I have an old house that I love. Unfortunately finances do not permit the use of all the new high tech materials for outside trim. I’m using #2 pine for corner and frieze boards, window trim, etc. I prime all sides with an alkyd primer. Any other hints to keep the wood from twisting or cupping? Kerfs?
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Don't use fingerjoint! The joints will telegraph soon and mar a nice finish. Double check all flashing details. If in doubt, back butter the upper back half of the trim with caulk to keep water out but not the bottom to allow moisture to escape. Consider a mechanical joint at butts, biscuits are fast and easy. When you have the cutter pushed in all the way, wiggle the joiner up and down a hair, this allows you to shim the joint flush. I would use polyurethane glue (Gorilla is one) at the joints. Dampen the surfaces and be liberal. The glue will ooze out but can be shaved up with a sharp chisel and sandpapered the next day. Besides the mess it's great stuff. Then TWO coats over primer!
Pine can be troublesome, it's not very durable in the weather, but you can make it work. If it's my house, I would seriously consider upgrading my materials. It may mean spreading the job out over time but you'll be better in the long run. Also resist the urge to start the front first unless you're a good DIY'er or pro. Work the kinks out in the back of the house and along the sides.
Post here with any and all questions, or new ideas!
Edited 9/9/2005 8:38 pm ET by mbdyer
i'd bet you can buy GP PrimeTrim for about what you are paying for #2
If you're gonna use #2 pine, seal the knots with Zinnser's BIN or similar. It has to be a shellac-based sealer, or the knots will eventually bleed through. Then use the alkyd primer on top of that.
Depending on where you're getting your material, maybe you can pick through the piles and pull out some of the better boards. Just be sure to leave everything as good or better than what it was.