How to paint weatherboards

Repainting your home’s weatherboards always seems like a bigger job than it really is, but its easy once you get started.

ESTIMATED TIME

A day

• The time taken will depend on the weather and the size of your weatherboard exterior
• Allow for at least two hours between coats. You might need up to 4 hours if it’s cold or humid.

MATERIALS

Here's what you're going to need:

• Taubmans® All Weather Exterior in your chosen colour
• Taubmans® 3 in 1 Prep Primer Sealer Undercoat
• Painting pot
• Flat paddle paint stirrer
• Wide paintbrush
• Drop sheet
• Medium grit sandpaper
• Low tack painters tape
• Damp cloth
• Pressure hose or scrubbing brush
• Bucket

STEPS

1. Select the right paint. Taubmans All Weather® Exterior  resists the sun’s UV rays, rain and humidity and is ideal for a variable climate. If you want to keep your house cool during the summer days, go for lighter colours and higher-gloss paint to reflect away the sun’s heat.
2. Clean the weatherboard. If you are repainting older weatherboard, you might need to sand off any old paint, dirt, or grit or other impurities by hand to get a smooth surface. If the weatherboard is in good condition, you can simply clear away any residue with a high pressure hose, or alternatively use the scrubbing brush and a bucket of water. Once dry, tape up any windows or trim with a low tack painters tape.
3. Prime the surface. Apply 1 coat of Taubmans® 3 in 1 Prep Primer Sealer Undercoat primer directly to the timber. Remember to allow time for the primer to dry before painting.
4. Paint top to bottom. Begin painting from the top of the wall and paint three boards at a time, ensuring you start from a corner and work towards the opposite side. Starting this process from top down will ensure paint doesn’t drip into an area you’ve already covered.
5. Work in sections. Rather than paint one long, horizontal board at a time, divide your wall into sections using the natural breaks in the weatherboards (such as corners, windows or doors). This will help avoid vertical join marks between sections and ensure an even finish as the paint dries.
6. Allow time to dry between coats. Typically, two hours of drying time is all you need, but it can vary depending on the weather. Check the tin for the recommended number of coats required for that colour. Darker colours may require further coats.

Also watch

• How to paint a house exterior
• How to paint a door