How to Paint Outdoor Surfaces (Plus Four Tips to Make it Last)

• painting
• siding
• DIY
• tool tips
• projects

Begin with a coat of primer. Spot-prime bare patches, but prime the entire surface if it’s weather-beaten or needs a lot of scraping. Next, apply the topcoat to the siding. Cut in along the trim using a trim brush—switch to a roller for large, flat areas. Apply two topcoats. Finish the job with gloss or semigloss enamel applied to the trim. Again, apply two coats.

Build Right to Make It Last

1. Use vertical-grain boards (look for straight lines, not ovals, on the wide face). These expand and contract less than flat-sawn wood.

2. Shape wood so it sheds moisture. On porch balustrades, cut a peak into the baluster’s bottom rail, and notch each spindle to fit it.

3. Use corrosion-resistant nails and screws such as hot-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel. Otherwise, rust will blister and break through the paint.

4. Pretreat wood to increase moisture-resistance. Apply a clear, paint-compatible, water-repellent preservative before priming.

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