One of the most cost-effective ways of adding protection as well as freshening up the look of the home is to do house painting in the Bay Area. For instance, your home that already has siding is a great place to paint even though you may not consider it to be.
Homeowners do not realize that “siding” can mean what is on the side of the house. This can include vinyl, wood, stucco, or brick cladding – or a combination. However, when people hear the word “siding,” they would generally refer to one of the five different types of siding that are usually available in sections. These sections are attached to a house after the whole structure is complete. Homeowners can add other siding even after the structure has been finished to make a complete character change for the house.
So the question you may want answered is “Does the type of paint used on siding matter?” The answer is, yes, the paint for any project does matter, including the siding. If you decide to paint the siding of your house, it requires some more thought and consideration regarding the factors involved — type of siding, age, the climate where you live, condition of the siding, and of course, the budget you have at your disposal.
Apart from brick and stucco, there are several basic siding types commonly used when a house is built. One of them is wood — specifically two types of wood which are Masonite and T-111. The others are metal (aluminum or steel), vinyl, and fiber-cement (also called hardie board). Metal and fiber cement siding typically do not require painting unlike the other siding types. This is because their color holds well. However, you may want to update, repair or replace this siding for maintenance or aesthetic reasons. Each of the sidings has its pros and cons, as well as their own painting needs, but yes, they can all be painted.
Preparation of the surface is a bigger difference when painting the different siding types than the paint choice itself. All sidings must be cleaned well, properly repaired, dry and free of other elements such as rust or oxidation. Otherwise, painting over unclean and unprepared surfaces may lead to problems over time. Any repairs that are needed, such as sealing or caulking, should be done with materials that are paintable and must cure (dry) completely before painting.
Acrylic or elastometric paints are good choices for painting the siding, because both can be applied to wood, metal, and fiber-cement siding. Both paints also adhere and hold up well, They are easy to apply especially if the surfaces have been properly prepared. It is always recommended that you use a primer that will match your paint type. For instance, you can paint or stain your wood or T-111 siding. If the wood or T-111 siding has been previously painted or stained, you will want to find out what type of paint or stains was previously used and buy the same type again. Paints or stains used on wood or T-111 siding can be water- or solvent-based. Because T-111 siding is typically porous, staining is your best option. To make sure that all nooks and crannies are painted, back-rolling is necessary on your T-111 siding.
As for painting the Masonite siding, it is just much like painting a wooden surface. However, many manufacturers recommend a good quality oil based primer and paint.
Metal siding (aluminum or steel) are painted like any wooden surface. The key to a good finish is to clean the siding and remove all dirt as well as oxidation or rust, which may require you to use a wire brush. You will want to use high-quality primer that is made for the specific metal you are painting. Finally, cover the surface acrylic paint and use two coats.
As for vinyl, you can chemically restore its color. But if you want to paint it instead, make sure that the paint you buy is suitable for vinyl. Primer isn’t really necessary for vinyl siding, but you can use it if you want to give the surface the best finish possible.
Painting fiber-cement siding also requires a different approach. If the siding has not been previously painted, it’s vital that you use primer which is sold by the manufacturer of the cement board. If the siding has been already primed or painted, it’s recommended that you use exterior paint that is 100% acrylic.
Aside from the types of siding, it’s also important that you take into consideration the local weather, which could change the condition of your siding. The weather has the tendency to turn cool and wet which makes any surface difficult to paint. Your obvious choice is to wait until the weather cooperates. Then buy the best paint that your budget can afford. Does the type of paint you use matter when house painting in the Bay Area? The final answer is, yes, it does matter. Now you know why.