How do you paint exterior wood on a house?

Painting exterior wood on a house involves careful preparation and application to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful finish.

Preparation is Key

Before you even open a can of paint, thorough preparation is vital. This includes:

Cleaning: Remove all dirt, mildew, and loose paint with a pressure washer or by scrubbing with soap and water.
Repair: Fix any damaged wood, such as cracks, rot, or holes, with wood filler or by replacing the affected boards.
Sanding: Sand down rough areas, especially if you're painting over existing paint. Sanding helps new paint to adhere better.
Priming: Apply a coat of exterior wood primer, which helps the paint adhere well and provides a uniform base. Make sure the primer is fully dry before applying the paint.

Once you have primed the exterior wood, it is time to paint. Here's how to do it:

You can use one of the following methods to paint your exterior wood:

Spraying: Spray in small sections, then back-brush to smooth out the layer and ensure it adheres to the prime coat. This allows for fast coverage.
Rolling: Use a roller to apply paint, but work in small sections. Follow up by back-brushing to ensure even distribution and adhesion.
Brushing: If you choose to brush the entire surface, be careful not to create any overlap marks. Use even strokes in the direction of the wood grain.

Work from the Top Down: Always paint from the top to avoid drips that may ruin already painted sections.
Small Sections: Work in small sections, especially when rolling or spraying, to maintain wet edges and prevent unevenness.
Back-Brushing: This technique involves lightly brushing over freshly applied paint to achieve a smooth, even finish and improve paint adhesion, crucial when spraying or rolling.
Consistent Strokes: Use smooth, consistent strokes, whether brushing, rolling, or spraying, to avoid streaks or unevenness in the finish.
Multiple Coats: Apply thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat to prevent drips and ensure that each coat dries properly. Multiple coats will result in a more durable and better looking finish. Allow each coat to dry according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations before adding another.
Weather Awareness: Avoid painting when the weather is too hot, too cold, or humid, as this can affect the paint's drying time and adhesion. Check paint specifications for the optimal temperature range for application.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid any fumes when working indoors or in confined spaces.

After the final coat of paint has dried, clean up all tools and materials, and conduct a final inspection to address any missed areas.