Painting Outdated Interior Lap Siding?

To paint wood siding, follow these steps to ensure a long-lasting and visually appealing finish. First, clean the exterior by hosing down the siding with a pressure washer, keeping the pressure low. If vinyl siding is not painted, consider replacing it if it appears faded and worn. Fresh Hardie® Plank siding can outlast wood siding if properly cared for, including a fresh coat of paint after installation.

To properly protect the siding, spot priming the knots, applying two coats of paint, and letting the area sit for at least three months to prevent the problem from returning. Apply your chosen oil-based stain, lightly sand with 220 grit, and touch up any spots. Apply a couple of coats of oil-based stain.

For shiplap walls, paint the wall the color you plan to paint the shiplap. Patch the holes and caulk the cracks. Don’t skip the primer. Step 1: Carefully pressure wash the dirt off the siding. Step 2: Thoroughly scrape off the peeling paint. Step 3: Prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer. The paint and primer will both come up, leaving more or less just the wood siding underneath.

For best results on wood shiplap, use a water-based paint-and-primer in one, as this saves time and money since you only use one product. For vinyl siding, it may be more of a judgment call if repainting won’t improve its appearance. For shiplap walls, look for a high-quality, water-based latex paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish, like Sherwin-Williams Emerald line.