Of all the remodeling projects, the one tackled more often by homeowners is painting. But not all outdoor painting projects are equal. You may have several types of surfaces to paint outside your home and each has its own unique method to ensure success.
Read on for tips on how to prepare and paint wood, wrought iron, masonry, brick, concrete galvanized metal, and plastic.
Painting Wood Siding and Trim
Whether it’s lap siding, board and battens, or porch railings, if you want a successful paint job, it all starts with preparation. As is often the case with wood surfaces that have to deal with Mother Nature, the old paint begins to flake, exposing raw wood. Before you pick up your paintbrush, you need to remove as much of the old, flaking paint as possible with a paint scraper.
If you have a large area in need of scraping, you’re best bet is to use a drill motor or cordless drill with an attachment specifically designed for stripping paint. A synthetic fiber wheel does a great job and lasts much longer than the old sandpaper wheels that are often used.
For very stubborn spots, you could also apply a chemical paint stripper. This, however, will mean that the job is going to take you longer to complete because the surface needs to be completely dry before moving on to the next step. Once the loose paint is removed, prime the raw wood with a good quality primer before applying a finished coat of paint.
Further Information
- Exterior Home Painting Prep Tips (video)
- How to Prepare the Outside of a Home for Painting (video)
- How to Clean and Stain Outdoor Wood Furniture (video)
- How to Finish Wood Furniture for Use Outdoors (article)
Painting Wrought Iron
The process for ironwork—such as railings, columns, or decorative hangings—is similar to wood, which means the most important step is preparation. Using a drill with a wire wheel attachment is perfect for removing any rust or deteriorating paint. There are also chemical strippers available for iron, but in most cases, the wire wheel is sufficient.
To prime the metal surface, you need to choose a primer made for metals. You can purchase it in liquid form and apply it with a brush like normal paint; but if the metal has intricate details, you’d be better off using an aerosol spray primer. The metal primer will typically have a rust inhibitor formulated in it and will be either a gray or burnt umber color when applied. Once the primer dries, it provides a surface that new paint will bind to so it will last for years without flaking.
Further Information
- Painting Rusty Ironwork (video)
- How to Paint Cast Iron Foundation Vent Grates (video)
- Repair and Paint Metal Wrought Iron Handrails (video)
Painting Masonry and Concrete
Brick, cinder block, and stucco surfaces all have one thing in common—they are porous. Preparation for masonry surfaces starts with sealing them.
A masonry primer will do the job, but be forewarned, these sealers are usually quite thick, more so than paint, and it takes a lot longer to cover the area you’re painting, but it needs to be done. Actually, there are some newer methods out there to spray the sealers on masonry surfaces as well as new paint, but it’s mainly done by professionals and not for do-it-yourselfers.
Concrete is similar to masonry, but in addition to being able to paint it, you can also stain it. Staining can actually be a little less strenuous than painting since coverage is greater and it’s easier to apply. There are a lot of colors to choose from, too, so you can match or compliment other colors on your house.
Further Information
- How to Seal and Paint a Garage Floor (video)
- How to Acid Stain a Concrete Slab Porch or Patio (video)
Painting Galvanized Metal
Although I already mentioned wrought iron, there are other metal surfaces around your house that could stand a coat of paint at times. Metal eave strips, valley tin, and even roof vents can all be painted. The challenge is preparing the surface properly.
Most of these metals are galvanized; and paint, typically, doesn’t stick to them. The secret is a common item you probably have in your kitchen pantry. Take a rag and dip it in household white vinegar, swab the metal surface with the soaked rag, and allow it to dry. A chemical reaction occurs between the metal and acidic vinegar to create a surface that any spray paint will adhere to.
Roof vents are probably the best thing to spray paint, because you can paint it a color to match your shingles and help make the vent blend into the color of the roof. It really looks a lot better than a dull, rusty metal vent.
Further Information
- Tips for Painting Galvanized Metal (video)
- How to Paint Galvanized Sheet Metal (article)
- How to Paint a Galvanized Metal Door (article)
Painting Plastic
For plastic items—such as lawn furniture or plastic flower pots—use a spray paint that’s formulated to bond with plastic. Start by washing the plastic with a solution of water and mild detergent to remove any dirt and grime. Once the item is completely dry, spray paint it with one of the new plastic paints.
Plastic spray paints come in a range of colors as well as various textures—such as hammered metal—to give a unique appearance. One final word of advice. Be sure to read the directions to any of these specialty paints paying close attention to recommended weather conditions, proper ventilation and application options.
Further Information
- How to Paint Exterior Plastic Decorative Items (video)
- How to Paint Plastic or Vinyl Exterior Shutters (article)
- How to Paint Vinyl Siding (article)
- Tips for Painting Vinyl Siding (video)