Painting Siding of your Home

There are many things to know when it comes to painting siding. Whether you are doing a simple repair or completely replacing the siding on your home, there are some steps you should take to ensure you get the best possible result.

There are also several steps you should take before painting siding to make sure that the paint will stick and last for years. Here are some tips for painting siding and how to make sure the paint sticks.

Before painting siding you will need a clean, dry surface to use as a work area. Cleaning the surface can be done by hand, but a power washer is much quicker and easier. Make sure the cleaning equipment is properly maintained and clean before you start. The outside of your house should be treated as well. If there are large pieces of debris on the exterior of your home then you should consider getting them removed before painting. If the debris is difficult to remove then an old toothbrush or nail file may work to loosen some of it.

When painting siding the first coats should be applied in three even coats. After the first coat it is a good idea to allow each coat to dry fully before applying a third coat. Each coat should be applied at least four inches from the edge of siding that is to be painted. Use a rubber mallet to tap each coat of siding to ensure that they are evenly applied.

If you choose to paint vinyl siding then the siding will be wrapped with a protective aluminum sheet. This is done before the painting begins in order to protect the siding from damage. It is not recommended to use aluminum coated board or aluminum foil as a covering for the siding though. Such products can actually damage the aluminum.

Once the painting siding has been applied and dried then it is time to apply the new siding. If you have chosen to replace the entire roof then make sure to prepare the surface properly. The prep work is especially important for aluminum and vinyl roofs.
If the prep work is not done properly then you may end up with cracked areas. You will also notice water seeping into the home through the cracks. You will need to repair these areas before the final painting takes place.

When painting siding it is important to remember that the siding material is very fragile. If you are not careful about the preparation and on-the-job finishing techniques then the siding can easily be damaged. Many contractors prefer to paint siding using Masonite siding paneling technique. In case of old siding or t-111 siding, painting can be difficult. Therefore many contractors prefer to use t-boxes, which are manufactured by Masonite and are used to cover old siding or vinyl roofing.