Isabella Flores
Painting plywood lap siding is a meticulous task that requires careful preparation. The process begins with filling gaps and sanding the plywood surface to create a smooth base. It is essential to select a suitable primer, as the wrong primer can cause issues such as knots' bleeding through and an uneven wood grain texture. Oil-based primers are generally recommended over water-based ones to prevent these problems. After applying the primer, it is necessary to wait for it to dry before sanding and cleaning the surface once again. This process may need to be repeated for a second coat of primer. Finally, the topcoat of paint can be applied, preferably using a roller for an even finish, followed by a brush for touch-ups and hard-to-reach areas.
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What You'll Learn
Filling holes, imperfections and sanding
Filling holes, imperfections, and sanding are crucial steps in achieving a smooth and professional finish when painting plywood lap siding. Here is a detailed guide:
Filling Holes and Imperfections:
Start by inspecting the plywood for any imperfections, such as dents, knot holes, nail or screw holes, and deep pockets. Use a decent wood filler, such as Everbuild Multi-Purpose Wood Filler, to fill in these imperfections. If the edges will be visible, be sure to fill and sand them as well. Allow the filler to dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions. This step is crucial, as it creates a smooth and uniform surface for painting.
Sanding:
Once the filler is dry, it's time to sand the entire surface, including the filled areas and edges, to ensure a seamless finish. Use fine-grit sandpaper, typically around 120-220 grit, to sand the plywood gently. Remove any dust generated during sanding by wiping the surface with a damp cloth and vacuuming the surrounding areas. This step ensures that the surface is clean and ready for the next step, which is priming.
Additional Tips:
When working with lower-grade plywood, such as sanded plywood, expect more imperfections and voids that will require filling and sanding. Higher-grade plywood, like Grades A and B, generally has fewer imperfections and requires less preparation. If you're using Grade A plywood, sanding may not be necessary, but if you do sand it, be careful not to remove too much material, as the wood veneer layer is thin.
Sanding Between Coats:
After applying the primer and paint coats, it is essential to sand lightly between each coat with super-fine grit sandpaper. This process helps achieve a smooth and even finish. Remember to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth or a tack cloth before proceeding to the next coat.
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Choosing the right primer
When it comes to choosing the right primer for plywood lap siding, there are several important factors and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to determine the grade of the plywood, as this will impact the preparation process and the choice of primer. Filler may be required for lower-grade plywood with knots and holes, and more sanding will be necessary to achieve a smooth surface. Grade AB plywood, the highest grade, has a consistent colour and minimal or no knots, requiring less sanding.
The type of primer is a critical decision. Oil-based primers are recommended to prevent the wood grain from becoming bumpy and to block stains caused by resin bleed-through. Water-based primers can cause the soft grains to swell more than the hard grains, resulting in an uneven surface. Zinsser and XIM primers are suggested as reliable options that work with a variety of paints. It is also advised to avoid paint and primer in one, as they can be prone to sags, runs, and errors.
The application method is another key consideration. For plywood lap siding, a 2-inch paintbrush and a roller are recommended. Mini rollers (4-inch) are ideal for edges and smaller areas, while a 9-inch roller is suitable for larger areas. The primer should be applied thickly enough to obscure the wood grain pattern and ensure an even spread.
Additionally, proper surface preparation is crucial. Before priming, it is essential to fill any holes or imperfections and thoroughly sand and clean the surface. This includes removing any old paint or residue and ensuring the surface is smooth and free of dust. Following the manufacturer's instructions for drying times and applying multiple coats of primer, if necessary, will ensure a durable finish.
Finally, compatibility with the top coat is essential. Allowing sufficient time between the primer and top coat application is crucial, typically at least two days but no longer than two weeks. Using compatible products, preferably from the same manufacturer, will ensure the best results and a long-lasting finish.
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Applying the primer
When it comes to applying primer to plywood lap siding, there are several important steps to follow to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Here is a detailed guide:
Preparing the Plywood
Before applying the primer, it is crucial to prepare the plywood surface. Start by filling any holes, gaps, or knots in the plywood with a suitable filler. Allow the filler to dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, use sandpaper to sand down the entire surface, including the filler and edges, to create a smooth base for the primer. It is recommended to start with medium-grit sandpaper (around 100-grit) and then progress to finer grits (180-220 grit) for a smoother finish. Ensure you sand in the same direction as the wood grain. After sanding, use a damp cloth or vacuum to remove any dust from the plywood and the surrounding areas.
