Quick Guide To Painting Fascia and Soffits
Procrastination and home maintenance seem to be synonymous, don’t they? For instance, you look at your house and get that feeling of guilt wash over you as you see leaves pouring out of the gutter and notice that the soffit and fascia really need attention. You know you have to tackle it, but instead you find yourself asking, “Barbeque, anyone?”.
For this reason, we’ve come up with a quick guide to painting your home’s fascia and soffit. With our tips, you’ll complete your task in no time and protect your soffit and fascia boards from further onslaught by the elements.
Why paint soffit and fascia boards?
If your home still has wooden soffits and fascia, you will need to paint them. Over time, exposure to the natural elements causes wood to crack and warp as it expands and contracts. The paint begins to flake as the sun breaks down the chemical components in the paint and begins to degrade. Getting rid of this old paint and giving the soffit and fascia a new coat of paint provides a much-needed facelift.
What painting will not fix
There are some things that paint cannot fix. You cannot fix rot, mold, or badly damaged wood with a coat of paint. It might look better for a while, but ultimately, the problem will get worse and you’ll have spent time and money on painting that could have been used on replacement work instead.
If you have damaged soffit and fascia, Gutter Cover KC® can help. We offer soffit and fascia repair as well as wood rot repair. Aluminum or vinyl soffit and aluminum fascia wrap is a great option to reduce exterior home maintenance. Aluminum and vinyl do not need to be painted and offer other benefits, like vented options that help regulate airflow.
Discover repair and replacement options with Gutter Cover KC®
What do you need to paint soffit and fascia?
Tools
Begin by gathering the right tools. This will save time at the start of this job. This way you don’t need to run back and forth to the hardware store for supplies.
Equipment/Tools
- 14-inch paint brush12-inch high-quality angled sash brush
- 1 corner roller
- 19-inch medium nap roller
- Fine grit sandpaper
- 1 Ladder
- A bucket attachment for your ladder
Paint
- High-quality exterior primer and paint
The best paintbrush is one with stiff bristles and is made for exterior painting. Do not try to use an interior brush for this project.
Suitable paints
You’ll get the most longevity out of high-quality exterior paint. Here are some suggestions for paints you can use on exterior surfaces:
Acrylic paint – Acrylic paints are a popular choice for soffit and fascia. They come in a variety of colors that can easily be matched to your existing color scheme. Acrylic paint is durable and long-lasting.
Latex paint – This paint is water-based and easy to clean up. It dries quickly, and is fade and crack resistant.
Oil-based paint – Oil based paints provide that smooth, glossy finish that homeowners love. However, it does take longer to dry than acrylic paint and may be more prone to cracking in cold KC weather. It will also require multiple layers which will edge up the cost of the paint.
Always use a semi-gloss or gloss paint for the exterior. The finish will be more resistant to dirt and easier to maintain.
A step-by-step guide to painting soffit and fascia boards
Time investment: This will vary tremendously based on height and design of your home, your experience level, etc. However, it’s probably unwise to plan on less than a weekend, but rather to expect more than a few weekends of work for an average home.
Not When It’s Raining: Kansas City weather can be unpredictable. So it’s best to choose a stretch of dry, mild days for painting.
Cost: Probably $3-$5 per linear foot for basic materials, if you do it yourself (As of 2024). However, keep in mind that prices fluctuate, and additional materials like caulk or wood filler may increase this.
Safety: Keep in mind that all work involving heights carries increased risk. Please follow all safety and manufacturers suggestions when on a ladder, painting above your head, etc.
Preparation
The more time you put into the preparation work, the better the result will be. Start by doing some basic cleaning and maintenance tasks. These steps can be done the day before you begin painting if you want to divide preparation and painting tasks.
Clean out your gutters
Cleaning your gutters before anything else is a must if you’re serious about this project. Get the debris out of your gutters before you start your preparation work so that you don’t have to deal with debris, insects and stagnant water while you work on the soffit and fascia.
If you don’t currently have gutter covers, consider installing them. This will cut down on gutter maintenance, and even eliminate any need for climbing ladders to clean your gutters. As well, the proper design (such as Advantage Gutter Guard®) will reduce wood rot on your fascia and soffit. Find out more by contacting Gutter Cover KC® today.
Find Out More
Clean the surfaces
Start by cleaning the soffit and fascia boards to remove dirt, dust and existing paint. Use a mild detergent and a scrub brush or a power washer. Allow the boards to dry completely before you begin painting. Any moisture trapped between the wood and the paint will cause bubbling, causing you more work.
Do minor repairs
Check that vertical boards are firmly fixed and that there is no rot, mildew or pest infestation. Fill holes and cracks with wood filler for a smooth surface. This will make your paint job look better.
Sanding
Smooth any rough areas by sanding them lightly. Sanding will also help create better adhesion for the paint and give you a better finish. Remove sanding dust with a soft cloth or interior paintbrush before painting.
Priming
Priming is an important step, especially if you are painting on raw wood. Primer provides an extra layer of protection and will greatly enhance paint adhesion. Primer will also prevent any stains from bleeding through the paint. A latex or oil-based primer is best for raw, unstained wood. For everything else, use an oil-based primer.
Ensure that the primer has thoroughly dried before applying your paint.
Painting
When painting exterior trim, always start on the one side of the house and work towards the other end. Work in one direction to maintain a wet edge and prevent lap marks.
Step 1 – Apply the first coat
Begin at one end and work your way to the other. Use smooth, even strokes to apply the paint, following the grain of the wood if applicable. Avoid overloading the brush to prevent drips. After painting the fascia, paint the soffit in sections. Use a smaller brush for areas around vents or tight spaces. Ensure even coverage and watch for any drips or runs. Use the high-quality angled brush for cutting in and a smaller brush for detailed areas.
Step 2 – Allow proper drying time
Refer to manufacturer instructions for drying time. This is usually a minimum of 1-2 hours, depending on the type of paint. Once the paint has dried, check for any missed spots and uneven coverage. Lightly sand any imperfections with fine-grit sandpaper.
Step 3 – Apply the second coat
Apply the second coat in exactly the same way as the first coat. This ensures a uniform finish. Be vigilant of paint runs or drips, and smooth them out immediately. Once all surfaces have been fully covered, allow time for drying.
Step 4 – Final touches and clean-up
Once the second coat is dry, inspect the fascia and soffit for any missed spots or areas needing touch-ups. Apply additional paint as needed. When you are finished painting, clean your brushes and any tools used according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Dispose of or store any remaining paint properly.
Home Project Completed!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully painted your fascia and soffit, giving your home a fresh, updated look. Stand back and admire your handiwork, knowing that you’ve not only enhanced your home’s curb appeal but also provided essential protection against the elements.
With this project behind you, it’s time to enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and perhaps reward yourself with that long-awaited barbeque. Happy home improving!
References:
