Many homeowners want to give their houses a new look as they age. If you don't need a new roof yet but want to refresh the appearance, one choice is to paint or stain your cedar shingles. Repainting old cedar shingles requires patience and diligence, but the stunning result can transform your home.
Can You Paint Cedar Shingle Siding and Roofing?
You can paint most types of cedar shingle siding and roofing with a couple of exceptions. If the shingles have already been stained, you can't paint them, as the paint won't stick to the surface. Badly mildewed shingles that you can't get clean also won't take paint well, as the paint will sit on the surface without absorbing.
Once you have applied paint to shingles, you can't stain over them. Painted shingles may also begin to peel after a few years, so you will need to scrape off the paint and reapply it.
How to Paint Wood Shingles
Painting your cedar shingles begins with cleaning off the shingles. You must wash them thoroughly to get rid of accumulated dirt and mildew. Combine one part bleach and three parts water, then use the solution to scrub the shingles. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off. Shingles can air dry, which may take up to two weeks. The following steps are:
Get rid of any debris on the shingles by using a dry paintbrush.
Sand protrusions off the shingles, but resist the urge to sand down the shingles until they're completely smooth.
Put stain-blocking primer on the shingles using a paintbrush, making sure to apply an even coat. You can also use a sprayer.
Paint the shingles using the right type of paint. Acrylic latex exterior paint makes a long-lasting choice.
As you paint, go back and forth over the shingles to apply an even coat. Tackle one small section at a time to ensure you get enough paint on the surface. Remember, you shouldn't paint on scorching days. Save painting for days when the temperature has been mild — 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit— for several days in a row.
Restoring Old Wood Roofs With Cedar Shingles From Custom Shingles
Custom Shingles sells unique roofing materials for special roofing projects. We can install wood shingles you can paint, stain, or leave plain. Get in touch with us today to learn more about old wood roof replacements.