Exterior trim nails: set, putty, paint?
PenobscotMan
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I know what I need to do, but am looking for a reason not to do it. Finished with some exterior trim on eaves and rake (i.e. soffit and fascia). Lots of nails and trim screws (don’t ask). Ready to paint, but it’s getting cold here in Maine and time is short. Options:
1. Paint (I’ve already primed the boards before installing).
2. Prime the nail heads with metal primer, then paint.
3. Ditto, but regular primer.
4. Set the nail heads, putty, then prime and paint.
Nails are hot-dipped galvanized (allegedly). Acrylic primer and latex top coat. Today is a beautiful Fall day, but who knows what the week will bring.
Replies
What are the screws made of? If the nails are flush and the galvanizing is not chipped of then painting should do it. You may see the head if not perfectly flush but if that doesn't ruin the visual then just paint 'em...I've got some 20 years old on my house and you have to get up close to see the nail. You can set 'em too, than spackle and paint.
The screws are stainless so I'm not worried about them. Actually, two kinds of nails -- galvanized, probably no problem, as you say. But I used a few 16 ga airnails to temporarily tack some pieces in place until I could nail them properly, and after only a few rains, they are oxidizing. Little black halos around them. These I will definitely need to set and putty. The airnails are said to be galvanized, but this must be electrogalvanized, or worthless.
I had bought some 15 ga galvanized nail gun nails and the package said 'Not for exterior use'. I called the manufacturer to ask why. The answer was that they do not re-galvanized the ends when the nails are cut. And you proved it. I did use some of them but I set my nail gun to drive them about 1/16 of an inch below the surface and I spackled the holes and painted. I bought some stainless...pretty expensive.
Forgot to ask. How big and heavy is what you're attaching? I put up some PVC corner trim boards (17+ feet) and nailed 'em with a 15 ga nail gun. Most posters will probably say you need a bigger nail but I read an article that had some pictures of PVC trim being attached with a nail gun and called the magazine to see what they had used. I was told that that they used 16 ga finish nails. I told the project manager that the PVC manufacturer's spec sheet called for roud head nails and he told me that the manufaturer's rep said he would be Ok with the finish nails. Guess time will tell. I've had some nail gunned trim up for over a year and there is no sign of movement. I tend to over build and over attach, but you might be making me look like a slacker.
The boards range from 1X4 to 1X10. The serious nails are nice - 8d "siding nails", like heavy finish nails but with more of a head. They set pretty well. I'm new to pneumatic nailers and not too impressed with the holding power of 16 ga nails. They do work fine for temporary tacking, and now I understand why carpenters like nailers - one hand for the board, one hand for the nailing. No need for that "third hand"! I will sink, spackle and paint the air nails.
I'd prime with oil based primer, and paint. I don't think setting and puttying the nails will gain much, except a smother finish.
#3 easy and good
#4 traditional and best
#1 kind of OK
#2 not necessary
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