Back Priming Pine Siding

Not only does back priming prevent rot it prevents bowing cupping.

Back priming pine siding.

Back priming helps prevent paint from peeling by reducing the amount of water vapor that passes through the wood. Now if you are like me you are wondering where is the trapped moisture coming from. Back priming consists of applying a coat of primer to the reverse side and edges of boards before installing. Oil based primer blocks stains and fills pores well but it s noxious to use it dries slowly and it creates hazardous.

Back priming siding yes you should always back prime as it will balance the wood. Back priming natural wood siding helps control rotting mold build up cupping and movement in the wood ultimately giving your siding and your stain finish more longevity. It occurs either when heated or air conditioned air from the house radiates out and meets the cold or hot outside air. The larger continuous bin coating of full coverage did not expand and contract with the wood hence resulting in cracking and peeling.

The pine clapboards we primed with bin could have had a high moisture content and also probably moved a fair amount with seasonal changes flat sawn vs. Back priming helps reduce wetting up the back side. Also don t foget to prime the end cuts as that is a vulnurable area as well. I would strongly suggest priming the front back edges and ends of your pine siding with an oil based exterior primer before installation.

Where is the trapped moisture coming from. Apply one coat of primer paint to the back sometimes called back priming edges and ends of siding boards before the cedar is installed. Once the siding has been installed apply two coats of a top of the line latex exterior house paint to it. The best primer for pine like paint primer comes in a variety of bases.