Engineered wood siding products, like all wood materials, must receive an adequate coating of paint to enhance their beauty and maximize their service life.
At the time of manufacture, a factory-baked primer is applied to the products. This primer is not intended to be a finish coat.
Caulking
Caulk wherever water can penetrate the assembly or accumulate behind siding and trim.
Over driven or counter sunk nails, construction damage, and gaps at all openings should also be caulked with a paintable, mildew-resistant, acrylic latex caulk.
Primer
A solvent-thinned oil/alkyd wood primer is required for all touchup priming where the substrate is exposed and for field-cut ends and edges.
Paint Selection
Select a paint specifically intended for exterior use on engineered wood siding or trim. The paint container label should list the ingredients and provide a finish-performance warranty.
The label should provide specific instructions regarding method of application, spread rate and weather condition limitations at the time of application.
Acrylic latex exterior house paint (flat, satin, or gloss) is the recommended top coat, applied according to the paint manufacturer’s label instructions. The paint manufacturer’s application instructions for field priming and top coats should be followed.
The following finishes are not recommended for use on engineered wood siding or trim: semitransparent stain, shake and shingle paints or vinyl acetate (PVA) paint. DO NOT USE FLAT OIL/ALKYD FINISHES.
Application
Proper finishing includes two coats of field-applied, unthinned acrylic latex exterior paint (approximately 1.5 dry mils each) in addition to the factory-applied primer. An alternative method is to apply one coat of oil/alkyd primer and one coat of unthinned acrylic latex exterior paint (approximately 1.5 dry mils each).
Apply paint evenly with brush, pad, roller or sprayer to all exposed surfaces and edges of trim and siding. Pay particular attention to coating the edges, ends and field cuts.
The field finishing must be completed within 90 days of installation. Failure to properly apply an adequate paint film within 90 days or to maintain it thereafter will void the product warranty.
Maintenance and Refinishing
Engineered wood siding and trim will require periodic repainting to maximize their durability and service life. Yearly inspection will indicate when refinishing becomes necessary. If the finish appears in good condition, cleaning and touch up is often adequate. When the finish becomes eroded and appears thin or chalky, clean and prime areas where the primer or substrate is showing through. Follow this with overall cleaning and repainting. If there is no substrate or primer showing through, cleaning and repainting is recommended. If mildew is present, it should be removed using a commercial mildew wash before refinishing.