Sanding weatherboards for painting

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Paul1977

2792 posts

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# 251132 10-Jun-2019 12:55

Our 1940s weatherboard home was repainted not long before we purchased it, so about 11 or 12 years ago. I believe at the time they stripped it right back before painting (that's what they said anyway).

It's at the point now where there are some boards that are starting to peel, but I don't think bad enough to require a full repaint of the house.

Our plan is to sand and repaint only the boards that need it.

I have a random orbit sander, but would a belt sander be a better choice for making shorter work of exterior weatherboards?

Thanks

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timmmay

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# 2255256 10-Jun-2019 13:33

Is it just the top coat pealing, or does it look like the primer is coming off as well? 12 years would be a decent run for a topcoat.

Not sure what sander to use, but you don't want to go through the primer to the wood accidentally.

Paul1977

2792 posts

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# 2255269 10-Jun-2019 13:45

timmmay:

Is it just the top coat pealing, or does it look like the primer is coming off as well? 12 years would be a decent run for a topcoat.

Not sure what sander to use, but you don't want to go through the primer to the wood accidentally.

I think probably half and half.

We figured after sanding we'd need to just re-prime any exposed timber?

temikatae

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 2255279 10-Jun-2019 13:58

Hi there,

We are almost in the same boat as you. We weren't sure the last time the house was repainted, or what the primer used would have been, so we decided to take the weatherboards back to the bare wood.

To do this we are using a heat gun and scraper, now at least we know, there is no lead paint on the house, the primer is the right type for the wood and we won't have to do it again for a long time.

Who knows when the old paint will start peeling if you just paint over it.

If you do choose the belt sander route, be careful as you could end up gouging parts of the board.

Good luck!

David321

127 posts

Master Geek

# 2263278 24-Jun-2019 11:31

Use a belt sander id say, ive used a belt sander on my wooden windows, it was much faster than the smaller sander I was using but I had to use a finer grain on the belt sander, it worked like a charm.

eracode

3878 posts

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# 2263300 24-Jun-2019 11:57

David321:
Use a belt sander id say, ive used a belt sander on my wooden windows, it was much faster than the smaller sander I was using but I had to use a finer grain on the belt sander, it worked like a charm.

Belt sanders can be tricky to use in a vertical orientation - they can ‘dig in’ if not being held carefully.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

nicmair

116 posts

Master Geek

# 2263382 24-Jun-2019 13:15

If you are serious, I can highly recommend this type of device, (not necessarily this one, the link is just an example) hell of a lot more expensive, but so much easier. I just sold mine when I was finished. The large flat base, meant it didn't dig in and you simply went over it a few times if the paint had flaked.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/building-renovation/tools/power-tools/heat-guns-stripping-tools/listing-2199680585.htm?rsqid=daf2d0dff0604e5e93a640e3c76ee57e-001

jbrook3708

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 2267150 30-Jun-2019 10:06

I painted my entire house (1930's bungalow) and found the most useful tool for prep'ing weather boards was a B&D Mouse sander. Also bought Makita orbital sander which cost three times the price but it was hardly used, just too heavy and too cumbersome for weatherboards and other timber fixings around the house. The other tool I used a lot for prep'ing was a metal scraper to peel back paint, definitely have to be careful as you can easily damage the timber. Also bought a Renovator Transforma ladder before starting the prep'ing, that was a great investment, their advertising/marketing is very cheesy but the ladder is amazing.

Technofreak

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# 2267196 30-Jun-2019 10:46

jbrook3708:

I painted my entire house (1930's bungalow) and found the most useful tool for prep'ing weather boards was a B&D Mouse sander. Also bought Makita orbital sander which cost three times the price but it was hardly used, just too heavy and too cumbersome for weatherboards and other timber fixings around the house. The other tool I used a lot for prep'ing was a metal scraper to peel back paint, definitely have to be careful as you can easily damage the timber. Also bought a Renovator Transforma ladder before starting the prep'ing, that was a great investment, their advertising/marketing is very cheesy but the ladder is amazing.

I'm curious about the price of the Renovator Transforma Ladder. I have exactly the same ladder but branded Gorilla. I've seen them under other brand labels. They are good, but I suspect you pay an inflated price for the Renovator. I see they don't show a price anywhere. Sure they include a lot of "But wait there's" more products, stuff that you don't necessarily need or can buy for a good price eleswhere.

If anyone is thinking of a Renovator style ladder have a look around, I'm sure you can buy the same ladder (different brand name) at Mitre 10 Placemakers, Bunnings etc for a better price.

As far as the sanding goes, I think a small orbital sander like the Bosch Orbital Sander would be the better choice for tidying up spots of flaking, however something like the Saarto Paint Shaver would be the go for a major strip.

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jbrook3708

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Wannabe Geek

# 2268514 2-Jul-2019 14:29

Think I paid $400 for my Renovator Transform about 3 years ago from Mitre10.

This was only the basic ladder and work platform package, not the full Rolls Royce package you see on TV with every attachment known to man.

Handle9

2584 posts

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# 2268530 2-Jul-2019 15:01

Paul1977:
...11 or 12 years ago. I believe at the time they stripped it right back before painting (that's what they said anyway).

It's at the point now where there are some boards that are starting to peel, but I don't think bad enough to require a full repaint of the house.

Our plan is to sand and repaint only the boards that need it.

If the paint is 11 or 12 years old the whole house needs repainting now. You'll save yourself a huge amount of work if you paint the weatherboard that aren't flaking before they do.

Realistically the rest of the house will get bad in a couple of years and then you will be painting again.

If you do a good job now you're set for another 10 years.