7 Steps to Properly Paint Wood Siding (2024)

Few features of a home make an immediate visual impact like its exterior paint job. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve curb appeal and increase the value of your home. Wood siding regularly needs the protection of a new coat of paint or stain. Depending on the climate in your area, expect to repaint wood siding every 3-5 years to maintain its appearance and prevent deterioration.

Tips for a Long-Lasting Exterior Paint Finish

If you’re planning to paint your home as a DIY project, choosing new exterior paint colors is just the start. All of the time and expense invested in painting can be compromised when crucial steps in preparation are rushed or skipped. Following these seven steps will help ensure that your paint job looks good and is long-lasting.

1. Clean the Exterior

Begin by hosing down the siding. If you use a pressure washer, keep the pressure low to avoid damaging the wood and driving water into cracks and crevices. Water alone is rarely enough to remove mold, mildew, and algae buildup. There are a number of cleaning agents on the market designed for wood siding. Follow package instructions carefully, wear protective gear, and allow the siding to thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step.

2. Scrape and Sand

Paint will not adhere properly to surfaces that are cracking or peeling. Scrape loose and flaking paint from the siding. Use a paint scraper, keeping the blade flat against the wood to avoid creating gouge marks. Use a hand sander to smooth out any rough spots. A power sander can be used for larger areas. Take care not to push too hard and leave sander marks on the siding. When scraping and sanding, you may release lead dust which is toxic. Before you start, log onto www.epa.gov/lead to learn more about how to protect yourself and your family from the hazards of lead paint.

3. Fill and Repair Damaged Areas

After washing, scraping, and sanding, you will likely find holes, dings or chips that need attention. Fill any dents and nail holes with either a wood or epoxy filler and sand the surface. If there are major rot problems or large sections of damaged siding, you may need to hire a professional carpenter to replace those sections. Now is also a good time to correct drainage problems that cause water to pool and promote rot and mildew.

4. Protect Doors, Windows, and Lights

Cover doors, windows, and lighting fixtures using plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. Remove the shutters so you can paint behind them. Remember to cover landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, parked vehicles, and other outdoor items with tarps or drop cloths to protect them from paint splatter and accidental spills.

5. Apply Stain Blocking Primer

Primer will help paint adhere to the surface, providing a more uniform appearance. Use a primer when painting over new wood, bare wood, or repainting over existing dark or bright colors. If the entire surface doesn’t need to be primed, apply primer to select areas to prevent stains or other imperfections from bleeding through the final coat of paint.

6. Caulk Seams and Cracks

After the primer has dried, check edges and joints for holes or gaps. Use a waterproof caulk to fill gaps and create an airtight seal to prevent moisture from getting underneath the siding. Most professionals recommend acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk for use around windows and doors. These caulks are paintable, long-lasting, and easy to clean up. Let the caulk set (usually at least several hours) before applying paint.

7. Apply Exterior Paint

After all of the prep work has been completed, it’s finally time to paint. Most exterior jobs will require a combination of brushes, rollers, and/or a paint sprayer to achieve the best finish. Start at the top and work down, doing the walls first and then the trim and doors. To avoid “lap marks” on exterior siding, always try to brush from one wet surface onto another wet surface. Allow the first coat of paint to thoroughly dry before applying the second coat.

Extra Tips for Better Paint Results

If your home was built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use, you should protect yourself and your neighbors from airborne lead particles. The first step is to test for lead paint. Testing kits are widely available online and at local paint and hardware stores. If tests prove positive for lead paint, DIYers should follow EPA lead paint handling instructions to minimize exposure. You can also hire a local EPA lead-safe certified renovation contractor to handle lead testing and removal.

Don’t forget to follow basic ladder safety practices. Before using any ladder, make sure it is in proper working condition. When using an extension ladder, invest in an adjustable ladder stabilizer to improve stability. Don’t overreach too far to the side. Try to keep your hips within the horizontal rails of the ladder. It’s always much safer to climb down, move the ladder, and climb back up rather than risk falling by overreaching.

Don’t prime or paint in direct sunlight. Paint the west-facing side in the morning and the east in the afternoon. Avoid applying paint or primer on wet, windy, or very cold or hot days. Most paint products should be applied when outdoor temperatures are between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the container for specific directions as some formulas can be applied in cooler temperatures.

Extend the life of your paint job with regular maintenance. Remove mold and mildew, inspect caulking every year and replace as needed, and touch up blisters or peels before they spread. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are regularly cleaned to direct water away from the house to prevent mold, mildew, and rot from developing on wood siding.

Painting your home, especially if it’s a multistory house, is time-consuming, physically demanding, and often dangerous work. Professional painters have the experience, training, and equipment to complete exterior projects safely and efficiently. Hiring an experienced local paint contractor will ensure professional, long-lasting results.

Walla Painting is a locally owned business that specializes in residential painting. Our fully insured, bonded, and skilled painters are equipped to handle any size project. We are proud to have received Angie’s List Super Service Award 10 years in a row for our customer service and detailed workmanship.

We are here to serve Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, and McCordville homeowners. We offer residential interior and exterior painting, as well as cabinet and trim painting. Contact us online or at (317) 505-0894 for a free estimate.

7 Steps to Properly Paint Wood Siding (2024)

FAQs

7 Steps to Properly Paint Wood Siding? ›

For the most basic cedar siding paint job, you'll need just four steps: 1) Carefully pressure wash the dirt off the siding, 2) thoroughly scrape off the peeling paint, 3) prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, and 4) paint the siding with an all-in-one exterior paint and primer.

How to properly paint wood siding? ›

For the most basic cedar siding paint job, you'll need just four steps: 1) Carefully pressure wash the dirt off the siding, 2) thoroughly scrape off the peeling paint, 3) prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, and 4) paint the siding with an all-in-one exterior paint and primer.

