How to Prepare a Weatherboard House for Painting
Weatherboards offer a quaint yet classic look to any Australian home! Whether it’s dark timber adorning a Federation house or vinyl cladding in a Dutch colonial cottage, weatherboard is a versatile housing material.
But weatherboard homes require a lot of maintenance, like repairs and maintenance, or even a new paint job every now and then. In this article, you can learn how to prepare a weatherboard house for painting as we discuss various painting tips to ensure a quality finish.
Before You Paint Weatherboards, Get Prepped
While weatherboards are durable enough to bear the brunt of Australian weather, they still need maintenance. Before repainting older weatherboards, there are a few things you need to consider and tick off your checklist.
Conduct an inspection around the house
Before you begin, scan your home for rotten weatherboards or bare timber, mould growing, check for leaks, and look for anything that might need replacing like rusted nail heads, etc. You will need to get any repair work done before the painting can commence. For nails that need resetting, use a nail punch to align, sand, prime, and fill them. If you’re unsure of how to manage repairs, you can speak to an expert like Hunter Coast Painting for more information.
Removing old paint from weatherboards
If you see traces of flaking paint, scrape it off and then sand the surface to ensure a flat finish. Sanding also promotes adhesion between layers of paint, ensuring its longevity and appearance. Once the old paint is removed, make sure you prime the weatherboards to prevent new coats from scraping or falling out.
Avoid flat paint colours for the right finish
When selecting the right type of paint for a weatherboard house, avoid a matte finish. Instead, opt for a semi-gloss or gloss finish that prevents slick, dirt, and grime buildup. To prevent the paint from blotching, ensure you prime the surface thoroughly before application.
Choose a light colour for practicality and style
A light-coloured paint is an excellent choice for weatherboard homes, combined with two or darker trims. White is the best option for homes with weatherboard siding as it highlights structural features. Light shades also absorb less sunlight and heat compared to darker colours, reducing irregularities on the surface.
Tips for Painting Weatherboards
If you don’t want professional help but are more likely to do the work yourself, here are a few important tips to consider when painting a weatherboard exterior:
- Gather the right set of tools: Paint weatherboards with good-quality brushes. A 88mm or 100mm figure is ideal. Depending on your walls, you may also need to use an extension pole or a ladder to ensure safety during the paint job.
- Identify the right weather conditions: Avoid painting on days when it’s too hot, cold, or humid. If you’re painting on a sunny day, try to work on the shady side of the house.
- Prepare the weatherboards: Clean the surface with a brush or broom and clear away cobwebs from corners, eaves, and around gutters. Cover and tape any external fixtures.
- Scrape off those loose flakes: Use a high-pressure hose or a paint scraper to remove flaking paint from the surface. Let the surface completely dry before moving on. You can also use a scrubbing brush to remove the flaking paint.
- Fill in the gaps: Identify and fill cracks between the boards with an exterior filler or use a caulking gun. To protect the weatherboard against harsh elements, you can apply UV-resistant paint that can withstand such exposure.
- Apply a coat of primer: Prime the weatherboard with a high-quality exterior primer, especially any areas of exposed timber to prevent any patches. Use a thin and pointed paintbrush to spot prime along the edges or hard-to-reach places.
- Paint with a high-quality roller: Mask off specific areas such as doors and window frames before laying out a fresh coat. Using a roller, start painting from the top and work your way down with even brush strokes, painting the underside first.
- Things to avoid: Never stop painting halfway along a board or return to it later. This creates an overlapping effect that’s difficult to correct. You should also hire a professional to check for any residue from a lead-based treatment.
Need Assistance with Painting Your Weatherboard House?
At Hunter Valley Painters, we work with qualified contractors who can help you determine your home’s interior and exterior painting needs.
If you’re new to painting weatherboard homes, speak to an expert to explore more options and solutions. Regardless of the style of your home, our experienced team can provide residential painting services and ensure high-quality workmanship.
Contact us for more information on your exterior house painting needs.
