To Paint Or Not To Paint

finfanpj

This house has not been painted since the depression era. It was built from old growth cedar in 1895. Some people think it is in "ill repair," but it is actually solid as a rock. What is the best approach to make the exterior look as good as it is structurally solid. This is two blocks from the Pacific Ocean, so painting is probably not a good idea. Semi-Transparent Stain? Wood Cleaner/Brightener/Sealer? What will make it look distinctive without ruining the old growth character of this historical building?

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KellyD&B

I like the look of the wood. Maybe paint the trim and windows.

Metro M & L

If you don't think paint will hold up there is no way a stain would. I would think solid color stain after brightener.

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Metro M & L

Are there any house paints specifically made to deal with salinity(Obviously marine grade paint would be)? I wonder if it's the salt that's kept all that wood in shape to begin with?

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"Yeah... It's worthy of a sig quote."

Tom Struble

i dont have an answer for you
but it encouraging to see someone who can
respect the beauty in the old materials used
and not rush out and vinyl side that house

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Tom

BMAN

isnt that the Munsters house? Really though a light power wash to rinse the surface. Then a good pump sprayer filled with oxalic acid (wood brightener) probably going to take a few applications. when its clean I would put solid color stain on it. If you dont want a painted look like solid stain then it would look good with Cabots austrailan timber oil, mahogany flame.

finfanpj

Here are a couple more pictures that are closer. Should have uploaded these in the first place. I love the comment about the munsters! I sort of think it looks like a haunted house too. Once the exterior is spruced up and the gardens are done, it will be awesome though. You'll see...

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painterman

maybe media blast...corn cob or soda... that will remove the surface decaying wood and allow for a good stain. Cabots pro vt solid

Duckwarrior

why not look at other houses in the area and ask them what theyve done? if their house is in great condition.... ask them the lessons they've learned and the procedures they use...