
Can you paint exterior wood siding?
You can learn how to paint exterior wood siding and follow along with a project a client around Ann Arbor had us do for their wood home. “Erika! We need to refresh the paint on our exterior again.”
Should I refinish my log siding?
After being exposed to the elements and weather, your log siding may require refinishing to restore its beauty and natural appeal. The first thing to do is walk the perimeter of your home and inspect for damaged, rotten, or molded areas in your siding.
Should I paint my logs?
Yes, absolutely. You see, when you use paint on your logs you trap in all the moisture in your logs. That moisture just sits there inside your logs. Think about what happens when a lot sits on the moist ground. If you’ve ever rolled over a log that’s been laying on the ground for a few years,...
Can color lock siding be painted?
Fortunately, you can paint the color lock siding on your home. Before you do, however, thoroughly check the siding. Fading paint is one thing; however, if you find extensive damage or weathering of the siding material, not just the paint, consider replacing the siding instead of repainting. Even the best coat of paint will not relieve all ills.

Can you paint the outside of a log house?
No Painting Log Homes We're just going to come right out and say it – DON'T paint your log home. If you have a new log home or have just purchased one “new to you,” you might be tempted to hire a paint crew to come out and freshen things up by painting log homes exterior a new color.
Can you paint pine log siding?
The preparation steps that you will have to complete before you paint pine siding depend largely on the condition of the siding. Previously painted siding may only need a thorough cleaning, while unfinished pine will require a more labor-intensive prep job.
Can you paint the outside of a log cabin?
If you insist on painting your cabin, remember never EVER to use regular paint or polyurethane. Sure, it might look good for a year or two, but it will ruin your cabin in the long run. Use a paint that is breathable and has been specifically designed for log cabins. Or, play around with stain colors.
Can you paint over wood siding?
0:505:32How to Paint Wood Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first you want to look at your project. And make sure you have the skill capability. AndMoreSo first you want to look at your project. And make sure you have the skill capability. And equipment to do it because painting exterior wood siding can be difficult depending on the existing
How long does painted pine siding last?
Pine Siding It can also last a long time, up to 50+ years. However, in order for pine to endure the elements and last a lifetime, it has to be meticulously maintained. Without consistent reapplication of sealant/paint, pine will only last around 10 years.
What kind of paint do you use on wood siding?
Most types of wood siding accepts a full 100% solid acrylic latex emulsion paint. Just as these acrylic paints are by far the very best, it is essential to have either a primer built into these mixtures, or a separate primer on all bare outside wood.
How do you modernize a log cabin home?
1:043:35Makeover: An '80s Log Cabin Gets A Fresh New Look - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we added an indoor outdoor rug which is a great option because it's indestructible. The greatMoreAnd we added an indoor outdoor rug which is a great option because it's indestructible. The great room is kind of a large vaulted space with a huge fireplace.
Should you paint or stain a log cabin?
Log cabin paint will seal the logs completely, trapping any moisture that's already inside, leading to rot. Stain will repel moisture from the environment, allowing the logs to stay dryer and reducing their tendency to rot.
Can you paint log home walls?
Painting log cabin walls on the inside is usually a pretty straightforward task. Since interior surfaces aren't exposed to inclement weather, additives aren't necessary to ensure long-lasting performance.
How much does it cost to paint wood siding on a house?
between $700 and $3,000Wood. The cost to paint the exterior of a house with wood siding will be between $700 and $3,000 on average, or about $1 to $3 per square foot. Wood siding will require sealant and occasional maintenance (about every three to seven years) to address stains or peeling paint.
How do you paint outdoor wood siding?
Painting Exterior Wood Siding In 7 StepsCarefully clean your exterior wood siding with a pressure washer and TSP.Repair any damages and caulk if needed.Put down drop cloths.Remove loose paint.Sand.Prime areas that need it.Paint.
Can you paint over stained wood siding?
Stained wood siding can be painted over either with exterior water-based 100 percent acrylic paint, or latex or oil-based solid stain, or some oil-based paints.
Why paint exposed logs?
By painting the exposed logs on your cabin, you’re preventing the logs from being able to breathe. So the moisture that’s inside stays inside. Logs actually need to be able to breathe, not just while they’re drying out before construction, but during and long after construction.
What is the difference between a stud 2x4 and a log?
Logs are a little different from other building materials. Even dimensional lumber like stud 2x4s can be painted. The difference is that logs contain moisture. Quite a bit of moisture in fact. You see, logs are much thicker than dimensional lumber.
How does a log protect against moisture?
It protects your logs by repelling a lot of the moisture from rain, snow, frost, and dew. It really just make the wood more resilient against the elements. But it does it without sealing the outside of your logs completely. This allows your logs to breathe, letting out the moisture that’s trapped inside your logs.
What would happen if a cabin was rotting?
Your whole cabin could lost its structural integrity and have to be completely rebuilt. If you catch rot earlier than that, you might be luck and just have to replace a handful of logs. But that’s a difficult and really expensive process.
Why do we paint cars?
Paint is usually used to protect what’s underneath. We started painting cars to prevent them from rusting. Now we use paint to make things beautiful. It adds color, personality.
Is shelf brand stain durable?
The shelf-brand stains at your local home improvement stores won’t be nearly as durable as the top-brand log home stains. This isn’t always true, but when it comes to log cabin stains, you generally get what you pay for.
Do logs absorb moisture?
Plus, there’s a certain amount of moisture that will always stay in the logs. So even when you’re constructing a log cabin, the logs contain moisture. In fact, even if you have a log cabin that’s been standing for 20 years, your logs aren’t totally dry. They’ll absorb moisture from the air.
