How To Paint The Outside Of An Antique Barn?

Painting an old barn or other wooden outbuilding requires a thorough inspection, repair, and cleaning of the exterior. Trim any branches, hedges, or other landscaping that may be in the way. Apply primer first, and choose a color for your outbuilding. Choose between latex or oil paint, and prepare the surface by scraping and sanding away as much old, loose paint as possible using a hand scraper.

Bedec Barn Paint is a perfect solution for protecting exterior buildings such as barns, stables, sheds, silos, windmills, and factory units. To prepare the surface for the new coat, use a glue primer like PeelBond, Peelstop, or Prime RX if the paint is peeling badly, or use whatever latex paint is available if not.

To properly prepare the surface for the new coat, inspect, repair, clean the exterior of the building, apply primer first, and choose a solid body stain without primer. Oil-based paint is best, but there are some decent solid urethane stains available now. Never paint wood, as it was never meant to be painted in an exterior environment. Scrape and pressure wash the wood off, then apply a white coat.

For barn applications, plan to cover 300 to 400 square feet per gallon of paint. Paint doors, windows, and trim with a durable trim enamel. This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint an old barn fast, from prepping to finishing the trim, and preparing for the time required.

Should I paint my old barn?

Painting barns is a great way to preserve the exterior of your barn by protecting it from moisture penetration. If you prepare the surfaces thoroughly and use high-quality paint, you can expect a paint job that lasts for ten years or more. Traditional red and ochre paints, made with locally produced iron oxide earth pigments and linseed oil, became popular in Vermont around 1850. Shingled barns stained dark green or brown became fashionable in the late 19th century.

Today, red, white, and yellow are the preferred colors for most farmers, often with the trim in a different color. Before repainting, inspect the old paint for signs of other problems, such as moisture problems, roof and flashing leaks, or unprotected openings. If the problem is near the base of the walls, it may indicate sill decay or contact with the ground. If only the top layer of paint is peeling away, the surface was not properly prepared before the last painting.

Do you have to prime a barn before painting?

It should be noted that certain exterior paints designed for use on barns are self-priming, necessitating the application of at least two coats of paint.

What kind of paint do you use on old barn wood?

Barn paint is essential for both wood and metal barns. Wood barns require durability, protection, and longevity, with acrylic latex paints being popular due to their excellent adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to cracking and peeling. UV protection is also essential to protect the wood from sun damage. Metal barns require paint with exceptional adhesion, corrosion resistance, and weather protection, with rust-inhibitive primers to prevent rust formation. High-quality acrylic or epoxy-based paints are recommended for their durability, resistance to fading and chipping, and rust inhibitors or rust-resistant properties to enhance the barn’s finish.

Can you paint over old weathered wood?

It is of the utmost importance to prepare old and crumbling wood in order to achieve a successful paint job, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, yet it is indispensable for achieving an optimal outcome.

What is the best primer for old weathered wood?

Oil-based primers are recommended for painting over rotting or weathered wood, as they seal the wood grains and prevent the formation of bubbles. It is recommended that any filled spots be primed initially, and that the process be carried out from the top of the exterior wall to the bottom.

What is the difference between barn paint and regular paint?

Barn paint and exterior paint are two types of paint for barn exteriors. Barn paint is formulated with more durable pigments and thicker layers, making it more effective in harsh conditions and protecting surfaces from scratches and dents. It is suitable for surfaces with significant wear and tear. On the other hand, exterior paint is designed for building surfaces, offering a balance of durability and aesthetic appeal. It can withstand varying weather conditions and maintain its color and finish over time.

Exterior paint generally provides a smooth finish and comes in various colors and sheens. The choice between barn paint and exterior paint depends on the specifics of the project. For high-traffic areas or surfaces prone to damage, barn paint may be the better choice. However, exterior paint may be more suitable for standard barn exteriors where aesthetics and weather resistance are the primary concerns.

Will paint stick to weathered wood?

Oil-based primers are recommended for painting over rotting or weathered wood, as they seal the wood grains and prevent the formation of bubbles. It is recommended that any filled spots be primed initially, and that the process be carried out from the top of the exterior wall to the bottom.

What did they use to paint barns with?

In the early days of agriculture, linseed oil was employed as a protective measure for barns against the effects of weathering. This oil was often combined with animal blood or ferrous oxide, which served to inhibit the growth of mold and fungi while imparting a distinctive red-orange hue to the paint.

Is it better to stain or paint weathered wood?

Paint generally lasts longer on wood due to its protective layer against weathering, while stains don’t peel over time. The choice between wood stain and paint is more than just a color choice; it’s about understanding their nature, pros and cons, application techniques, and where they excel indoors or outdoors. The choice depends on aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and weather resistance.

Why do farmers paint their barns black?

The black color of the barn increases the temperature, which is conducive to the curing process of tobacco.

How do you prepare old weathered wood for painting?

The wood should be sanded and washed, with any caulk, wood filler, or areas that have been significantly weathered removed. The removal of old paint and primer should be undertaken with 60-80-grit coarse sandpaper, with the objective of ensuring that the surface is smooth and even.