Is it better to paint wood siding with a brush or roller? ›

Brush or Roller? Yes! The fastest, most effective way to apply exterior paint is with both a paintbrush and a roller. Brush paint onto narrow surfaces, edges, and smaller areas, and use a short, small-diameter roller to paint large and long surfaces such as siding and trim.

How many coats of paint on wood siding? ›

Two coats is typically all that's needed, if you're painting over a well-prepped, primed surface. This is particularly true if you are painting a dark color over a lighter, existing one, as you're guaranteed to have good coverage.

How do you pressure wash wood siding before painting? ›

Fill up your pressure washer's tank with cleaning solution, then spray the siding with the water-solution mixture, working from the bottom up. Use a low-pressure and wide sprayer angle while applying the cleaning solution.

In what order do you paint the exterior of a house? ›

What order do you paint the exterior of a house? Always work from the top down, and not in the glare of the sun: Start with the soffits, fascia and trim. Next, paint the walls of the house, top down.

How do you prepare outdoor wood steps for painting? ›

Start by thoroughly cleaning the wood surface to remove any dirt, dust, or mildew. Mix a mild detergent or wood cleaner with water in a bucket according to the product instructions. Dip the stiff bristle brush into the solution and scrub the wood surface in a circular motion.

What happens if you don't sand before painting? ›

Sanding is often a crucial step for ensuring that your surface is ready to be painted. If you don't have a properly sanded surface, paint may not adhere to certain items properly. You can oversand, undersand and often people underestimate its importance. But, you don't have to be a pro to sand a surface.

What do you put on wood before you paint it? ›

First, apply a primer to the bare wood, then apply the paint. With painted surfaces in good condition, you may be able to skip the primer. Do I need to prime wood before painting? Prime unfinished or bare wood before painting it.

What is the best paint finish for exterior wood siding? ›

Satin Finish

Satin finishes offer a slight sheen and are a popular choice for exterior siding. Satin is best for siding because it's a low-reflective finish that's good at hiding surface imperfections.

What do you clean siding with before painting? ›

For best results, mix 3 quarts of warm water with 1 cup of TSP. Add 1 quart of household bleach and mix thoroughly. Always wear gloves and goggles to apply the cleaning solution. Liberally apply the solution with a low-pressure pump-up sprayer, starting at the bottom of the wall and working up.

Do I need to prime exterior wood siding before painting? ›

You Should Use Exterior Primer If…

You're covering over bare wood – Whether you had to complete a localized wood replacement or simply sanded the surface really well as part of your surface prep strategy, bare wood has to be covered in primer. It provides a crucial, receptive base that your topcoat can grip onto.

What is the best paint for exterior wood siding? ›

Acrylic paint is widely considered the best choice for exterior applications. Acrylics offer superior durability, flexibility, and color retention compared to other formulations.

How do you prepare old exterior wood for painting? ›

To prepare wood for paint, scrape off flaking paint, treat knots with the necessary specialized primers, sand the entire surface, and wipe the surface clean. Brush on a coat of latex-based primer, allow the primer to dry completely for 2-6 hours, and if there are gaps and cracks, seal them with caulk.

Is it better to paint or stain wood siding? ›

Paint will last longer than stain and cover up any flaws in your siding or deck, but it can be more slippery and will trap moisture within the wood which leads to other issues later on. You can expect your properly painted wood deck or siding to last about ten years.

References

Top Articles
Quick Tip: How to Turn Off “Sign in with Google” on Websites - Lireo Designs
The Most Creative Ways To Eat Your Homemade Labneh - Rouba Shahin Middle Eastern Cooking
Scammer phone number lookup. How to check if a phone number is a scam
Moonrise Tonight Near Me
Madden 23 Solo Battles
Weather On October 15
Record-breaking crowd lifts Seattle Sounders to CCL glory on "special" night | MLSSoccer.com
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish Showtimes Near Fox Berkshire
Fire And Ice Festival Dc
Mcdonalds 5$
Gasbuddy Costco Hawthorne
19 Dollar Fortnite Card Copypasta
College Basketball Predictions & Picks Today 🏀 [Incl. March Madness]
Craigslist Farm And Garden Yakima Wa
organization | QAssurance
Apryl Prose Wiki
Smart fan mode msi, what's it for and does it need to be activated?
Lecture Tutorials For Introductory Astronomy Answer Guide
Jennifer Lenzini Leaving Ktiv
8776725837
Skyward Weatherford Isd Login
Ian D. McClure on LinkedIn: New partnerships, licenses, patents and projects in today’s #ukotc…
ZQuiet Review | My Wife and I Both Tried ZQuiet for Snoring
Craigslist Hoosick Falls
Sloansmoans Bio
Francine weakens moving inland as the storm leaves behind flooding and widespread power outages
Aston Carter hiring HR Specialist in Inwood, WV | LinkedIn
Ticket To Paradise Showtimes Near Movie Tavern Bedford
Insidekp.kp.org Myhr Portal
Vanity Fair Muckrack
Autotrader Ford Ranger
Chess Unblocked Games 66
Wdl Nursing Abbreviation
Ipayonline Azsdu Net
Vision Government Solutions Stamford Ct
Funny Shooter Unblocked
Bfri Forum
Lox Club Gift Code
Game8 Genshin Impact
Perfect Coffee Shop Recipe Cool Math Games
Shiawassee County 911 Active Events
Philasd Zimbra
City Md Flatbush Junction
Adaptibar Vs Uworld
Goose Band Setlists
Tamusso
Tampa Catholic Calendar
Pokeclicker Pikablu
La Fitness North Wales Class Schedule
Best Blox Fruit For Grinding
Georgiatags.us/Mvdkiosk
304-733-7788
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6752

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.