How to Paint Siding Step-by-Step

Two-Coat Process

When learning how to paint siding, it is important to understand the two-coat process. You always want complete coverage, so to achieve this, two coats must be applied to the whole exterior. This is how we execute that process:

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What You Need:

• Paint Sprayer
• Paint Roller
• Ladder
• Paper Rolls (9″ – 12″)
• Vanilla Tape Rolls

Step 1

Protect the House

The very first thing you want to do before painting is cover the parts of the house that aren’t being painted. This includes trim, windows, doors, garage doors– basically anything in danger of overspray. Use your paper and tape to cover these sections. Be careful not to accidentally cover any of the siding being painted or else the previous siding color will be visible once the paper is removed.

Step 2

First Coat

The first coat should be sprayed and a back rolled. Work from the top down and apply your paint evenly across the siding. Then, run your roller across where you just sprayed. This helps reduce flashing and allows paint to get into the small places that the sprayer may have missed. Then, once you finish that side, rather than moving your ladder to the next side of the house, stay on the same side and go back to the top to begin the second coat.

Step 3

Second Coat

Now that you’re back at the top, work down the siding with your sprayer the same way you did the first time. This is the finishing coat and does not need to be back rolled, though be sure to apply this coat evenly as well. Repeat this process on all sides of the house until the siding is painted. We have discovered through years of experience that it is easier and more efficient to do both paint coats on one side at a time. The reason we do it this way is to avoid having to take our ladders and equipment around the house twice, which wastes time.

Things to Consider

Weather

Do not attempt to paint siding in heavy rain or snow. Not only is this dangerous, but bad weather can really mess up wet paint. This goes for extreme temperatures as well. Anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for exterior painting.

Time

Depending on the size of the house and crew, it can take multiple days to paint siding. We are always sure to plan ahead and communicate with the homeowner about our progress and the estimated finish time.

Hire a Professional

Exterior house painting can be a mammoth task for someone with little experience. If this is you, it may be in your best interest to hire a qualified painting contractor. Elite Pro Painting has helped over 10,000 customers bring their visions to life, and we’d love to help you too! Contact us today for a free quote!