Paint Before Installing – Backpriming

Backpriming Tips

Backpriming is really easy to do. It just require a little more paint and some space to stack the wood pieces while they dry. The effort which you invest will be worth it, trust me.

I have found that applying the paint with a paint roller works extremely well. I usually set up a painting table on sawhorses. The table can be made from scrap pieces of wood or pieces of plywood. It can simply be a long (16 foot) 2 x 12. You want something rigid, because the pieces of wood which you will paint are flimsy. Simply place the wood siding or trim piece on the table and roll the back side first. Just after painting this, paint all the edges. The only remaining area left to be painted should be the finished side which will show after the siding or trim is installed. Pick up the piece of wood and lay it somewhere to dry or lean it against the exterior of the house. If you use a quick drying latex primer it can often dry in as little as an hour. Consider using latex surgical gloves, as you will be getting paint on your hands.

The next step is to paint the unfinished side. Do this in the same manner as the first, however add one final step. Roller textures are fine for inside house walls. However, if you are using smooth siding and trim, brush texture looks better. I apply the paint with a roller and then glide a brush over the paint to make it look as if it was applied with a brush. It's quick and easy. Make sure you leave the brush in the paint can or roller pan when you are not using it. The primer will dry on the brush and cause problems.

Consider applying the second finish coat of paint before the wood is installed. This will eliminate ladders and scaffolding from being set twice or three times by the painters. This should save some money.

Also, don't forget to paint the ends of the wood. This is where 'end grain' is visible. These ends must be painted. This is where water can most easily enter wood!!! The carpenters who install the wood must be instructed to paint each edge in the event that they cut a piece of siding or trim. They will probably cut every piece! This effort is a must. The carpenters will grumble, but explain to them the importance of this very critical step.

Always make sure that you use the correct primer. Do not use top coat or finish coat paint as a primer!!!!! Primers are formulated to be more sticky. They will adhere better to unpainted wood, and finish coats will adhere better to primers. If you are not sure, ask the paint supplier. Ask for bulletins or manuals to read. The paint companies want you to use the right products. They don't want the paint to peel either! They want you to buy their paint in the future. Ask them for help and advice.

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