How to Paint Your Vinyl Siding
The use of primer is something that even professionals disagree on. Some professionals believe it’s best to use a primer before any paint job. Others feel primer is warranted only if the siding is in poor condition.
Vinyl-Friendly Paints
Whether you decide to use a primer or not, be sure to choose a type of paint that will adhere to the surface it’s applied to. Water-based paints, for example, won’t do. You’ll need paint that is made of urethane and acrylic resins.
Thompson Creek Siding in Custom Colors
Thompson Creek produces vinyl siding in a variety of colors, allowing you to get your dream home without having to fuss with paints and primers. Our durable, hardwearing siding is built to last, improve energy efficiency and designed with the local climate in mind.
Incredible Winter Window Sale!
Thompson Creek Window Company is the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier home improvement replacement products company.
What is the best paint for vinyl siding?
According to Scott Brown, a professional exterior painter, “the satin finish works better” for painting vinyl siding rather than matte or high gloss, because it mimics the vinyl’s original sheen. When choosing paint colors for vinyl siding, it’s typically best to steer clear of those that are significantly darker than the siding’s original hue.
Is acrylic latex paint safe?
Today, there are plenty of acrylic latex paints (specifically, those containing urethane) deemed “vinyl safe,” so be sure to home in on this variety for your painting project and your vinyl siding should be in the clear.
Do you wash vinyl siding before painting?
Wash your vinyl siding before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly. This doesn’t require an extraordinary effort. You can scrub the siding’s surface as you would for normal maintenance, with a cleaning solution of water and a little liquid soap, as well as a soft-bristled brush for any areas caked with dirt or mildew.
Does vinyl siding last?
So, vinyl siding lasts and lasts and lasts.
Can you paint vinyl siding darker?
When choosing paint colors for vinyl siding , it’s typically best to steer clear of those that are significantly darker than the siding’s original hue. Painting a darker color onto light-toned vinyl siding can cause the vinyl to absorb more heat than it was designed to handle and may result in warping. You may be reluctant to limit your color ...
How do I remove peeling paint from siding?
Start by using a plastic or metal scraper to remove any peeling paint.
How do I clean mold off siding?
For mold or mildew stains on the siding, mix 1 qt. of household bleach into your cleaning solution. Before you add bleach, check that none of your other cleaners contain ammonia. Mixing bleach and ammonia can cause toxic fumes, so be careful and read all ingredients closely. Advertisement.
Does color lock fade over time?
Unfortunately, no product is perfect, and like any surface exposed to weathering, it will fade over time. Luckily, there's a solution. Advertisement.
Do you have to clean color lock siding before painting?
The most important thing to remember when you are painting your color lock siding is that it must be completely clean before you begin. This is especially important if you have not cleaned the siding in a while.
Can you paint color lock siding?
Before you do, however, thoroughly check the siding. Fading paint is one thing; however, if you find extensive damage or weathering of the siding material , not just the paint, consider replacing the siding instead of repainting.
Can you clean logs with a pressure washer?
Also, they make the stain application process hard. That's why it is important that you clean them first. You can clean them using a pressure washer.
Can you topcoat a log?
They are a great investment since they lengthen the life of a stain. When looking for a topcoat, choose one that has the ability to protect your logs from UV rays.
Do outdoor logs need UV protection?
Those designed for exterior applications usually have UV protection abilities to keep your logs from fading. The most important thing is to choose the right stain.
What is log siding?
Traditionally, log siding is a half-round shaped siding that is applied similarly to traditional siding. Since log siding is made to give homes a more natural appeal, the natural materials comprising the log siding are susceptible to the elements. After being exposed to the elements and weather, your log siding may require refinishing ...
How do I replace log siding?
Step 1 - Inspect Siding. The first thing to do is walk the perimeter of your home and inspect for damaged, rotten, or molded areas in your siding. You should replace any log siding showing mold or damage before you proceed with refinishing the remainder of the house.
How do I spray water on siding?
This is easiest to accomplish with a garden hose and nozzle sprayer. Start spraying the water at the top of the house and work down the siding toward the ground. The nozzle sprayer should be at a focused setting, but do not stand too close and damage your siding with too much water pressure.
How much bleach should I use to clean siding?
Now you need to create a cleaning solution for your siding. Take your bucket and add ¼ cup of bleach for every gallon of water you put into the bucket. After putting on your rubber gloves, dip your mop into the solution and squeeze some of the excess solution from the mop.
Can you rinse the solution off of siding?
Once you have applied the solution to the siding and scrubbed, leave the solution in place. Do not rinse the solution away when finished.
Working With Aluminum Siding
Painting aluminum siding is different from painting other siding materials because of the nature of the material. Aluminum has oxidation and corrosion characteristics that may be unfamiliar to many homeowners accustomed to dealing with wood, fiber cement, or vinyl siding.
When to Paint Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is best painted in dry, warm seasons. Paint during the early part of the day, before the sun begins to shine on the siding. Avoid painting when it is rainy or overly humid. Optimal humidity is between 40 and 50 percent.
Safety Considerations
If the aluminum siding was previously painted with lead-based paint, hire a remediation company to remove the paint safely. Use a lead paint test kit to determine if the paint contains lead.
Instructions
Tiny holes and cracks should be filled with paintable exterior caulk. Caulk around windows and doors. Small holes in the siding should be patched with a sandable, hydrophobic acrylic latex exterior filler. Do not use wood filler.
When to Call a Professional
Call in a professional painting company if you feel that the job is too large to manage. Exterior painting isn't particularly complex, but it is time- and labor-intensive. Pro painters can usually paint an entire house in just a few days or week, depending on the size of the house.
