Peeling and flaking paint on a home’s siding not only makes the house look unsightly, it exposes it to additional damage and expensive repairs. A well-done exterior paint project looks good and protects a house from the components. With the right preparation, products and technique, the paint job should last for ages. Finding out how to get the job done correctly the first time saves homeowners time and extra expense.
Surface Preparation
Painting a home’s siding successfully requires a decent amount of prep before the paint is used. Old paint needs to be completely eliminated, which is difficult on older homes which may be coated with several layers of weathered paint. The siding needs to be completely cleaned of all dirt, grime and mildew. A high-quality primer helps paint to stick better to the siding. Additionally, when it comes to wood siding, older, weathered wood does not hold paint well without a thorough sanding. Skipping the prep work ensures that the paint job will not hold up well over the long term.
Use the Ideal Product for Your Work
Most older homes were painted with oil-based paint. With the right surface prep, modern water-based latex paints can be used over oil-based paint, but oil-based paint cannot be utilized above latex; it will not adhere well to the surface. Siding made from hardboard may require a particular sort of primer. Aluminum and vinyl siding may not have to be primed in any way. Consult your siding or paint retailer to get information when it comes to your home.
Moisture Problems
If moisture has seeped between the house and its own siding, it can cause the paint to blister and peel off. Check gutters, leaders, the roofing and any other areas where moisture may have made its own way under the house’s siding. Making the necessary repairs can prevent other moisture-related problems and help to make the exterior paint project last longer.
Assess the Weather Report
Siding should not be painted in humid weather. After paint is applied, the moisture and solvents in the paint disappear, which allows the paint to form a tight bond to the surface. When the weather is wet or humid, the paint will cure before all of the water evaporates. Eventually it will begin to flake and peel off of the surface.