Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2004

Painting Wooden Siding

Q. I have a wooden sided 2 story house, that has very little overhangs. I live in the southern Mississippi. The wood siding is western cedar in a lap pattern. I have been using for the last two years a painting acrylic stain. There are quite a few boards that are rotted and in need of replacement. After I replace those boards, what is the best paint for coverage, protection from rot and mildew, longivity and durability? Then what is the best way of appling it? I have used rollers previously, yet want this job to be shorter in time. On how to apply, please give me the full system info, I'll probably rent it or buy it.

A. I would bring your problems to a quality national brand paint store. Many times they can provide recommendations based on local experience. You may need two or three visits to the stores before you are comfortable with the sales and technical service people. Also, because you are having problems, do not use a bargain price paint. If you compare your time of prepping and painting to a paint that may cost $5.00 more per gallon but can keep you off the ladder for 3 or 4 years, it is worth the price. When you replace the siding boards, apply a coating of wood preservative to the back side and on the end grain. This should prevent internal moisture from rotting the boards. Try an airless spray unit for the application this time. If you can rent the equipment at the same store you buy the paint, then the clerk is more apt to give you good information about the airless application. Keep in mind, you will have over spray and if it is windy, be careful about your neighbor and vehicles.

Make sure you clean the equipment completely and immediately after the work is done, otherwise you will wish you used the roller when you want to use the equipment again.

Best regards,

Tom Burke