Photo: Pok Rie

Should I paint or stain my barn?

uvm.edu - TIP #7--Paint It - Taking Care of Your Old Barn

Can you use plywood for a shed ramp?

I frequently use 4-inch by 4-inch timbers for the ramp supports and then cover this with treated 3/4-inch plywood. You can buy plywood that has the...

Last updated Feb 24, 2022

What homemade item sells the most?

If you check any popular handmade marketplace, you'll consistently find jewelry among the most popular handmade items. There are so many things...

Last updated Aug 31, 2021

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

TAKING CARE OF YOUR OLD BARN

Tip # 7 - Paint It.

A good paint job provides both decoration and protection. Unless you have an early barn with rough vertical board siding that was never meant to be painted, painting is one of the best ways to preserve the exterior of your barn by protecting it from moisture penetration. If you prepare the surfaces thoroughly and use a good quality paint, you will be rewarded with a paint job that will last ten years or more. The traditional red and ochre paints found on many barns became widely available in Vermont by about 1850. Made with locally produced iron oxide earth pigments and linseed oil, the paints were relatively inexpensive, and it became fashionable on farms throughout the region to have a red barn contrasting with the white farmhouse. At the end of the century, shingled barns stained dark green or brown became fashionable on gentlemen's farms. In the twentieth century, red, white, and yellow have been the colors of choice of most farmers, often with the trim in a different color. Before you paint make sure to inspect where the old paint has failed to see if there are indications of other problems. Paint that is peeling in large flakes down to bare wood usually indicates a moisture problem that should be fixed before repainting. Roof and flashing leaks or unprotected openings that let water into the walls are the likely causes. If the problem is near the base of walls, it may indicate sill decay or contact with the ground that wicks water into the wall. If only the top layer of paint is peeling away, the surface was probably not properly prepared before the last painting. It is normal for paint to wear away in small flakes, especially on the sunny south and west sides of the building. Preparing the surface for painting is almost as important as painting itself. Remove loose paint chips and dust from all surfaces. A sharp hand scraper works best with loose paint. Do not use torches to remove paint because they may cause a fire. Gentle power washing may be effective if surfaces are allowed to dry several days before painting. Avoid abrasive paint removal methods such as sanding or sandblasting, which will damage the wood and may create dust hazards.

What holds a family together?

Communication: They talk to each other about big issues as well as small issues. Keep your communication positive, listen to all opinions and don't...

Last updated Jan 4, 2018

What gauge wire bury underground?

Underground wire for a residential circuit usually is installed with underground feeder (UF) cable, which is rated for outdoor use and direct...

Last updated Jun 16, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Many older paints contain lead pigments, which are a potential health hazard. As you remove paint by washing or scraping, make sure no living creature will ingest or inhale lead dust. Children and pregnant women should not risk any exposure. Catch paint chips in a drop cloth and dispose of them properly. Paint after all repairs are complete and the surface is properly prepared, clean and dry . New paint should be high quality, guaranteed to last ten years or longer. (Cheap paint is no bargain when you consider the effort it takes to prepare your barn for painting.) To reduce costs you can order your paint from manufacturers in five-gallon containers. Applying paint with a hand brush gives the most durable results. Labor can be reduced by applying paint with a sprayer, but windows, roofing and other unpainted areas should be carefully masked to prevent damage from overspray. A good compromise for large barns is applying the paint with a sprayer in sections and brushing it into the wood by hand. Plan to cover 300 to 400 square feet per gallon of paint. Paint doors, windows, and trim with a durable trim enamel. © 1995 Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. All rights reserved.

Forward to Barn Tip #8...

Back to the Table of Contents...

uvm.edu - TIP #7--Paint It - Taking Care of Your Old Barn

How wide should a car bay be?

If you plan on using your wash bay for hand washing your vehicles, the wash bay should be approximately 20' longer than the longest vehicle you...

Last updated Jan 7, 2019

What do you call art made from wood?

Marquetry (also spelled as marqueterie; from the French marqueter, to variegate) is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure...

Last updated Sep 26, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is OSB OK in the rain?

Can OSB Board Get Wet? Oriented strand board is water-resistant and will withstand 3 to 4 weeks of moisture during normal construction delays. Some...

Last updated Feb 28, 2021

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the best sub-base for a shed?

Gravel is the best shed foundation, especially for portable buildings that come with a wood floor. Concrete is the ideal foundation for a garage or...

Last updated Sep 27, 2021