Elena Rossi
Peeling paint on outdoor siding is not only an eyesore but also exposes your home to nature's harsh elements. Paint can peel off for numerous reasons, including inadequate surface preparation, moisture, and interior or exterior damage. To fix this issue, you must first diagnose the cause and then take the proper steps to remedy it. This may include scraping off loose paint, applying a primer, and repainting with the right products designed for outdoor use.
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What You'll Learn
Diagnose the cause of peeling paint
Diagnosing the cause of peeling paint is the first step to ensuring it doesn't happen again. Paint can peel for a variety of reasons, and it's important to identify the cause to ensure the problem is fixed long-term.
The most common cause of paint peeling is inadequate surface preparation. This can include a variety of issues, such as the surface being too wet, too dirty, or not clean, dry, and dull before painting. The siding may also have been too long without a maintenance coat. If the siding is wood, it may have been insufficiently sanded, or not sanded at all, which can cause issues with adhesion. If the siding is old, bare wood that is exposed to the weather will slowly degrade and turn grey, and must be sanded down to a paintable surface.
Moisture is another common cause of paint peeling. This can include leaking roofs, ice-filled or clogged gutters, interior moisture migrating to exterior walls, painted surfaces being too close to the ground, or painting a surface that is damp.
Other causes of paint peeling can include: the surface and paint being too hot or too cold, the first coat of paint not being dry before the second coat was applied, and paint being applied over a dirty surface.
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Prepare the surface
Peeling paint on outdoor siding is often caused by inadequate surface preparation. To prepare the surface properly, follow these steps:
Firstly, clean the surface with a pre-paint cleaner and allow it to dry. Make sure that the surface is clean, dry, and dull before proceeding. This is known as the "Big Rule of 3" in surface preparation. Remove any loose or cracked caulking and repair it with a quality product. Clean and repair gutters to ensure they are properly channeling water away from the house.
Next, scrape off any loose or peeling paint using a scraper or a similar tool. Be sure to remove all the loose paint, especially around the edges of the peeled paint. Then, lightly sand the surface, feather-sanding the edges of the peeled paint and any bare wood. Sanding will help create a sound, paintable surface by removing any mill glaze or sheen that may interfere with adhesion. If the siding has a lot of tannin, an oil-based primer will be needed to prevent tannin stains from seeping through.
After sanding, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. Ensure that the surface is thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step. Then, prime the bare spots with a suitable primer. If the wood is old and weathered, a slow-drying oil-based wood primer is recommended. Alternatively, a water-based exterior primer will work fine in most cases.
Finally, apply a highly durable latex primer to the entire surface. This will help protect the surface from moisture and the elements and provide a good base for the new paint. Once the primer is dry, you can proceed with painting the surface, using a high-quality exterior paint designed for outdoor use.
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Choose the right primer
When choosing a primer for your outdoor siding, it's important to consider the type of surface you're working with and the specific issues you're addressing. Here are some guidelines to help you select the right primer:
Start by assessing the condition of the siding. If you're dealing with a lot of weathered wood, exposed bare wood, or tannin stains, an oil-based primer is often recommended. Oil-based primers are especially effective if your siding is made of wood types like western red cedar or redwood, which are high in tannins. This type of primer will prevent tannin stains from seeping through and provide a durable base for your paint.
On the other hand, if your siding is primarily in good condition with only minor peeling or cracking, a water-based primer can be a suitable option. Water-based primers are typically easier to work with, dry faster, and have lower odour levels than oil-based primers. They are also less expensive, making them a cost-effective choice for larger projects.
If you're dealing with extensive paint failure, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause. Inadequate surface preparation is often the culprit, so proper cleaning, sanding, and priming are essential. Scrape off any loose or peeling paint, sand the surface to create a uniform profile, and ensure the surface is clean, dry, and dull before applying the primer.
When it comes to selecting a specific primer product, choose a primer designed for exterior use and compatible with your chosen topcoat. Look for primers that are highly durable and formulated to block moisture and seal porous surfaces. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper surface preparation and application techniques.
Additionally, consider the environmental conditions and the exposure of your siding to elements like rain, condensation, or extreme temperatures. Choose a primer that can withstand these conditions and provide a long-lasting barrier against moisture and other external factors. Always refer to the label instructions and data page directions to ensure you're using the right primer for your specific needs.
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Apply the paint
When applying paint to the exterior siding, it is important to ensure that the paint is suitable for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. The type of paint you use should be resistant to peeling and cracking. Opt for a high-quality exterior paint that will last several years.
Before painting, it is crucial to prepare the surface adequately. Clean the siding with a pre-paint cleaner and allow it to dry completely. Scrape off any loose or peeling paint, and lightly sand the surface, including the edges of the peeled paint and any bare wood. This process helps create a uniform thickness for the new paint, making it less prone to cracking. Feather-sand the edges and round over the corners to ensure a smooth transition and better resistance to cracking.
If you're dealing with weathered wood or siding with tannin stains, consider using an oil-based primer. A primer is essential for blocking moisture and sealing porous surfaces. Apply a suitable wood primer to the bare spots and any problem areas. You can also prime the entire house if needed. Once the primer is dry, proceed with painting.
Apply the first coat of paint evenly to the prepared surface. Ensure that the paint adheres well to the primer and that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper surface preparation and environmental conditions. Allow the first coat to dry completely before deciding whether a second coat is necessary. In most cases, two coats of paint will last significantly longer than a single coat.
If you're satisfied with the coverage after the first coat, you can seal the paint job by sealing wood trim joints and edges with an appropriate sealant. This extra step will help protect your siding from moisture and other external factors.
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Seal the siding
Sealing the siding is an important step to prevent paint peeling and to protect the raw wood. This is especially true for older homes, where caulking, sealing, and insulation were not originally a priority. As a result, moisture can become trapped inside, leading to paint peeling.
To seal the siding effectively, you must first ensure that all loose, cracked, or peeling paint is removed. This can be done with a scraper, wire brush, or sandpaper. It is important to be thorough during this step, as any remaining peeling paint will cause the new paint to peel off as well. If you notice that the paint continues to peel no matter how much you scrape, you can use a binding primer like Zinsser's Peel Stop, which is formulated to seal down the edges of perpetually peeling paint.
After removing the peeling paint, the next step is to prime the bare wood. An oil-based primer is recommended as it provides better protection against moisture and is more effective on weathered wood or siding with a lot of tannin. If you are using an oil-based primer, be aware that it has a strong odour and can be difficult to clean off tools. Once the primer is dry, seal the wood trim joints and edges with a sealant, such as PowerHouse™ Siliconized Acrylic Latex Sealant, to protect the surface from moisture and the elements.
Additionally, it is important to address any underlying issues that may be causing the paint to peel. For example, if the peeling is worse on a wall with a bathroom, consider installing a fan vented to the outdoors to reduce moisture. Similarly, if the peeling is caused by gutter water splashing onto the siding, channel the water farther away from the house. By addressing these issues, you can help prevent future paint peeling.
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