If you have noticed that your soffit or fascia board is looking a little worse for wear, it might be time to repaint them. This blog post will give you tips on how to do this yourself, without hiring a professional. Painting your soffit and fascia can make your home look newer and more attractive, and it is a job that can be done relatively easily. So read on to find out more!
What Are Soffit and Fascia?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to repaint your soffit and fascia, let’s first take a moment to explain what exactly these two things are. Your home’s soffit is the horizontal board that runs along the bottom edge of your roof.
Fascia boards, on the other hand, are the vertical boards that are attached to the ends of your roof rafters. Both soffits and fascia are typically made from wood, although they can also be made from aluminum or vinyl.
Gather Your Supplies
To repaint your soffit or fascia, you will need a ladder, exterior paint brushes, a paint tray (or ladder bucket), ladder stabilizer (if needed), and exterior paint in the color of your choice. Once you have gathered all of your supplies, you are ready to begin painting!
Start by Climbing Your Ladder and Preparing the Surface for Painting
The first step is to prep the area by cleaning the soffit or fascia board with a mild detergent. This will help the new paint to adhere better later on. If your fascia and soffits are made from wood, you’ll likely need to wait a day for them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Also, you may need to take the time to scrape away any cracked or peeling paint from the old coat. This can be painstaking, but it’s necessary to ensure the new coat of paint is even and durable.
If there are any cracks or holes in the wood, you can use your putty knife to fill them in. Once that is done, sand down the surface until it is smooth. Then use the painter’s tape to protect any areas that you do not want to paint, such as the gutters or exterior walls. Now you are ready to start painting!
Apply Your Primer and Paint
It’s important to mention that you shouldn’t use inexpensive paint on the exterior of your home, especially if you have wooden soffit and fascia. The paint protects the wood from the elements. Otherwise, the wood will rot quickly, leaving you with a much bigger problem.
Start at the top of the board and work your way down, using even strokes. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, as this is where dirt and grime can accumulate over time. Once you have finished painting the fascia board, move on to the soffit.
Make sure to use a brush designed for exterior painting as well. Always paint from a ladder, as it will give you the height you need to paint with precision.
Conclusion
Painting your fascia and soffit can be a daunting task, but with our tips, we’re confident you can do it yourself. Just remember to take your time, use high-quality paint, and prep the surface properly before painting. Good luck!
Marc Poulos began his real estate and financial services career, but he soon realized that his true passion was beautifying homes. He started working with various small craftsman shops before serving an apprenticeship with the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. His commitment to excellence won him Top Apprentice from Washburne trade school in Chicago – the country’s premier school of its kind.
