Optimal weather conditions
Paint in fair, dry weather with temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until the morning dew has evaporated and stop painting before evening dampness sets in. Don’t paint when it’s windy or dusty, particularly if you’re using a slow-drying, solvent-based paint.
Preparing the surface
Prepare the surface properly before you paint. Wood surfaces must be clean, dry and in good condition. Repair any damaged boards, trim or shingles and fix any structural damage.
Next:
- remove dirt and all loose, peeling or blistering paint with a stiff wire brush or paint scraper.
- remove severely damaged paint down to the bare wood.
- wash greasy or very dirty wood with a mild detergent, hose it off and let the wood dry before painting.
- apply a water repellent if moisture is causing paint damage, prime with an oil-based prime coat and cover with two coats of high-quality paint.
- apply a clear waterproofing sealer to the ends of all wood boards to prevent water penetration and brush a prime coat on bare or new wood. Where heat and humidity cause wood to deteriorate quickly, treat boards with a wood preservative before sealing.
Published on January 11, 2007