How to Prepare Wood Siding for Painting

You want to repaint your wood siding. Not preparing the wood properly beforehand may cause discoloring, peeling or a shorter life for the new paint. Here's how to prepare wood siding for painting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Putty knife
• Hose or pressure washer
• Long-handled scraper
• Paintbrush
• Sharp garden hoe
• Caulk
• Water
• Primer
• Bleach

1. Remove dirt from the wood's surface by washing the siding. A power washer works best, but a garden hose may be sufficient.

2. Clean any mold from the siding with a mixture of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon water. Rinse again with the hose.

3. Remove any loose paint with a long-handled scraper. Use a sharp garden hoe for larger areas.

4. Sand the wood siding with an electric sander.

5. Use a sander to feather the edges that meet bare wood.

6. Check for rotted wood and make repairs if necessary.

7. Remove old caulk with a putty knife.

8. Brush out the dust and apply new caulk.

9. Brush away the sawdust.

10. Prime the wood. Allow the primer to dry.

11. You are ready to paint! Paint within two weeks of applying the primer.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to wear a mask and goggles when sanding.
• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning moldy areas.
• Siding that was painted prior to 1978 may contain lead and is very hazardous. Seek a professional's help.