[ericinbayofislands]

Good day,

Would like to repaint the exterior beams on my residence, as they are beginning to become highly weathered.

I don't have much experience with painting. Can anyone recommend the best type of sealant and/or primer I should use on exterior wood beams that will protect against the weather prior to painting?

Thanks for the help!

 

[mark sr]

First thing you need to do is clean it. I generally take a bleach solution and spray it on with a pump up garden sprayer, let it set but not dry and then rinse with a pressure washer. A garden hose will also work. They sell commercially prepared cleaners that are a little more environmentally friendly.

Looks like it currently has been coated with stain.

 

[ericinbayofislands]

First thing you need to do is clean it. I generally take a bleach solution and spray it on with a pump up garden sprayer, let it set but not dry and then rinse with a pressure washer. A garden hose will also work. They sell commercially prepared cleaners that are a little more environmentally friendly.

Looks like it currently has been coated with stain.

Thanks Mark for those tips - very helpful. The beams are currently stained and sealed, but much of it has worn away, leaving the wood very weathered, textures, and porous. I'm looking to seal it off from the elements and provide a good base to paint on top of.

 

[mark sr]

Exterior stains are sealers.
If you want to paint I'd use an oil base exterior wood primer and latex house paint for the top coat ..... after it's been cleaned and dried.

 

[ericinbayofislands]

Thanks Mark - big help.