You’ve decided to smarten up your home’s weatherboard exterior. Where should you start?
Painting a weatherboard can seem daunting, but don’t worry! With proper preparation and a few valuable tips, your house will look fresh in no time.
Whether repairing damage, choosing the perfect colour or figuring out costs, this guide will provide practical advice for every stage of your painting project.
So, let’s roll up those sleeves and get started!
1. Prepare the Weatherboards for Painting
Before you start painting, you’ll need to prepare the weatherboards properly. Start by cleaning them thoroughly. A good scrub with a stiff-bristled brush will remove dirt and loose paint.
Then, fill any gaps or cracks with exterior filler and sand until smooth. You must take the time to do this properly; if the surface isn’t smooth, your paint won’t adhere properly.
Inspecting for rot is also essential in preparation. If there’s any decayed wood, it needs replacing before you can paint your weatherboard house exterior.
a. Clean the Weatherboards
You’ll need to start by giving those boards a good clean.
First, grab your high-pressure hose and thoroughly rinse the weatherboards to remove any loose dirt and grime. Please don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for achieving a clean surface that your paint can adhere to properly.
Next, get out your scrubbing brush. You will work in sections, scrubbing each area of the weatherboards with soapy water or a cleaning solution designed for exterior paint preparation.
Take care not to soak the boards as you don’t want them too wet – just sufficiently damp for effective cleaning.
b. Repair Damages to the Weatherboards
Now, it’s time to inspect the boards for any cracks or damage that might need repairing before proceeding with your project. You’ll want to mend weatherboard damage promptly to prevent further deterioration.
A nail punch will be your best mate, helping you drive protruding nails back into the wood.
Next, turn your attention to fill holes and fix minor cracks. Applying generously into each hole or crack using a top-notch exterior filler, then smooth out with a spatula, ensuring its evenness with the surrounding surface. Allow it plenty of time to dry before moving on.
c. Sand the Weatherboard Surface
Giving the surface a good sanding is essential, as this helps create a smoother finish and improves primer adhesion. Don’t overlook this crucial step When preparing your weatherboard house for a fresh coat of paint.
Use coarse-grit sandpaper to roughen the old paint on the weatherboard’s surface, then switch to fine-grit paper for the final smoothing process. Remember that patience is key here; rush this part, and you’ll likely end up with an uneven finish.
The goal is not to strip away all existing paint but to create a smooth surface to which new paint can easily adhere. Once thoroughly sanded and dusted off any residual particles, you’re ready to prim your weatherboard surface.
d. Prime the Weatherboard Surface
Before you grab that roller, ensure you have a good-quality undercoat to prepare the surface for its new colour. It’s essential to undercoat exterior weatherboards before applying paint. This step seals the surface and provides an ideal base for your chosen shade.
So, what kind of undercoat should you use? Choose an oil-based exterior undercoat that is perfect for wooden surfaces and offers excellent adhesion.
Now that you’ve selected your undercoat start at one end of your weatherboard home and work systematically around the house. Apply a thin, even layer with a high-quality brush or spray equipment. Remember, patience is crucial here! Don’t rush this process; allow each layer to dry thoroughly before moving on to painting.
2. Pick the Suitable Paint Type for Weatherboards
Choosing the right type for your home’s surface is equally essential as prepping it. When picking suitable paint types for weatherboards, consider a satin or matt finish. These provide both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.
A satin paint offers a subtle sheen that enhances the look of your weatherboards and is easy to clean – an ideal choice if you’re prone to grubby handprints or mud splashes.
On the other hand, a matt finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, minimising any imperfections on the boards’ surface. It’s less durable than satin but can create a sophisticated, contemporary feel on your exterior walls.
With these options, choose what best suits your preferences and needs.
3. Paint the Weatherboards with a Brush or Roller
You must use a brush or roller when applying your desired finish. If you plan to paint a weatherboard, consider the surface’s texture and level of detail. A good quality brush can get into grooves better than a roller, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. However, using a roller could speed up the process if you have large, flat areas.
Focus on smooth brush strokes that follow the wood grain for optimum coverage. Don’t rush; taking your time will lead to more professional results. Remember, painting is an art – each stroke matters! Careful application ensures your weatherboards will withstand harsh conditions while looking magnificent.
4. Touch Up the Weatherboards
After finishing the main application, you must step back and check for any spots you’ve missed or areas needing more coverage. When painting weatherboards, this step is crucial for achieving a flawless finish.
So, deliberately examine the entire surface; look out for uneven patches or places where the old colour peeks through.
To touch the weatherboards:
Tips to Paint Weatherboards
When tackling this project, it’s crucial to remember some essential tips to paint weatherboards for a professional finish.
Take time to select quality exterior paint for your weatherboard house exterior. A good-quality acrylic latex paint is usually a safe bet as it’s durable and resistant to peeling or chipping.
Finally, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or rain, which could affect the finish.
With these practical tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to successfully paint a weatherboard house exterior!
How to Choose the Paint Colour for Weatherboard House
Choosing paint colour for house exterior isn’t as easy as it might seem. Factors such as sunlight exposure, the landscape around them, and personal preferences all come into play. You need to make sure that your chosen colour complements these elements.
Darker colours can handle more sunlight exposure without fading but absorb heat. It may not be ideal in warmer climates. So, it’s essential to consider the environment and how the colour will affect the temperature inside your home.
In addition to considering sunlight exposure, you must consider how your paint job will harmonise with the surrounding landscape. Creating an aesthetic appeal means coordinating with the colours of your plants, other structures, or area features.
Remember, a fresh coat of paint is an investment in your home’s curb appeal and value. So, it’s essential to choose wisely. Take the time to research and consider all the factors before making a decision.
Now that you’ve got the colour sorted out let’s discuss how much it costs to paint a weatherboard house.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Weatherboard House?
It’s important to note that the cost of painting house exterior can vary greatly, depending on type, size, condition, and location.
If you’re considering how much the cost of painting a weatherboard house is, you’re asking an essential question. On average, a single storey weatherboard house painting costs between $3,000 to $5,000.
The price isn’t fixed; it fluctuates based on conditions specific to your house.
For instance, a large, multi-storey home would naturally demand more resources than a compact single-storey one. Similarly, houses in poor condition might need more prep work, like scraping off old paint or repairing damaged sections before the painting begins.