Can you advise the best way to paint exterior siding, like 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets of T1-11? Also, is it worth painting them with a second coat of paint, and what would an extra charge like that be? — D.L., St. Louis

Anytime you paint, remember, the finished project will only be as good as the preparation put into it. In other words, the more time spent getting ready to paint, the better the finished product will be.

I would start by washing your siding, with a power washer being the easiest way to do it. Unless you have experience with a power washer, take some time before you start to get the feel for it. Otherwise, mistakes could happen! You're not trying to take the paint off, only wash the dirt off. The paint will come off with scraping. If you use too much pressure with the power washer, you could damage the siding. You will need to let the area dry — I would give it a day (depending on the weather).

Next, scrape off any loose paint. Use a paint scraper and a wire brush to get off as much as you can. On this type of siding, I wouldn't recommend a sander, unless you use a fine grit sandpaper, as you don't want to get rid of the grain of the wood. If it feels like you're never going to get to start painting, then you're probably doing a good job. And rest assured, the painting part will go much more quickly.

Once the scraping is complete, use a primer to cover any bare spots of wood. A primer not only seals the wood, but it also allows the primer to bond better with the paint. If you have the time, it would probably be well worth your effort to prime everything, not just the bare spots.

You're now ready for the paint. When you purchase your paint, remember, you get what you pay for. Paint is one area where it pays to spend more. You'll get longer wear, better coverage, etc.

As to whether to apply a second coat, most all paint professionals will tell you that a second coat of paint makes a big difference, no matter what is being painted. The job will look better, the color will stand out more, and the time between repainting will be longer.

Take your time. You will be so much happier with yourself and the job. However, if it sounds like too much work, it's probably best to have a professional do the work for you.

Steve Cloninger is the owner of Get It Done Home Repairs & Maintenance. Visit his website at getitdoneinc.com.

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