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Weatherboard houses have a timeless charm however, maintaining or refreshing their exterior can sometimes be tricky, particularly when it comes to repainting.
If you are planning on painting weatherboards, this article has tips, techniques and key preparation steps to ensure a long-lasting and smooth finish.
Table of Contents
Cleaning and Preparation
Before you begin to paint weatherboards, it is essential they are cleaned and the surface prepared properly, as this directly affects the longevity and quality of the paint application.
Cleaning Weatherboards for Painting
Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly using a scrubbing brush or broom to remove cobwebs, dirt, and debris from corners, eaves, and gutters.
For stubborn stains on the weatherboards that were not removed with the initial cleaning, use a solution of mild detergent and water while wearing rubber gloves. Apply the solution to the affected areas and gently scrub with a soft brush until the loose paint and staining is removed.
During the cleaning process, take note of any rotten weatherboards, exposed timber or rusted nail heads that will need to be removed/repaired in the next step.
Repairing Weatherboards
It is helpful to begin by scraping off any loose or flaking paint using a high-pressure hose or a paint scraper. You may also want to use a painting mask while completing this job to protect against any paint flecks in the air.
Once removed, you can then check the weatherboard surface for any gaps, cracks, or holes. Small gaps can be filled using a suitable exterior filler or a caulking gun, while larger gaps might require professional painting assistance.
After this step, allow the surface to dry completely. This is particularly important for timber weatherboards, as trapped moisture can lead to rot and damaged boards in the future.
Smoothing the Surface
After cleaning and removing any old paint from the weatherboard surface, it’s crucial to ensure that it is smooth and ready for painting. Using fine-grit sandpaper, gently sand all the weatherboards to remove any remaining imperfections and help create a flat finish that will promote adhesion between the layers of paint.
Painting Weatherboards
The Prep Work
To prepare the weatherboards for a fresh coat, begin by applying an undercoat primer and sealer, designed for weatherboards. Use a good-quality brush (88mm or 100mm is ideal) and apply a thin, even layer of primer to the surface of the weatherboards. Remember to cover all gaps, corners, and crevices. A paint conditioner can also be beneficial in ensuring smooth and even coverage across the boards.
Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Selecting the Right Paint
When painting weatherboards, it’s essential to use a high-quality paint that can withstand Australia’s harsh climate. The paint must be specifically formulated for exterior weatherboard surfaces to ensure durability under the sun’s UV rays, rain, and humidity.
A semi-gloss or gloss finish is recommended, as they provide a durable and easy-to-clean surface.
Selecting the Right Colour
When choosing a paint colour, it’s helpful to consider the following factors:
- Neighbourhood aesthetics: Choose a colour that complements the surrounding homes and landscapes.
- Visibility: Lighter colours tend to show dirt and grime more easily, while darker colours may require more effort to maintain their appearance.
- Energy efficiency: Lighter colours may help reflect the sun’s heat, potentially reducing cooling costs in hot climates.
If you are still in need of inspiration, we have a blog dedicated to helping you choose the right colour combination for your house exterior.
Time to Paint
When painting, here are some helpful tips you should always consider:
- Use proper tools: A good-quality brush, paint stirrer, and an extension pole or ladder if needed. We also have a blog explaining each and every painters tool you could ever need for your interior and exterior painting projects.
- Stir the paint: Thoroughly mix the paint to ensure an even colour and consistency.
- Apply the paint: Use long and even strokes, working from top to bottom of each weatherboard. Ensure full coverage without overloading, which could cause dripping.
- Allow to dry: Let the first coat dry completely before applying a second coat for optimal coverage and protection. Apply at least two coats of paint to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish.
- Avoid painting on days with extreme temperatures or humidity: These conditions can adversely affect the application and drying of the paint.
Final Touches
After the paint has dried fully, inspect the weatherboards for any missed spots or imperfections. Use a small brush to touch up any areas that require additional coverage.
Then step back and admire the refreshed appearance of your weatherboard house.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning and Preparation: Start by thoroughly cleaning the weatherboards to remove dirt, debris, and loose paint. Repair any damaged areas, filling gaps and sanding the surface smooth.
- Priming: Apply an undercoat primer and sealer to ensure a good base for the paint, using a high-quality brush for even coverage.
- Choosing Paint: Select a high-quality, exterior-specific paint that can withstand harsh weather, considering the color based on neighborhood aesthetics, visibility, and energy efficiency.
- Painting Tips: Use proper tools, stir the paint well, apply evenly from top to bottom, and allow each coat to dry completely. Avoid painting in extreme weather conditions.
- Final Touches: Inspect for any missed spots and apply touch-ups as needed.
Looking for a Professional Exterior House Painter?
A professional paint job can save you the time, cost and hassle that comes with an exterior paint job. To find out more about painting ideas for your next project have a look at Hunter Coast Painting for inspiration.
If you are ready to take the next step or have some questions get in touch with the friendly and helpful staff at Hunter Coast Painting today.
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Gavin, is the founder and director of Hunter Coast Painting who are experienced Newcastle Painters. Combining 10 years experience in the industry and having worked on multi-million dollar homes in Europe and Australia, Gavin is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Gavin Kane
Gavin, is the founder and director of Hunter Coast Painting.
Combining 10 years experience in the industry and having worked on multi-million dollar homes in Europe and Australia, Gavin is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and experience.