Getting an outdoor wood surface ready for a fresh coat of paint isn't hard, but it does require a little prep work to ensure that the new paint has a smooth, stable surface to cling to.The first thing you need to do is give the entire surface a thorough cleaning to remove the dirt and gunk that has built up over time.Next, patch holes and cracks with wood and paint to get the new coat.If the wood is vulnerable to the elements, finish with a resilient exterior primer and caulk to seal any openings.
Step 1: There are doors, windows, and other openings.
Take a few minutes to make sure your work area is protected.To secure the edges, cut sheet plastic and use painters tape.This will help protect the areas you don't want to paint from damage.It's a good idea to lay some sheeting at the base of the structure to catch any wood or paint that comes loose during the project.
Step 2: The surface of the wood needs to be cleaned.
Use a long-handled scrubber brush and a mild detergent to gently scrub away accumulated dirt.When you are happy with the appearance of the wood, rinse it with a garden hose.Give the surface a full day to dry.Before you can paint, you have to clean it of grease, dirt, and debris.Remember to check for vine roots that are growing along the surface.Pressure washing may be a more efficient option for renewing larger surfaces, especially areas with moss or algae.Hardware stores and home improvement centers have pressure washers for rent.It's a good idea to avoid using stiff brushes or scrubbers.It is possible for these tools to leave scratches in softer woods.
Step 3: There are large holes and holes with wood.
Go over it with the flat edge of a hand trowel after applying the filler material.Smaller spots can be treated the same way, or you can purchase an exterior spackling compound, which won't require any additional mixing.It will take a few hours for the wood to dry.The two-part systems stick to the wood better.To make sure the surface you are painting is sound and uniform, you need to repair damaged areas.
Step 4: The nail holes are visible.
Carefully blend the wood material into the surrounding surface after you spread a small amount into any nail holes you come across.The holes will not be visible under the new paint if they are level.If there are nails sticking out of the exterior, you can either remove them or drive them into the wood to make room for the holes.
Step 5: Remove the paint from it's structure.
If you are refinishing a surface that has been painted before, it is necessary to take off any worn patches of paint that might interfere with the new coat.Run a scraper along the areas where the paint is peeling.You run the risk of splintering the wood if you don't keep your strokes moving with the grain.Continue until there are no bumps on the exterior.It will be easier to remove failing paint if the scraper is sharper.You should equip yourself with a scraper that has a hardened steel edge.
Step 6: There are bare spots and you have to sand them down.
The ridge around the exposed wood is formed by the remaining paint.You can use a handheld power sander.If you want to grind down sharper edges, start with a low-grit sandpaper.Next, smooth the paint down to the wood with a high-grit paper.It is not necessary to sand all the way down to the wood.feather them lightly so that the edges gradually disappear.If ignored, old paint lines can cause cracks under the new top coat.
Step 7: The exposed wood knots should be treated separately with a primer.
Certain types of wood, like pine and cedar, can bleed through thin and light colored paints.The spots should be brushed with a special primer.The primer should be applied over the dark or wet sections of the wood.When it comes time to paint the surface, it is advisable to use 3-4 coats to hide potential bleeding.
Step 8: You should sand the entire surface.
In wide circular strokes, sweep an orbit sander over the wood.A more textured surface will be created by the light scuffing action.The features you intend to paint should be hit as well.Sand away any wood splints.It is not necessary to remove the old paint.Fresh coats should be helped by a thorough sanding.
Step 9: You can wipe the surface clean.
To remove the dust from the wood, use a dry cloth or a stiffbristled brush.To get the dust out of the cracks and holes, blow a lot.When you're done, the surface should be completely free of debris.You might be able to collect more dust with a shop vacuum.To make sure there are no traces of dust, drag your finger along the wood.Paint can be hard to adhere to surfaces with lots of fine particles.
Step 10: There is a latex-based primer available.
These products hold up better to the kind of heat, humidity, rubbing, and swelling that outdoor wood surfaces are often subjected to.The ability to flex makes them less likely to crack than paints that dry into a hard shell.As a result, your paint job will last longer.You should be able to cover about 400 square feet with a single gallon of primer.When applying the primer, make sure it's between 50 and 90 F.It may not dry with the right consistency if it's too hot or cold.
Step 11: A coat of primer is all you need.
It is easier to spread the primer over larger areas with a roller.A handheld brush has the greatest amount of control on smaller surfaces.The primer should be thick enough to completely cover the wood grain.To work the primer deeper into the wood grain, use the tip of the brush.Work your way down from the top of the structure.As you go back over them, any drips will be erased.
Step 12: Touch the spots that were missed.
You should inspect the surface for any spots, seams, or bare patches you may have overlooked.A few strokes with a brush will make them disappear.Without a primer foundation, paint may peel or wear away quicker.
Step 13: Allow the primer to dry completely
The primer will take from 2 to 6 hours to dry.The primer will be set enough for a follow up coat after about 12 hours.Avoid handling the wet primer during this time.Before you apply your first coat of paint, make sure the primer has time to absorb into the wood.
Step 14: The caulk can be used to fill any openings.
Once the primer is dry, walk around the structure and look for any gaps or cracks that might cause an issue down the line.Use a caulk gun to seal each opening.The structure will be off-limits from rain, mold, bugs, and drafts if the caulk is not hardened within an hour.The caulk you use should be paintable, able to endure both high and low temperatures, and suitable for the materials it is binding.The spaces beneath board laps, around window frames, and in between trim and siding are potential problem areas.