Page 54 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

THE HOMEOWNER’S HANDBOOK EIGHTH EDITION

Exterior Paint: Making It Last

NFORTUNATELY, PAINTING YOUR
home is not a green activity. Why? Cover Up Quickly
Because products such as acrylic Just a few days of exposure to UV rays
U latex have a very high embodied can seriously damage the ability of wood
energy—producing them takes a toll on the to hold paint. Get a coat of primer on as
environment. It’s key, therefore, to maximize soon as possible, preferably a product
paint durability. You might think that switching with UV inhibitors.
to vinyl siding is a more “permanent” solution,
but vinyl products come with a different set of
environmental drawbacks. There’s no perfect
fix. You can, however, take several steps to
make sure paint lasts as long as possible
on your new siding. Old siding is a bigger
challenge, but in general, the same rules apply.
Use Durable
Fasteners
It’s easy now to find
exterior fasteners
that will not rust and
stain wood. Spend a
Order Pre-Primed Wood little extra for the best
or Fiber Cement fasteners you can find.
You may add years to
Boards that are pre-primed in a factory tend to the viability of each
hold their paint longer than siding that’s painted paint job.
in place. This is true for several reasons. First, if
handled properly, factory-painted wood tends
to be coated only when the wood reaches an
optimal level of moisture saturation, typically about
15 percent. Also, the primer is usually applied to the
front side, back side and ends of each board. Note
that it’s key to recoat primed ends after cutting. No Freezes,
Please
Water-based paints
that have been
stored too long may
Play Rough lose their chemical
consistency. Worse,
Research has shown that boards with a if they’re allowed
slightly rough texture tend to hold paint to freeze, their
much better than smooth sanded surfaces. performance may
If ordering cedar, pine or other natural suffer. Don’t risk
finishes, ask about different texture options. painting with a
compromised can of
paint. The amount of
labor versus the price
of new paint makes
that a bad deal.

Choose Cool Colors
Paints exposed to regular cycles of extreme heat undergo more stress, Seal End Grain
shortening their useful lifespan. One simple solution is to specify lighter Often, siding and trim boards weather and
colors on wood exteriors, especially in hot climates on the sides of the crack on the ends—for a simple reason:
home that get several hours of sun each day. They were not coated properly when the
rest of the home was primed and painted.
If possible, coat them with a good sealer
before installation.

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