Are you going to paint with red paint? Falu red paint is a classic colour for wooden facades in Sweden. Facades painted with Falu red paint are relatively easy to maintain, but they need to be repainted regularly. Here's how to do the job in three steps and with perfect results.
Preparation work
Protect from splashes
Cover the house foundation, windows, downspouts and other surfaces you want to protect from paint splashes.
Remove loose paint and dirt
Carefully brush off any loose paint, dirt, and greyed wood from the facade with a wire brush. Use a flat wire brush for larger surfaces and a smaller wire brush for hard-to-reach areas. Attach the wire brush to an extension pole for better reach and more power.
Washing off mould
Wash off any mould. Use an algae and mould remover and a washing brush. Remember to rinse the facade thoroughly.
Painting with Falu red paint
Priming if necessary
Are you going to paint new, unplaned wood? Then you must first prime with diluted Falu red paint. Dilute the paint with 10% water. If the facade is already painted with Falu red paint, you do not need to prime or dilute the paint.
Start with details
Check that the facade is clean and dry. Start by painting details and hard-to-reach areas with a smaller Falu red paint brush.
Finish a few boards at a time
Switch to a wider Falu red paint brush and finish a few boards at a time. Paint along the entire length to avoid visible colour overlaps.
Painting thin coats
Paint thin coats and ensure that the colour is thoroughly absorbed into the wood. Attach the brush to an extension pole to get better access and avoid unnecessary ladder climbing.
Finishing touches
Wipe off splashes
Wipe off any paint splashes before the paint has had time to dry. Use a cloth with water and detergent.
Leave the protective plastic in place
Leave the protective plastic in place for a few days to allow the paint to dry. This way, if it starts to rain, you won't get any paint splashes.
