Paint Problems: Paint Won't Stick to Exterior Wood Siding

About Wood Siding

• Consumers have a number of options in terms of wood siding for their homes. Pine, spruce, fir, redwood and cedar are some of the common woods used for siding, according to Bob Vila. Wood siding can last for many years, and regular maintenance of the siding can help preserve its appearance and extend its longevity. Proper care of wood siding includes cleaning, repairing damaged areas and periodic staining or painting of the surface.

Preparing Wood Siding For Painting

• Repair any loose areas and replace any damaged or deteriorated siding before you prepare the wood siding for repainting. Wood siding should be thoroughly cleaned before painting. Dirt, grease, pollution and plant fluids can build up on the surface, preventing the paint from creating the chemical bond that adheres the coating to the surface of the wood. Many homeowners use pressure washers for cleaning wood siding, but this equipment must be used judiciously to prevent damaging the wood fibers. This damage can lead to more problems with the wood over time. Use the lowest spray setting on the pressure washer so that you do not cause this type of damage on the wood surface. Homeowners must also remove any mold growth from the surface of the wood. Mold can be removed with straight bleach or oxygen bleach and a stiff brush. The old paint and stain must be scraped off of the wood. Sanding the wood will remove the old coatings and create a good base for the new paint.

Other Paint Problems

• Bare wood areas of siding should always be covered with a high-quality primer before applying the topcoat of paint. This undercoat will help the paint stick to the surface. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, which can warm the wood too much for good paint adherence. Follow the sun around the structure, working on areas in the shade and moving to other areas as the sun shifts

Proper Paint Techniques

• For traditional wood siding, start at the top and work downward. Paint the trim with a paintbrush, carefully covering all surfaces. Painting wood shingles, in particular, can be an arduous task. The best method is to carefully paint all surfaces of the shingles before they are attached to the house, according to home improvement expert Tim Carter at the Ask The Builder website. If the shingles are already installed, pay particular attention to covering areas in between shingles to ensure that the protective paint coats all surfaces.