Q: Is it a good idea to pressure-wash wood siding before painting? It seems like this would drive a lot of water into and behind the siding — water that might still be present when the paint is applied. And what about pressure-washing decks?
A trio of professional painters tell how to match a clear finish to the job and provide tips for blemish-free application.
Q: I build deck railings, awning frames, and other structures out of welded, galvanized steel tubing. I can’t get paint to stick for very long. So far I have only tried Rustoleum after using a mild acid rinse. It lasted about two years before the paint started to peel. Is there a product or technique that will last longer?
Clear finishes magnify any imperfections in the wood underneath. For a top-notch job, knowing how to sand, stain, and fill the raw wood is more than half the battle.
Paint that deteriorates prematurely makes the whole job look shoddy. Here are the most common causes for water-based paint failures, and what to do about them.
