How to Maintain and Paint Your Canexel Siding

Determine the Type of previous Paint

First thing to do: understand what you are working with. Is your siding covered with water-based or oil-based paint? This may seem trivial, but it will completely influence your product choice afterward.

There’s a super simple test to find out. Take a cloth soaked in methyl hydrate (wood alcohol) and rub a small section of the siding.

• If the paint starts to dissolve and stain the cloth, it’s water-based paint.
• If nothing happens, it’s oil-based paint.

Why is this important? Because water-based paint will not adhere properly to an oil-based surface. By taking 2 minutes to do this test, you can avoid a lot of unpleasant surprises… and especially having to redo your painting job.

Cleaning Your Canexel Before Painting

Before applying anything, your siding must be clean, sound, and completely dry. This is fundamental. The more damaged or dirty the surface, the more effort you will have to put into this step — but this is exactly what will make the difference in the final result.

Always start with a good cleaning using a residue-free surface preparation product (like a TSP).

• You can apply it with a sprayer or a roller.
• Then, scrub with a nylon brush to thoroughly dislodge dirt, dust, and grease.
• Finally, rinse with clear water.

If you still see black stains afterward, it is very likely mildew: in this case, an antifungal cleaner will be necessary to start on a sound basis. Multi-wash is an excellent product for this.

• Dilute Multi-wash following a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part product.
• Apply the cleaner to the Canexel with a sprayer, brush, or nylon brush
• Let it act for about 15 minutes. During this time, scrub the siding with a nylon brush to thoroughly dislodge the mildew.
• Then rinse with clear water and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Sanding New Canexel Siding

Once the Canexel is clean, we move on to sanding. If your Canexel is still in good condition and quite smooth, light sanding (100-120 grit) is recommended to open the surface and improve adhesion. This is a very important step to prevent the paint from peeling later.

For consistent sanding efficiency, remember to change sandpaper every 25-50 sq ft.

Sanding Canexel Siding Where Paint is Peeling

If, on the contrary, your siding is already peeling, you must first remove everything that is no longer adhering. You can use a scraper or even a pressure washer (in moderation), then even out the surface with sanding using 100-120 grit.

The objective is simple: to start with a stable surface.

Repairing Damaged Canexel

Finally, if there are small cracks, nicks, or imperfections, take the time to repair them with an exterior wood filler.

• Apply the wood filler into the cracks using a putty knife.
• Let the filler dry completely
• Lightly sand to make the surface smooth and ready for painting.

In short, preparation may not be the most glamorous step… but it is clearly the one that will determine whether the paint on your Canexel lasts 2 years or 10 years.

Once your surface is well prepared, you can proceed with paint application. However, there are a few aspects you need to consider before starting to paint:

• The paint has peeled down to the panel or the old finish is oil-based.

In this case, you cannot apply your finish directly. Bare CanExel and oil-based paint must first be sealed with an oil-based primer. It is the primer that will ensure good adhesion on this type of surface.

• Apply the primer with a nylon brush and/or a roller. You can also use a sprayer, with a 0.015 to 0.017 tip and a pressure of 1500 to 2000 psi.
• Spread the paint along the length of the boards.
• Allow to dry for a minimum of two hours before applying the topcoat.

Applying the Topcoat to Canexel

For CanExel, a 100% latex acrylic paint is the best choice. Why? Because it is more elastic, therefore better suited to the movements of the siding caused by temperature variations. This reduces the risk of peeling over time.

For application, opt for a quality paint, such as Regal or Aura Exterior. CanExel is a dense surface, so it is important to choose a product that adheres well and offers good durability.

• Apply the paint with a poly-nylon brush and a quality roller. You can also use a spray gun with a 0.013 to 0.015 tip and a pressure of 1600 to 2600 psi.
• Spread the paint along the length of the boards.
• If you are refreshing paint in good condition, one coat is sufficient. For a damaged surface or a new color, you should apply two coats.
• Even if the paint is ready for recoating after 4 hours, we recommend waiting until the next day to ensure the best possible application conditions.
• Apply the 2nd coat and let dry for 24 hours.

By performing thorough preparation and using the right products, maintaining your Canexel siding is within reach!

Start your project now!

You will find all the products you need directly on our website.

• Start by measuring the dimensions of your Canexel siding to calculate the quantities you need.
  • One gallon of exterior paint covers approximately 400 sq ft on a smooth surface.
• Choose the color you want to apply to your siding.
• Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.

Want to see the different exterior paint options? Consult the section of our store dedicated to these products.