Painting Wood Siding Prep

Applying a fresh coat of paint every few years will keep your home looking beautiful.

Painting wood siding prep.

If the unfinished wood was exposed more than 3 to 4 weeks lightly sand the surface to remove the thin layer of degraded wood before applying paint. When you re satisfied with the wood s appearance rinse the exterior from top to bottom with a garden hose. Unfinished siding exposed to several weeks of sunlight before painting needs to be sanded. Sunlight degrades the unfinished wood surface thus it will never hold paint as well as fresh wood.

Use a long handled scrubber brush and a mild detergent to gently scrub away accumulated dirt grime mold and other residue. 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. Proper painting preparation includes. Give the surface a full day to dry before moving on.

Use an old screwdriver or similar tool to scrape out any failed caulk from joints and cracks. Prepare the surface with old buildings such as my 130 year old barn water blasting the loose paint is not a recommended practice. Before painting wood siding proper preparation is critically important. Paint tends to peel or flake near joints between dissimilar materials think siding and trim window frames and glass etc.

Cleaning the siding. Before weathered wood can be painted it will require extensive prep work to ensure that the paint stays on for more than just a couple of years. Power wash the siding. Clean the wood surface thoroughly.

Knowing how to properly prepare and paint your wood siding will make the process go smoothly.