Cedar siding is a popular choice for home exteriors thanks to its natural beauty, durability, and versatility. However, proper prep work and painting techniques are essential for achieving a long-lasting, professional-quality paint job on cedar siding. This comprehensive guide provides tips and solutions for common challenges encountered when painting cedar siding exteriors.
Benefits of Painting Cedar Siding
Painting cedar siding offers many advantages:
- Enhanced curb appeal – A fresh coat of paint in an updated color revitalizes the look of your home’s exterior. Painted siding also conceals any unsightly weathering or blemishes.
- Added protection – Paint forms a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and wood-decaying insects. This preserves the integrity of the underlying wood.
- Lower maintenance – Painted siding needs repainting every 5-7 years, whereas unpainted cedar requires restaining every 2-4 years. Fewer reapplications are needed.
- Versatile aesthetics – Paint opens up unlimited color options beyond natural wood tones. You can match existing trim or create any style from traditional to contemporary.
- Cost-effective curb appeal – A paint job is an affordable way to update the style and freshen the look of your home’s exterior compared to the investment of siding replacement.
Painting cedar siding the right way allows you to take advantage of these benefits.
Prepping Cedar Siding for Painting
Proper prep work is the key to achieving ideal paint adhesion and durability on cedar siding.
Cleaning
Thoroughly wash siding with a pressure washer or garden hose to remove all dust, dirt, mildew stains, spider webs, and other surface debris. Pay extra attention to the bottom edges which collect buildup. Allow the surface to fully dry before priming or painting.
Sanding
Lightly sand to smooth any raised grain for better paint adhesion. Use 100-150 grit sandpaper for best results. Always sand with the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches. Focus on areas of weathering or flaking paint.
Spot Primer
Apply oil-based primer to any knots, resinous areas, or tannin-rich sections prone to bleed-through, and allow it to fully dry. Water-based primer won’t block stains on these sections.
Caulking
Inspect all seams and gaps around windows, doors, corners, eaves, rakes, etc. Apply paintable exterior caulk to fill any cracks or open joints greater than 1/16 inch. Smooth with a damp finger before drying. Caulking prevents moisture intrusion behind the siding.
Full Primer
Once the surface is fully prepped, apply a full coat of exterior oil- or water-based primer tinted to match the top coat. Primer enhances paint adhesion and provides added protection for the wood. Allow to dry completely before painting.
Choosing the Right Exterior Paint
The right paint product formulated for exterior wood is crucial for maximizing the longevity of your cedar siding paint job. Consider these factors:
Oil or Latex Paint
Both oil-based (alkyd) and latex (acrylic) paints work well for exterior wood. Oil paint adheres better to bare wood and provides superior moisture resistance. However, latex paint offers easier cleanup and a wider range of sheen levels. For priming bare cedar, oil-based primer is recommended followed by either oil or latex topcoats.
Paint Sheen
Flat, matte, and satin finishes hide imperfections best. Gloss and semi-gloss are more durable and cleanable choices. For siding, satin is often the ideal middle-ground with modest sheen and easy touch-up. Dark colors may benefit from glossier sheens which show fewer flaws.
Mildew-Resistant Paint
Mildew-resistant paint contains added fungicides or zinc oxide to prevent mildew and algae growth which can discolor exterior finishes, especially in humid climates. This upgrade is advisable for siding in damp or shaded areas.
Premium Exterior Paint
Upgraded exterior paint lines offer advanced UV protection, maximum adhesion and durability, and exceptional weather/fade resistance. Investing in premium products leads to longer-lasting results despite their higher price point.
Matching Trim Paint
For a cohesive look, use the same paint brand and sheen on siding and trim. Keep a leftover can for future touch-ups.
Wood Stains
Semi-transparent stains enhance the natural grain while allowing some graying. They require reapplication every 2-4 years. Solid stains provide more color but obscure the grain pattern. Neither stains nor clear coats offer the same level of protection as opaque exterior paint.
Painting Techniques for Cedar Siding
Follow these key techniques for a flawless painted finish on cedar siding:
1. Check Weather Conditions
Only paint in dry conditions when the surface is clean and free of moisture. Temperature should be between 50-90°F. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on windy days.
2. Use High-Quality Application Tools
Invest in premium brushes with soft, tapered natural or synthetic bristles. Use a top-quality roller cover designed for smooth surfaces. This helps achieve an even, consistent finish.
3. Maintain a Wet Edge
Always brush from a freshly painted wet edge and maintain a continuous coating. Work in sections starting at a natural break point like corners or trim. Avoid starting and stopping mid-wall.
