Painting wood, while common in home maintenance, presents unique challenges that aren’t as prevalent with other materials. Wood, being a natural substance sourced from various tree species, offers diverse textures and properties that can complicate the painting process. These inherent properties include:
- Porosity.
- Oils.
- Tannins.
- Modern variations.
These factors require careful consideration and expertise to achieve a successful and lasting finish. This might lead you to ask, “What should my painter be aware of when painting wood?” and “How can I avoid common pitfalls in painting my wooden house?”
At Rhino Shield, we’ve painted thousands of wooden homes over the past 20 years and encountered every obstacle wood can present. We’ll address these questions honestly to help you feel more secure about your new coat of paint.
The nature of wood: variability and porosity
Unlike most materials that have consistent composition, wood varies greatly. Different tree species and even variations within the same species can lead to significant differences in wood properties. This variability increases the risk of mistakes and issues during the painting process or afterward.
Wood’s porous nature is another significant factor. It absorbs and releases moisture, causing it to swell and shrink regularly. Choosing an elastomeric coating like Rhino Shield is crucial as it can move with the wood without cracking or chipping. This flexibility is especially important in regions with significant temperature changes. For instance, in colder northern regions, a flexible coating is necessary to withstand the wood’s movements due to changes in temperature and humidity.
Additionally, heating inside homes during cold weather causes further movement in the wood. You need a coating that remains flexible in any environment. Local expertise is valuable here, as painters familiar with the local climate are less likely to repeat past mistakes.
Flexibility in coatings is measured as a percentage. A lab uses a device to stretch the coating and records its ability to flex. A coating is deemed elastomeric if it has 100% flexibility. Rhino Shield boasts an impressive 495% stretch capability, far exceeding the elastomeric threshold. It’s also tested in accelerated aging chambers to ensure it retains its flexible properties over time.
Primer and coating considerations
Wood’s natural oils and tannins can discolor paint over time. Using a stain-blocking primer is essential to maintain the desired color and prevent discoloration. Additionally, sap within the wood can affect the adhesion of the primer, requiring careful consideration during primer formulation.
Modern wood challenges
Wood used in construction today differs from that of previous generations. Older wood was denser and stronger due to slower growth, resulting in fewer issues with rot and shrinkage. However, modern construction often uses faster-growing, genetically modified trees, which present new challenges in painting.
While preserving natural forests is commendable, modern wood’s drawbacks, particularly concerning paint adhesion and durability, are significant. Hiring professional installers experienced with modern wood is crucial to avoid coating failure.
Tailored approaches for different wood types
Wood comes in various types, each with unique characteristics. Understanding the specific type and species of wood being painted is essential. Rhino Shield uses specific primers tailored to the wood’s properties, ensuring the best adhesion and longevity for the paint job.
Painting wood involves unique challenges due to its variability, porosity, natural oils, and modern variations. Understanding these challenges and using the right techniques, primers, and coatings are crucial for a successful and lasting finish. Whether it’s selecting the right elastomeric coating, using stain-blocking primers, or conducting regular maintenance checks, attention to detail is key. For homeowners painting modern wooden homes, professional installers with experience in handling wood’s complexities are highly recommended. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, you can enjoy a beautifully finished home that stands the test of time.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation quote on our Rhino Shield elastomeric coating, click the contact button.
