Using filler on lap siding.

Tom asked 10 years ago

The exterior paint on my 1920’s Craftsman is quite uneven, probably due to a past owner scraping without sanding, and painting over it. A painter that we hired began work by scraping away chipped paint, applying a white plaster-like substance, letting it dry, and sanding it smooth. It seems OK so far, but I did not see you discuss that technique on your (great) website. Is that a proper technique? If so, what is the right way to do it? Thanks!

1 Answers
RS Turner answered.

Preparation on a home of this age can be challenging. Scraping and sanding is the standard method to create a "sound" paintable surface. I prefer sanding the rough edges between the paint that remains after scraping and the bare wood. This is called "feathering". This will keep the use of filler to a minimum. I would also prime the bare areas prior to the use of quality exterior filler. The one caveat I have is the presence of lead on older structures. If this is the case proper protocol is required and sanding may be out of the question.