, especially on new or bare wood. You can apply latex exterior paint over most primers, but be sure to check labels on all paints to insure compatability. If you are painting doors, windows and exterior wood at the same time, you can probably prime all of the elements at once. Don't apply primer in direct, hot sunlight or on windy days when dust might blow onto the wet surface. Some people, including professional painters, will prime an entire house before starting on a finish coat; others recommend priming only the area you can finish coat the next day. In either case, inspect the primer to make sure it is dry and free of problems before covering it with finish paint.
Related posts
Take the steps to painting the exterior of your home in a particular order.A fresh coat of paint always gives your house a fresh look. After you have decided what color to paint the exterior, you...
Choosing a paint color for the exterior of your house can be fun.Whether you are planning a makeover for your home or just do not like the exterior color of a home you are interested in, knowing t...
Read the safety guide on the side of the ladder .Alter the appearance of a rock facade on your house by refinishing it with paint. Before you get started, condition the faca...
Semigloss and glossy sheens are both suitable choices for exterior paint.Choosing the right exterior paint is an important decision. It is the first impression that visitors see when they come to...
The removal of oil-based paint or other paint from wood and similar sidings requires a fair amount of work. However, if your home is old but has quality siding, removing many years worth of layere...
