How to Sand Clapboard Siding
The best thing about clapboard siding is that it gives your home a natural wood look. The worst thing is that the siding is made of wood, so it requires more maintenance than other types of siding like vinyl. To properly maintain clapboard siding, you will have to eventually apply a new coat of stain or paint. Like other wood refinishing projects, the secret is to properly prepare and sand the surface.
-
Wash off any dirt and flaking paint from the siding with a garden hose, taking care to point the water downward whenever possible.
-
Scrape off any loose paint with a paint scraper. Use an electric sander to smooth the edges of the clapboard.
-
Inspect the siding for any wood that has rotted out. Sand over any small rot damage. For more significant damage, pry out the rotten wood. Fill in the area with epoxy wood filler. Allow the filler to dry and sand over the area.
-
Sand the siding with a disk sander and 36-grit sandpaper.
-
Sand the clapboard again with 60-grit sandpaper and a random-orbit sander.
-
Apply a new coat of paint or stain to your siding.
References
Resources
Warnings
- Wear a painter's mask during the entire project. Do not use a power washer. Its powerful stream can damage the wood and get behind the siding. Moisture on the backside of siding can lead to mildew and mold.
Writer Bio
John Smith is a writer with over 30 years experience. He has worked at a newspaper, various magazines and websites, and he has interests in a wide range of subjects including sports, politics and entertainment. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in history from the College of New Jersey.
Photo Credits
- house siding 3 image by Psycience from Fotolia.com
More Articles
