Lap, board and batten, and T1-11
Wood siding comes in a few common styles around the Upstate, and each one has its weak spots.
Lap siding
Horizontal boards that overlap. The bottom edge of every board is where paint fails first, because that is where water hangs. We make sure those edges are scraped, primed where bare, and fully coated.
Board and batten
Wide vertical boards with narrow battens over the seams. The photos on this page show a detached two-bay garage in board and batten, with fresh cream paint and white garage doors, plus a close-up of the siding. Every batten has two long edges to cut in, and the bottom ends of the boards soak up water if they are left bare, so they get primed and coated.
T1-11
Plywood sheets with grooves cut in to look like boards. It is common on garages, sheds and some older homes. The bottom edges of the sheets swell and come apart when water wicks in. We check those edges closely, work paint into every groove, and seal the bottoms.
How we prep wood siding
- A careful wash. Wood gets a lower pressure than masonry so we clean it without raising the grain or gouging it.
- Time to dry. Wood holds water longer than vinyl or fiber cement, and paint over damp wood peels.
- Scrape and sand. Everything loose comes off, and the edges get feathered so old paint lines don’t show through.
- Spot prime bare wood.
- Check for soft spots. If we find rot, we show you before we paint over anything.
- Caulk at trim, windows and corners where it has failed.
- Two coats, then trim and doors.
If your siding was stained before, tell us what you know about it. Some stained siding can be painted after cleaning and priming, and some is better off stained again. We are a staining company too, so you will get a straight answer.
Which paint level fits
- Essential (SuperPaint Exterior): for sheds, outbuildings and rentals.
- Performance (Duration Exterior): our most common pick for homes.
- Showcase (Emerald Exterior): the longest life, and the best choice for wood that takes full sun.
What affects the price
Wood siding is priced by how much siding there is and the paint level you pick, with the wash and two coats included. Peeling paint prep, light or heavy, adds to it, and so do walls 14 ft or taller. Trim, fascia, corner boards and garage doors are priced on their own. You get a written price before we start.
See how we price, go back to exterior painting, or see doors and garage doors. Comparing materials? See fiber cement siding. We work across the Upstate, from Reidville to Travelers Rest. Read the best time to paint outside in the Upstate before you plan.
