Signed ... I know I’ll be re-painting again this summer in Portland.
A: Let’s start with the understanding that water will take the course of least resistance. I, unlike your contractor, am not a fan of rain diverters being used in colder climates. The best solution for keeping run-off water from your stairs or landing is to channel it through the use of seamless gutters. Properly installed and maintained gutters and down spouts do a good job of controlling run-off water. Is it a perfect solution? No, but it is your best bet.
Once you have controlled your water flow, it is now time to apply your primer and paint. Prior to priming, you must do the following preparations: Make sure that the wood has thoroughly dried. Coatings will never fully adhere to moist wood. For better adhesion, completely sand all wood surfaces and then wipe down with a TAC cloth. Additionally, be sure to closely monitor the weather conditions. A nice temp is 70 degrees plus during the day, with only a 10 degree or so drop at night. Due to morning dew (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun) and evening dampness, it is important to start and finish your painting activities accordingly.
Your primer and paint both need to be of high quality and designed for use out in the elements. Allowing plenty of drying time between coats is critical. All too often, people apply a second coat once the first coat is dry to the touch. I recommend applying no more than one coat per day.
Because your porch steps serve as the transitional area between earth and home sweet home, it is important to provide them with extra protection from scuffing and wearing down. Remember, the sand between your shoes and your steps serves as a natural sander.
I recommend either a stick down or a brush on grit
finish.
Porches are great features. They are, however, your home’s second highest maintenance area (bathrooms are first!) The reason for this is that they often serve as the buffer between your home’s livable area and Mother Nature. On some level, porches could well be referred to as a home’s shield.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com