Can I paint fascia after gutters are installed?
 

I'm not sure I want to paint the fascia, which is currently untreated cedar. What kind of issues should I expect if I change my mind after the gutters are installed?

That's no problem. Generally you just paint the part below the gutter that you can see, the backside to where it meets the soffit and the return. That is not an uncommon thing to do.

Cool, thanks for the reply. I was concerned that having it only painted below the gutter may not allow any moisture that makes it into the wood to get out, but I tend to over-think these things.

Theory is rarely a good substitute for real-world experience.

In my experience the way they install gutters - up tight at the top of the fascia with an over lap from the shingles - really protects the upper part of the fascia from the weather.

Use stain on rough cedar if you don't have too many carpenter bees around. Otherwise better prime with shellac and paint with SW Duration

Carpenter bees aren't too heavy here, and I love the rough cedar, unstained. We MIGHT go with white fascia and trim, leaving the siding natural.

When installed PROPERLY, this is true:wink:

I'll have gutter apron, so the fascia should be pretty well-protected.