Andy – The Practical House Painting Guide

Exterior Painting

August 20, 2010

Hi, I have just been reading through your advice on the web site and need guidance. My mother-in-law lives in Lithuania in a wooden house as is the norm, the house was built in the 1950’s by her father who was a carpenter. The house is 100% wooden construction with

Painting Rock Faced Block

July 30, 2009

I have an old (1920’s) home constructed out of Rock Face block (Cinder). They are very porous, irregular and stained (rust, etc). They have never been painted and I would like to spray the paint on the home. What is the best product to use on this surface?

Can I use a coat of oil stain as a first coat and then apply a coat of acrylic over it?

July 26, 2009

The exterior siding is red cedar clapboards, which should have been painted a year or two ago. Some of the finish has worn down to bare wood, and I’m concerned about tannin bleed. My thinking is the oil stain will block the tannins, while the acrylic final coat would resist

Washing My House Prior To Priming

July 19, 2009

What should I wash my house with prior to priming it for the finish paint job? I only want to do this once, and I want to do it right. I’ve scraped, and I’ve sanded. Is there another step that I can take before somebody hits me with ‘Oh! You