Exterior-Finishing-Tips
14 Important Exterior Finishing Tips
- Apply finishes on windless days. Temperature should be between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Surfaces should be clean and dry.
- New structures built with unseasoned wood should air-dry one month before finishing.
- Back-priming is recommended for all exterior finishes, particularly paints.
- Don't use wire brushes or steel wool as metal particles may become embedded in the wood and can cause stains. Use stiff bristle brushes.
- Use finishes recommended for wood exteriors.
- Follow manufacturer's directions and read warnings on toxicity.
- Don't mix incompatible materials. Finish failures may result from mixing incompatible products or applying them over one another.
- Moisture is the most common cause of finish failures, so use proper vapor barriers, air vents and flashing in new construction.
- Saw-textured redwood holds stains, water repellents and bleaches up to twice as long as smooth-surfaced wood.
- Redwood grades marked Certified Kiln Dried will provide the best finish retention available.
- To avoid nail stains, use stainless steel, aluminum or top quality, hot-dipped galvanized nails.
- Periodic rinsing with a garden hose will remove dirt and grime from siding. Stubborn build-up can be removed by scrubbing with a bristle brush with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse afterward.
- Splash lines can be minimized by an occasional hosing of the unaffected area, which will even the appearance of the wood.
