Wood siding is very versatile, as it can be painted any color you want. Anytime you want, you can paint your siding to give it new life and to give your home an updated look. Painting your house is cheaper than replacing the siding, which is also a plus for you. Painting any type of siding is a big job to have to handle on your own, which is why leaving this work to a professional is a good idea. If your wood siding is in need of painting, read on for some helpful information to guide you in painting your siding yourself.

Clean Your Siding

Clean your siding to get rid of any mold or mildew that may be on it as well as dirt that has accumulated over time. Use a cleanser that is made for wood siding and rinse it thoroughly as well. Clean under the siding laps if your siding has them, and get in and around windows and doors thoroughly. If your home has gutters, be sure to clean out your gutters while you're at it too. After you've cleaned your siding, you need to be sure the siding is completely dry before you attempt to paint it.

Make Repairs

Repair your siding if it has any holes in it or any damaged areas need to be repaired. Use wood filler to repair the holes and sand the wood smooth. If you don't repair holes in your siding, you could end up with pests in your siding/home. These holes can also allow water to get inside, which can damage your fresh paint job. It can allow for mold and mildew growth, which can also be harmful to your family's health.

Primer First

Apply a primer to your home's siding first to help protect your siding and protect your paint job as well. Primer can help allow paint to adhere properly and can also protect against mold and mildew. Apply primer that is made for exteriors and for wood siding. Apply the primer after the house is dry after cleaning and making repairs, and apply as many coats as necessary to cover the surface. Use a paintbrush to get in between laps and along the sides of doors and windows.

Paint

Look for paint that is made for exteriors and for wood siding. Apply the coats using a paintbrush and rollers, and apply them evenly across your home. Once the paint is dry, you can apply a second coat and a third if necessary. Take a look at your home in all levels of light to be sure you covered the siding evenly. 

Painting your home is a big job and can take days or even weeks to complete. Keep an eye on the weather to be sure you have a lot of dry days ahead of you. This can be a very big job for one person to complete on their own—hire a professional painter for help tackling this job. Learn more about exterior painting by reaching out to a professional painter near you.