We all need to paint our fascia from time to time. Pollution, dust and grime tend to settle in and make the boards look unappealing. If you wish to go about painting the boards, here is a guide to help you.

Things you will need

One of the first things you need to start painting the board is a ladder. Typically, most fascias will be around 12 or more feet in height. Therefore, you might want to look at purchasing a ladder that is at least 5 feet high. The other material you will need is the primer. Using a primer during your painting can help seal in the wood as well as prevent mildew formation. Primer also helps paint stick to metal better. Make sure to purchase a good quality paintbrush for painting the board. The painting work can be quite laborious and hence, it is important to invest in a good quality brush. Instead of purchasing substandard brushes, which are quickly spoilt, it is better to have a brush that lasts a long time. Next, you need to purchase good quality paint in a shade of colour you prefer. Make sure to invest in a paint brand that has a good reputation.

Follow the instructions

There is a reason manufacturers mention certain instructions whilst using paint. The same applies for painting your fascia as well. If the manufacturer has mentioned to leave the paint for four hours to dry then by all means, you need to ensure you follow it. One of the best paint varieties to use for this purpose is latex paint. You can easily wipe off the excess paint with damp towels.

Safety standards to follow

Whilst painting the fascia, you will need to shift the ladder around to paint different regions. When you do this, make sure to shift the ladder carefully. It is a good idea to invest in plastic ended ladders. These do not leave unsightly marks whilst painting the board. Most of the older aluminium based ladders tend to leave marks on the board so avoid them.

Two colours

It is a good idea to use two colours for painting the board. One colour should be in sync with the interiors of your house. The other colour can coordinate with the shade used on the trim. Most fascias are quite close to gutters and hence it is a good option to paint them in the colour of drain channels. This ensures easy blending.

After the primer

Once you have applied the first primer coat on the fascia, you need to allow a minimum of one day for the board to dry out. Many modern boards are primed beforehand and in such instances, it is not necessary to apply the primer coat.

Larger areas first

Start with larger surfaces whilst painting the fascia. Cordon off the areas by using tape and even if a bit of colour seeps into other areas, do not panic. You can paint those smaller regions later.

Roller vs. paintbrush

It is a good idea to invest in a paintbrush as well as roller. The paintbrush will help with smaller surfaces and portions of the fascia whilst the roller will help with large and long surface areas. If your board is unfinished or lacquered, it is a good idea to paint it outdoors. This will allow for adequate ventilation.