Type of Exterior
Wood Surface |
Water-Repellent
Preservative and Oil |
Semi-Transparent
Stain |
Paint and Solid
Color Stain |
Semi-Transparent
Acrylic |
Pre-Finisher |
|
Suitability |
Expected Life
(Years) |
Suitability |
Expected Life
(Years) |
Suitability |
Expected Life
(Years) |
Expected Life
(Years) |
Expected Life
(Years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paint |
Solid Color
Stain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Coat |
2 Coats |
1 Coat |
|
2 Coats |
Siding |
 Cedar and Redwood
|
Smooth
(vertical grain) |
High |
1-2 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
High |
4-6 |
--- |
3-5 |
3-5 |
10-15 |
Roughsawn |
High |
2-3 |
High |
5-8 |
Moderate |
5-7 |
--- |
5-7 |
5-7 |
15 |
Pine, Fir, Spruce |
Smooth
(flat-grained) |
High |
1-2 |
Low |
2-3 |
Moderate |
3-5 |
7-10 |
3-4 |
5 |
10-15 |
Rough
(flat-grained) |
High |
2-3 |
High |
4-7 |
Moderate |
4-6 |
8-10 |
5-7 |
5-7 |
10-15 |
Shingles |
Sawn |
High |
2-3 |
High |
4-8 |
Moderate |
3-5 |
--- |
3-4 |
4 |
10-15 |
Split |
High |
1-2 |
High |
4-8 |
--- |
3-5 |
--- |
3-4 |
4 |
10 |
Plywood (Douglas Fir and Southern Pine) |
Sanded |
Low |
1-2 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
5-7 |
2-3 |
5 |
10 |
Textured
(smooth) |
Low |
1-2 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
Moderate |
3-4 |
6-8 |
2-3 |
5 |
10 |
Textured
(roughsawn) |
Low |
2-3 |
High |
4-8 |
Moderate |
4-6 |
6-8 |
3-5 |
5-7 |
10 |
Medium-Density
Overlay |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
Excellent |
6-8 |
8-10 |
5-7 |
5-7 |
10 |
Plywood (Cedar and Redwood) |
Sanded |
Low |
1-2 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
6-8 |
2-3 |
5 |
10 |
Textured
(smooth) |
Low |
1-2 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
Moderate |
2-4 |
6-8 |
2-3 |
5 |
10 |
Textured
(roughsawn) |
Low |
2-3 |
High |
5-8 |
Moderate |
4-6 |
6-8 |
3-5 |
5-7 |
10 |
Hardboard, Medium Density |
Smooth |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
High |
4-6 |
8-10 |
3-5 |
--- |
10-15 |
Unfinished |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
High |
4-6 |
8-10 |
3-5 |
--- |
10-15 |
Pre-Primed |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
High |
4-6 |
8-10 |
5-7 |
--- |
10-15 |
Textured |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
Unfinished |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
High |
4-6 |
8-10 |
3-5 |
--- |
10-15 |
Pre-Primed |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
High |
4-6 |
8-10 |
5-7 |
--- |
10-15 |
Millwork (usually Pine) |
Windows,
Shutters,
Doors,
Exterior Trim |
High |
--- |
Moderate |
2-3 |
High |
3-6 |
7-10 |
3-4 |
5 |
10-15 |
|
|
|
 These data were compiled
from the observations of many researchers. Expected life predictions are for
an average location in the
 continental United States;
expected life will vary in extreme climates or exposure (such as desert, seashore,
and deep woods).
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|
Development of mildew
on surface indicates need for refinishing.
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|
Expected life of
two coats, one primer and one topcoat. Applying a second topcoat (three-coat
job) will approximately double
the life. Top-quality
acrylic latex paints will have the best durability.
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|
Medium-density overlay is generally painted.
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Semi-transparent stains are not suitable for hardboard. Solid-color stains (acrylic latex) will perform like paints. Paints are preferred.
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Two-coat systems consist of one prime (4 sides), and one topcoat of approximately five to six wet mils.
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Pre-finished (KTA Tator/PPG Industries Forest Products Laboratory) (6).
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