Painting Exterior Wood

This page is to inform you of a high-quality paint system that has worked very well for me for many years. I do not write specifications that are brand specific as there are many quality paint companies that will stock products like the ones mentioned below. This specification is based on raw, un-painted exterior wood.

Always make sure that the wood that you are about to paint is clean, sanded, prep' d and ready for paint.

Step 1  -  Prior to applying primer to wood, I have always coated it with a paintable wood preservative. Why not add an extra layer of defense against mold, mildew and other fungal attack to your home since it's paintable and available. I have always used Woodlife by Wolman Products but there are certainly other paintable wood preservatives on the market. A hudson sprayer has always worked good for applying thin viscosity products like this to wood surfaces and make sure to back-roll or back-brush for maximum penetration.  http://www.wolman.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=13

Step 2  -  An oil base primer is recommended for maximum grip to the wood preservative. If the top coat of paint is a dark color, have the primer tinted.  If spraying the primer, always back-roll or back-brush if the wood is porous.

Step 3  -  Apply the highest quality  paintable caulking that the paint store has to offer. This is not where you want to save a dime. The quality caulking not only flexes longer, it tools so much nicer than medium or low quality caulking compounds. For additional information about caulking go to Caulking tips.

Step 4  -  Correct any other imperfections in the wood surface with appropriate filler and re-prime all caulked and patched areas.

Step 5  -  Two coats of 100% acrylic should now be put on. It does not necessarily have to be the paint store's tip top line of paint, as most manufactures make a quality 100% acrylic that is a notch down from the premium line that works  great. 100% acrylic is made in all sheen levels, simply use the one that suits your taste. Most commonly a flat or eggshell sheen is used on the body of the home and semi-gloss or gloss on doors and jambs. As for the trim, there really is not as much of a standard of sheen level, just put on what you like. If spraying, it will not be necessary to back roll or back brush as you have already filled the woods pores with preservative and primer.