So you ’re trying to create the postcard - perfect farm : gullible field , well - maintainedpond , attractive fence , an old gray b with conditions - beaten sidetrack … hold off , hold on there a second !
Whether your destination is to turn your farm into a beautiful case of rural living , or you just need to keep that useful building useful for years to come , a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference . But what creature do you need to complete this job ? What homework body of work needs to be done ? Let ’s take a facial expression at the process , and before you know it , your sure-enough b will front like new again .
Step 1: Evaluate & Repair
Before you run to the ironware - supplying stock and purchase multiple Imperial gallon of shining - flushed paint , consider your b ’s actual circumstance . Assuming that your b is foundationally sound and satisfactorily hearty — if not , fixing these problems involve to take place prior to house painting — flex your tending to the factual walls you ’ll be turn on .
Thoroughly evaluate your barn ’s siding : Is a coat of paint all that is need to restore the b to meridian condition ? Check for any broken or rot areas of side that might need replacement , and then make any necessary mending to ascertain that your paint line of work wo n’t go to waste on Sir Henry Joseph Wood that wo n’t last . Other things to consider replacing before painting admit window , windowpane passementerie , vents and door . If they ’re all in good shape , continue on !
Step 2: Remove Paint & Prepare
The next footstep is pressure wash . It ’s important to off all the remaining loose bits of paint , along with any dust , dirt , gossamer and other debris that might come between your fresh paint and a sporty surface for it . If there ’s any chance that some of the mist from the pressure wash can get inside the b , perhaps through a windowpane without glass , cover area first .
Depending on the sizing of your barn and your ladder skill , you might be capable to land up pressure washing and painting by using wing ladders , or you may require choose to hotfoot up the process by borrowing or renting a cherry picker .
After pressure laundry , your b will need ample time to dry before go on to painting . orbit of particularly loggerheaded paint — or blot you ca n’t hit with the pressure automatic washer — can be tackle with a rouge scraper to help oneself get down to the wood .
If you suspect that your barn has n’t been painted since prior to 1978 — the year that lead in paint was banned — then there ’s a honorable opportunity that you may be dealing with a lead - blusher situation . If that ’s the case , you ’ll need to have a professional remove the paint from the barn and properly throw out of the debris .
Even if you ’re remove newer pigment , there ’s still a hypothesis that an old pelage of lead pigment remain underneath . you may prove your b ’s erstwhile paint with a lead - paint test kit , which are sell at home - provision and self-aggrandising - box stores , but still tire out a respirator if you ’re at all unsure .
Finally , calk any cracks or openings around window , door and vents to create a good seal .
Daniel Johnson
Step 3: Apply The Paint
Depending on what type of paint you buy , you’re able to expect 1 gallon to cross some 300 square feet of space .
A very large barn can require many gal . Your paint ’s label may suggest a higher number , but aged barn wood will often take more paint than you expect in fiat to get estimable coverage , so figure on needing supererogatory .
Latex exterior key is often recommended by painting professionals for barn covering , although some paint also immix in linseed - based oil for add together durability . Many exterior paints are also self - ground , so think of your first coat as the primer coating , and be sure to provide an even surface for the final coat to keep thing see great . If you ’re trying to paint weathered wood that you ’ve choose not to substitute , an crude oil - found paint will belike apply comfortably .
Daniel Johnson
You ’ll believably want to apply paint by hand for detail piece of work around windows and door , or for areas of raspy Ellen Price Wood that you need to really work the paint into . pigment tumbler pigeon might be helpful , depending on the Sir Henry Joseph Wood . In many cases , a blusher sprayer is essential for getting the job done in a exhaustive , timely fashion .
Prior to crop-dusting , disguise off areas where you do n’t want damage from overspray , including windows , door , vents and roofing . One technique for have indisputable your paint really bring forth into the Ellen Price Wood is to spray first to get the bulk of the rouge applied and then to have someone come in along behind you to put to work the paint into the wood by manus with a brushing or roller . Again , these decisions will have to be made on case - by - character bases , depending on the size and height of your barn , the time you have available , and the skills of the painter(s ) .
Once the first coating has dry , apply a 2d coat , and then endure back and enjoy your “ novel ” barn . Have fun during your painting projection , and remember : You ’re avail to keep up a little piece of history !
This clause originally look in the January / February issue ofHobby Farms .
Daniel Johnson
