| |
There are all different kinds of siding you might
encounter when it comes time to paint the outside of your
house. You could have cedar, plywood, hardboard, stucco,
or masonry.
Sometimes, you might have a combination. In general, you
should use a power sprayer or a roller with a heavy nap
for concrete, stucco, and brick. Use a brush, a roller
with a medium nap, or a power sprayer for any other
materials. |
|
|
| |
|
 First, check
to make sure there's no rain in the weather forecast.
You'll need to apply primer to any bare siding. For best
results, allow the primer to dry according to the
manufacturer's recommendation. A sprayer or roller will
speed up the process. |
 |
| |
|
 Masonry
surfaces always should be primed, especially if water
stains are present or if glossy paint is to be top-coated.
Cedar and redwood contain resins that bleed through
water-based paints, so use an oil-based primer on bare
wood. |
 |
| |
|
 Paint the
roof trim and soffits before the walls if they will be
different colors. This will keep the trim paint from
dripping onto the newly painted walls. |
 |
| |
|
 Paint the
inside corners and around the trim. A corner roller or
trim brush is a great help when cutting in these areas. |
 |
| |
|
 On clapboard
or shingle siding, paint the bottom edges of the siding
before painting the face. That way, you'll make sure you
don't miss any spots. A trim roller works great for this
job. |
 |
| |
|
 Do the walls
with a roller or a brush, starting at the top. If you're
up on a ladder, work carefully and don't overextend your
arm -- it could throw you off balance. Try to finish
strokes directly in front of you so you can make sure
there's no drips. Paint one defined "block" at a time. |
 |
| |
|
 Start each
stroke by feathering the brush or roller. Feathering means
placing the surface of the brush or roller against the
siding gradually, instead of abruptly. This eliminates a
definite start line and makes it easier to blend the next
block of strokes into the present block. |
 |
| |
|
 Blend the
strokes together by working quickly. It's important to
blend the new stroke into the completed stroke while the
paint is still wet so you can avoid lap marks. Never stop
in the middle of a section. Paint to the corner of the
house so the paint color is consistent. |
 |
| |
 Move the ladder so you can
just reach the completed block of siding. To eliminate lap
marks, rewet the feathered edges of the previously painted
block with your brush or roller just before you start each
stroke. Repeat the process until the top area is
completed, then move on to the lower sections. |
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
RELATED PROJECTS
Getting Ready to Paint
Painting Exterior Windows
Painting Soffits and Fascia
Painting Jambs, Casings, and Trim
Using Chemical Strippers
|
| |
| |
