How To Paint Board And Batten Like A Pro

Board and batten is a type of siding, and if it's made of wood, it may need to be painted. Board and batten is usually a flat piece of wood with pieces of thin wood striping attached to the wood to give it a dimensional look. To paint this type of siding, it may take some time and effort on your part, and it needs to be done properly to give it a cohesive look. Read on for tips to paint your exterior board and batten like a professional.

Clean The Board And Batten

Clean the board and batten with a siding cleaner that is safe for wood. You can find a cleaner at your local hardware store, but be sure you spray it down to remove any soapy residue that would prevent the paint from adhering properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the cleaner. If you have to, scrub the siding to remove stains that are difficult to get off by just spraying it. Allow the siding to dry thoroughly before you begin painting.

Sand Down Old Paint

If your old paint is peeling, you may need to sand down the board and batten. Sand down any rough spots and peeling paint for a smooth surface so when you begin to paint, your surface is even. Fill in holes or cracks that paint may not be able to cover using wood fill, smooth it out, then sand down those areas as well.

Caulk Openings

Caulk around the wood pieces to ensure you don't have any cracks or openings along the edges. Caulking helps prevent water from getting in behind the vertical pieces of wood on the siding. Sometimes paint may fill in these cracks, but caulking will help give it a more cohesive look. Use paintable, exterior caulk when filling in these cracks. Smooth the caulk with your finger.

Paint The Wood

Paint your board and batten using a roller and brush. Be sure to use exterior paint. Paint the edges with a paintbrush, then use a roller to get in between the strips of vertical wood. Apply your first coat, then allow it to dry thoroughly. Paint a second coat and a third if necessary. Allow each coat to dry in between.

If you have board and batten on your home, you want to give it a professional paint job. 

Contact an exterior painting service for more information. 

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