Painting wood, while a common practice in home maintenance and renovation, presents a unique set of challenges unlike painting other materials. Wood, a natural substance sourced from various tree species globally, offers a diverse canvas for creativity and design. However, its inherent properties can lead to complications, properties such as:
- Porosity
- Oils
- Tannins
- Modern variations
These aspects require careful consideration and the expertise of an experienced painter who understands them to achieve a successful and lasting finish.
This information may lead you to ask, “What are the things that I need to know my painter is looking out for?” and “How do I best avoid the common pitfalls of painting my wood house?”
Here at Rhino Shield, we paint thousands of wooden homes every year, and during our over 20 years of business, we have encountered every obstacle that wood presents. We’ll answer the above questions honestly so that you can feel more secure with your new coat of paint.
The Nature of Wood: Variability and Porosity
With most materials, there is consistency in composition. For instance, aluminum will always be aluminum, but wood is a different story. Wood's uniqueness lies in its natural origins, with different species exhibiting varying characteristics. Not all wood is created equally; even within the same species, there can be significant differences. This variability poses a higher risk for mistakes and issues to arise during the painting process or later on after application.
Wood's porous nature is a significant factor to contend with. It readily absorbs and releases moisture from liquids and humidity. This constant exchange causes wood to swell and shrink regularly. Therefore, selecting an elastomeric coating like Rhino Shield becomes crucial. An elastomeric coating is flexible, being able to move with the wood without cracking or chipping. For example, in northern regions where it gets colder, a flexible coating is essential to withstand the wood's movements due to changes in temperature and humidity.
Additionally, most homes will have heating on the inside when it is cold. So, these constant fluctuations of heat from inside and the cold from outside will result in a lot of movement from the wood. You need a coating that can stay flexible in any environment to match this. For these same reasons, it’s good to have a painter with local experience because there are nuances in every geography. Generally, most people learn the best after making mistakes, and past mistakes will ensure the same painter will not make them again.
Flexibility is quantified as a percentage. A laboratory will employ a device to extend the coating and record its ability to flex. If a coating exhibits 100% flexibility, it is deemed elastomeric within the industry. Rhino Shield boasts an impressive 495% stretch capability, well surpassing the elastomeric threshold.
It’s important to note that Rhino Shield underwent testing after being in an accelerated aging chamber to guarantee its continued flexible characteristics over time.
Primer and Coating Considerations
Wood's natural oils and tannins can discolor paint over time. To combat this, a stain-blocking primer is necessary to maintain your desired color and prevent any discoloration from seeping through. Additionally, sap within the wood can impact the adhesion of the primer, necessitating careful consideration during the formulation of the primer.
Modern Wood Challenges
Wood used in construction today differs from that of previous generations. In the past, trees were fully grown naturally, resulting in denser, stronger wood with more rings. These qualities made for robust building materials that were less prone to rot and shrinkage because of their density. However, with the shift towards faster-growing, genetically modified trees, modern wood presents new challenges, particularly when it comes to painting.
While the move towards preserving natural forests is commendable, the drawbacks of modern wood, especially concerning paint adhesion and durability, cannot be ignored. This underscores the importance of hiring professional installers with experience in dealing with the complexities of modern wood. Attempting to paint today’s wood without the necessary expertise significantly increases the risk of coating failure.
Maintenance and Checking
Even after successfully painting a brand-new wood house, the work does not end there. Regular maintenance checks are crucial to ensuring the longevity of the paint job. It’s always a good idea to check into it at least once a year to see how it has held up.
One of the most common issues with modern wood is the ineffectiveness of caulk over time, as the ends of the boards will shrink. Checking the house semi-regularly allows homeowners to identify any areas that need resealing or touch-ups before there is any damage from exposure.
Tailored Approaches for Different Wood Types
Wood comes in various types, from pine to cedar, each with its unique characteristics. Even within these categories, different species can have subtle differences. Understanding the specific type and species of wood being painted is essential. Rhino Shield always uses specific primers tailored to the wood's properties, ensuring the best adhesion for the longevity of the paint job.
Conclusion
Painting wood presents a distinctive set of challenges due to its:
- Variability
- Porosity
- Natural oils
- Modern variations
Understanding these challenges and employing the right techniques, primers, and coatings are crucial for a successful and long-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 looking to paint their modern wooden homes, we highly recommend paying for professional installers with experience in handling wood's complexities. By recognizing and addressing the hurdles of painting wood, 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 button below.
