How to Paint Exterior Wood Siding in a Few Easy Steps

The Exterior Wood Siding Painting Process

Are you ready to add a few new coats of paint to your wood siding? The following process will help you prepare for a great paint job, and paint your home for a brand new look and added protection:

• Power wash the siding: When using a pressure washer, make sure to adjust the pressure to a low setting but powerful enough to knock off most debris clinging to the wood siding. You may use a stiff-bristled brush to remove any debris still clinging to the siding. Use caution when increasing the pressure setting as it may damage the wood. 

• Apply a coat of primer: Wooden panels will significantly benefit from primer; otherwise, they might absorb the exterior paint and make your job much more difficult. You may even need to apply additional coats of primer if the wood absorbs it. If you're planning to use an oil-based paint, it's best to paint with exterior oil-based primer first
• Seal any cracks with exterior caulk: Once the primer has dried, check the edges for any holes and apply a waterproof exterior caulk if necessary. This step prevents moisture from getting underneath the siding, which may create harmful black mold. 
• Apply exterior paint: It’s finally time to do the actual painting now that the prep work has been completed. You can use brushes, rollers, or even a paint gun to apply the new coat. Use a small brush to paint around windows, doors, and other edges. Depending on how it looks, you may decide to apply a second coat after the first application.



Preparing your wood siding is the most time-intensive part of the entire process. However, it’s also the most important. The prep work ensures that the result looks fantastic and improves the durability of the siding.

Check the Weather

The weather conditions will impact the success of your exterior house painting project. It’s better to delay a day or two rather than try to force the project in the wrong conditions. Wait until the weather is perfect for painting, which includes:

• Avoid days with a chance of rain
• Avoid windy days
• Avoid hot days that will dry the paint too quickly
• Avoid temperatures below 10-degrees Celsius if using exterior latex paint
• Read the label on the paint bucket for additional guidance



Paint at the Top Down

Starting at the top will make the extra paint drip down, which can be caught as you move towards the ground. Painting from the bottom-up may create streaks or an uneven coat. You may end up using more paint than necessary, too.