In Seattle, where materials like tight-weave James Hardie siding are needed for maintaining and ever-enhancing every inch of your home’s exterior painting becomes an essential house chore.
The weather and climate in the Pacific Northwest can be a bit unpredictable but proper prep work is key for getting through all seasons with your paint job intact. We have some expert tips to help your siding look its best year round.
1. Choose the Right Paint
The best bang for your buck here really means selecting high-quality paint that will withstand the wild weather conditions of our beautiful Pacific Northwest. Choose an acrylic latex paint that is suitable for use outdoors (it will adhere to James Hardie siding well and protect your Seattle home from our rainy, humid climate).
2. Preparation is Key
Clean the siding surface well before painting to remove dirt, mildew, and any loose paint With mild soap and water (which can be mixed in a bucket) along with a soft brush or pressure washing on low power to prevent damage.
3. Repair Before Painting
Examine the siding to see cracks and holes, etc. Or, fill these mistakes with an excellent exterior-quality caulk or putty to ensure a straight surface before painting. Examine areas around joints and corners where it is easier for water to enter and infiltrate over time.
4. Prime for Success:
Priming is important, primarily on raw wood or places where the original paint has been stripped down entirely. A quality exterior acrylic latex primer specifically formulated for outdoor use. It improves the adhesion of paint and prolongs its durability.
5. Timing Matters:
While Seattle weather can be unpredictable, you want to wait for the dry mild days in which temperatures are moderate (usually late spring through summer and early fall). Try to avoid painting in direct sunlight and on windy days, both of which can affect how the paint goes on as well as dry.
6. Use the Right Tools:
Reserve your money for good-quality brushes, rollers, and the paint sprayer with an external coating. For Seattle James Hardie siding, a medium-nap roller or paint sprayer will work great to ensure fair coverage and proper access for textured surfaces.
7. Apply Paint Correctly:
In smooth, overlapping strokes that follow the natural grain of your siding, apply an even coat. To avoid drips and ensure even coverage, begin at the top and paint your way down. Always prime and paint to protect your project as well as maximize its color potential (this usually means at least two coats).
8. Protect Landscaping and Environment:
Mask out everything including plants, windows, and any other areas where paint may accidentally splash or fall. Cover surfaces to protect them from paint using drop cloths or plastic sheeting and use painter’s tape to keep the film in place.
9. Inspect and Maintain:
Once you have painted, continue to check your siding for any signs of wear or damage. Repair chipping or faded paint to keep your siding performing its job as you protect from the elements in our crazy Seattle weather!
10. Consider Professional Help:
However, if you are not confident in your ability to handle the painting and desire a guaranteed finish, then I would suggest hiring an experienced James Hardie siding professional painter. They can provide professional guidance and make sure that the siding is being prepped, applied, and top-coated correctly using only a high-quality material formulated to increase its lifespan.
Painting James Hardie siding Seattle requires extra planning, prep work, and the right painting pro, as well as being familiar with the unique weather challenges in our city. By implementing these tips that color your home, you can obtain a more beautiful painted exterior that’s better for will last through the years. Whether you are retouching the color or preserving your siding, spending time preparing for proper painting will help in the long run.
