How to Restain Faded Wood Siding
Wood siding is popular because it is a practical, affordable and very stylish material. Of course, wood is a material that does need a little bit of TLC over the years. Most importantly, it will need to be refinished in order to protect it from the elements. The stain can fade from sun exposure, leaving the wood vulnerable to water and termite damage. If you want your wood siding to remain structurally sound, you will need to restain it every few years. This article explains when and how to restain exterior wood siding.
When to Restain
There is no set time period for how often you should restain wood siding. It will depend on a lot of factors, like how much sun and rain your walls receive, what type of wood they are and the manner in which they were originally stained. You will need to inspect your siding and determine if the wood is still sealed. If the wood takes a long time to dry after a rain fall, it is probably time to restain it.
In reality, it is better to stain sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder the project is and the more your wood can deteriorate. However, some people love the look of aged wood and they like the natural fading that occurs. If this is the case, you can apply a clear stain over your wood siding when it gets to the desired level of fading. Just don't wait too long because you don't want the wood to start to rot or become structurally vulnerable.
How to Restain
Restaining siding is time consuming just because there is such a large area to cover. If your wood is well preserved and has a generally uniform surface, you should consider using a spray gun. With a spray gun you cover large areas very quickly. Renting a pneumatic spray gun and compressor kit is easy and affordable. It will speed up the job and result in a more consistent stain finish. Spraying is very easy once your figure out the operation of the gun. Basic instruction will be included in your rental kit.
If you have a spare piece of wood, you should practice spraying it first. You want to keep the gun between 1' and 2' from the wall while staining and continuously move it side to side. Never pull the trigger and stay pointed in one place. This will create pools of paint that lead to dripping.
Restaining wood siding will prolong its life and give it a stronger seal. Using a spray gun makes the job much more enjoyable and quicker.
However, if you're thinking of replacing your siding entirely, consider vinyl. Vinyl can have the same look as wood, but with more durability and less maintenance. Consider contacting a local specialist, such as WeatherSeal Windows, to discuss vinyl siding and whether or not it's right for you.
