Brushing vs. Spraying?

A lot of customers as me which method is better. Most prefer that we as a contractor back brush. While we like to back brush every home, it isn't always necessary. Most siding products have a veneer on them and therefor have no pores to absorb the paint. Just as with painting a car the surface is smooth. Therefore, the spray application works just fine.

Back brushing is great for real woods. If you have cedar siding or even cedar trim it is recommended that it be back brushed. However, when the house has already been painted. The wood should again, have a smooth texture. Therefore, it isn't always necessary to back brush. However, if bare wood is showing, primer is needed. If primer is needed than most likely it will be brushed on. This will create an almost smooth surface for spray applied paint to adhere. Primer also has chemical bonding properties.

So next time you as your contractor whether he back brushes or just sprays, ask him if he will brush the primer thoroughly on all bare wood surfaces. Or if you must, brush all the real wood surfaces.

Thanks,
LCpainting