How Often Does Cedar Siding Need to be Painted in Chicago?

By Fine Painting | August 1, 2022

Cedar siding is an attractive option for many homes in Chicago since it offers a very natural look. The only downside to it is that it will likely need to be repainted every six to seven years to keep it from getting worn away. It can, however, last up to ten years if the proper steps are taken. Here are some fundamental guidelines to keep your siding looking beautiful and get the most life out of it.

Choosing the Right Paint and Primer

The type of paint you use will significantly affect how long the siding lasts. Therefore, it is a good idea to use a paint designed for wood that is not too heavy. The paint must also be water-based to prevent blemishes, which can stain the siding.

The primer coat will also be essential since that’s the first layer that protects the siding from water. It is recommended that this be a color coat instead of white or clear. Doing this will allow the siding to look the same for longer, especially if you are having issues with it fading in certain areas. The sheen level of the paint is also quite significant. It should be high enough to look smooth but not too glossy.

Get the Right Tools

To paint your siding correctly, you will need some great tools. You first need a good quality roller as this will allow for an even coat and fine painting. It will also ensure that no streaks are left behind.

Additionally, you will need a good brush to paint on the primer. Another vital tool is the squeegee. It’s used to remove any excess paint, protect your siding when it is still wet and provide a smooth surface for the primer coat to stick.

Application

The application process is the most critical step of all. You want to make sure that your exterior painting is applied in a smooth, gentle fashion. If you use a roller, start at the bottom outside corner and roll toward the house. Then turn the roller a little bit and do another stroke across the first until you reach your starting point again. Doing this will ensure that you get a nice even coat of paint and that it is not too heavy.

Additionally, the roller mustn’t be moving very fast. If it is, your paint will lose its quality and leave scratch marks. After this, you can move to the rest of the siding and do another coat in just a few strokes. If you have enough primer on hand, you should wait until it has dried completely before continuing with the topcoat.

Another essential thing to remember is that you need to be careful about how high up you are painting, as water will begin seeping into the siding at this point. You should also not lean too far away from your siding as this might cause water damage. You can use tape or a painter’s extension pole if necessary for support.

Cleaning

Cedar siding is much tougher than most other kinds of siding and is, therefore, more durable. However, it can absorb a lot more water and stain removers, so it is important to clean it off frequently. If you are too preoccupied to do this, consider finding the services of a professional by searching painters near me on your phone.

Weather Conditions Consideration

Weather elements are a massive cause of wear and tear on Cedar siding. Consider the area you live in, whether it be a harsh rainstorm or a cold winter. The more exposure to extreme weather conditions your exterior painting will have, the more you need to maintain it. For example, if your siding is exposed to the Lincoln Park Chicago winters very often, you will likely want to consider painting it with a more durable coat that won’t fade as quickly. If it’s in an arid environment, you will likely want to paint over it much more often than in a wet climate.

Get your House Painted Today!

Lengthening the duration of your cedar siding will require knowledge, but proper care makes the difference. Good sound advice is to take all the listed steps and pay close attention to proper application.