Choosing the Right Primer
Selecting the appropriate primer is essential for achieving a high-quality finish. It is recommended to use a primer specifically designed for plywood, as it needs to seal the wood knots, glues, and resins effectively. Avoid using a water-based primer, as it can cause the soft grains in the wood to swell, resulting in a bumpy surface. Instead, opt for an oil-based primer, such as Zinsser, which will create a smoother finish and prevent the resins from bleeding through the topcoat.
Now, you're ready to apply the primer. Use a 2-inch paintbrush for the edges and smaller areas, and a roller for larger sections. A 4-inch mini roller is ideal for edges, while a bigger 9-inch roller can be used for broader areas. Apply the primer in a V or W shape to ensure an even spread, and use the brush to smooth out any excess paint or accumulation. It is important to apply the primer liberally, ensuring it is thick enough to obscure the wood grain pattern. This step is crucial in preventing knots and resins from bleeding through. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Sanding and Cleaning
Once the primer is dry, use fine-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to lightly sand the surface, creating an even and smooth base for the topcoat. After sanding, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue. Depending on the desired finish and the condition of the plywood, you may need to apply a second coat of primer. If so, simply repeat the application process and allow it to dry completely.
Additional Considerations
When priming plywood lap siding, it is essential to consider the environment and the type of paint used. If the plywood is situated indoors, a primer, undercoat, and topcoat system is typically recommended. For outdoor applications, ensure you choose a suitable exterior wood paint to protect the plywood from the elements. Additionally, if you are working with new plywood, it is crucial to allow the primer to cure for at least two days but no longer than two weeks before applying the topcoat. This waiting period ensures proper adhesion and a long-lasting finish.
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Adding an undercoat and top coat
Once the filler is dry, rub down the plywood sheet with a fine grit sandpaper (180-220) and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. You can also use a vacuum to remove any dust from nearby areas.
Now, you need to seal the plywood with a primer. You will need a 2-inch paintbrush and a roller. Use a mini roller (4-inch) for edges and smaller areas and a bigger 9-inch roller for larger areas. Apply the primer in a V or W shape to get an even spread of paint. Use the paintbrush to even out paint on the edges or any areas where paint has accumulated.
When the primer is dry, rub it down with fine grit sandpaper and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. You may need another coat of primer. Follow the same process as the first coat.
To get ready for the undercoat and top coat, first, make sure that the plywood is completely dry. You can use a roller to spread the undercoat and then use a paintbrush to even out the paint on the edges. The undercoat should be compatible with the primer and preferably from the same manufacturer. Leave the undercoat to dry and then rub it down and clean. You will probably need two coats of undercoat to get a smooth, even, and durable finish.
For the top coat, you can use a roller to spread the paint and then use a paintbrush to even out the paint on the edges. The top coat is typically a toss-up between satin and gloss. Both do a good job, but if you are going for a satin finish, try Dulux Quick-Drying Satinwood. For gloss, Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Gloss or Dulux Trade High Gloss are good choices. Leave the top coat to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Using a roller or sprayer
When using a roller, start by applying primer to the large, flat areas of the plywood siding using a 9-inch roller. For larger areas, you can opt for an 18-inch roller. Rollers with thicker naps, such as 3/4-inch naps, are ideal for getting into the grooves and ensuring even coverage. Once the primer is dry, use a brush to apply primer to the edges and any areas the roller couldn't reach.
After the primer has dried, check for holes or gaps and use a waterproof caulk to fill them. Let the caulk set for several hours before applying paint. For the paint, use the roller on large areas and a brush on the grooves and tight spots. Apply the paint in a V or W shape to get an even spread, and use a brush to even out the paint on the edges.
If you're using a sprayer, an airless sprayer is recommended for the best finish. Sprayers are ideal for getting paint into the grooves of the plywood siding, and you can use a roller to help get the paint into the wood grains for better adhesion. Electric handheld sprayers are easier to control and don't produce as much overspray, but they need frequent refilling. Gas-powered sprayers are another option but can be intimidating.
Before applying primer or paint, ensure the surface is clean and repair any damages. Scuff raw wood for better adhesion of the primer. Don't prime or paint in direct sunlight, on wet days, or when it's very cold or hot. The ideal temperature for painting is between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Frequently asked questions
Oil-based primers are recommended for plywood as they seal the wood and prevent knots and resins from bleeding through. A good primer option is Zinnser B.I.N.
Two coats of primer are recommended for plywood lap siding. The primer should be applied thickly and evenly using a roller and a paintbrush for the edges.
Top-quality acrylic latex paints are best for exterior plywood surfaces. For interior plywood, a standard primer, undercoat, and top coat in either satin or gloss will work well.