4. Apply Even Coats
Use the recommended coverage rate and apply paint in a smooth, even coat without overbrushing. Allow proper drying time between coats. Two coats are recommended for optimal hide and protection.
5. Work Methodically
Paint systematically from top to bottom. Complete all lap siding boards in one section before moving to the next. Follow the direction of the lumber’s grain orientation.
6. Backbrush When Rolling
Always follow immediately behind rollers with light backbrushing to smooth out any irregularities in the coating. Avoid excessive backbrushing which can reduce protection.
7. Inspect Between Coats
Look for any gaps, drips, or thin spots after drying. Make needed touch-ups before applying the second coat. Lightly sand any debris that settled in the finish.
8. Allow Proper Curing Time
Most paint reaches full hardness and durability after 30 days of curing. Avoid cleaning or harsh impacts on freshly painted siding.
Avoiding Common Paint Problems on Cedar Siding
Follow best practices to prevent these common paint challenges on cedar siding projects:
Bleed-Through
Using oil-based primers on knots, tannins, and resins will prevent stains from discoloring the finish. These areas may require multiple coats of primer.
Peeling or Flaking
This results from inadequate prep and cleaning, using low-quality paint, or painting over damp wood. Proper prep and primer are key.
Uneven Sheen
Applying paint too thinly or not maintaining a wet edge can create blotchiness. Ensure adequate coating thickness.
Blistering
Moisture trapped behind the paint film forms bubbles. Allow proper drying time between coats and don’t paint over damp surfaces.
Blocking
When two painted surfaces stick together, like window sashes. Avoid using excessively thick paint coats prone to blocking.
Mildew Growth
Paints with fungicides prevent mildew. Also avoid excess moisture buildup with proper caulking and ventilation.
Chalking
Topcoat paints break down and powder from sun exposure. Use paints formulated for exterior use to increase UV protection.
With careful prep and application techniques, you can avoid these common paint problems on cedar siding.
Maintaining Painted Cedar Siding
Regular maintenance preserves the freshly painted look and extends the lifespan of your paint job.
- Inspect paint every year for any cracking or peeling and make needed spot repairs. Catching issues early prevents bigger problems.
- Clean siding annually with a mild cleaner and soft brush. Avoid power washing.
- Reapply caulk and touch up paint around windows, doors, and corners as needed. Keep potential water entry points sealed.
- Plan on full repainting every 5-7 years depending on exposure and quality of paint used. South/west walls may need painting more frequently than shaded areas.
- If paint fails in isolated areas under 5 years, spot prime and repaint those affected sections rather than entire walls.
- When repainting, use compatible paint from the same manufacturer as prior coats. Fully feather out edges for blended transitions between old and new paint.
Proper care and maintenance makes your painted cedar siding last longer and retain its like-new appearance for years before needing repainting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint over stained cedar siding?
Yes, you can go from stained to painted cedar siding. First clean and lightly sand to degloss, then prime fully before repainting. The paint adheres better if you remove the existing stain completely with chemical stripper or sanding.
Does painted cedar siding need to be primed first?
Always prime bare cedar siding prior to painting, including new replacement boards. Primer enhances adhesion and prevents tannin bleed. For repainting, spot prime bare areas only. Use compatible primer from the same brand as existing paint.
How long does painted cedar siding last?
With proper application and maintenance, a high-quality paint job on cedar siding can last 5-7 years on average before needing repainting. South or west facing walls may need repainting sooner.
Should you paint cedar siding vertical or horizontal?
No orientation is better. Work systematically painting all boards edge-to-edge in a section before moving to adjacent areas. Maintain a wet edge vertically within each board. Backbrush after rolling for a smooth finish.
What temperature is too cold to paint cedar siding?
50°F is generally the lowest advisable temperature for exterior latex paint application. Under 50°F, paint dries too slowly which can affect performance. Some paints work down to 35°F but avoid lower temperatures or painting over damp surfaces.
How long after painting cedar siding can it get wet?
Latex paint typically cures enough for minor moisture exposure after 24 hours. For full water resistance, wait at least 72 hours before rain or heavy dew. Avoid washing freshly painted siding for 2-4 weeks to allow for full curing.
Conclusion
From proper prep work like caulking and priming to smart painting techniques, following best practices is key to getting long-lasting, professional paint results on cedar siding. Investing in high-quality brushes, rollers, and exterior-grade paint designed specifically for wood also makes a difference. Pay attention to details like maintaining a wet edge and allowing adequate dry time between coats. With this comprehensive guidance, you can feel confident tackling a flawless DIY paint job on your cedar sided exterior. Taking steps to properly maintain your painted siding will keep it looking freshly applied for years before needing repainting.