How can I tell if it is time to do a maintenance coat?
On rough sawn surfaces look for a lightening in color around flat grain and knot areas. Often times a light tan color develops around the knots. On smooth wood weathering indicators are more subtle.
Pay attention to the areas where the moisture levels are higher and concentrated. For example, the lower portion of your siding or areas where there is water run off from roof valleys or water back splash from the ground or deck. There will be a dulling of the surface and a breakdown of the coating. The surface will feel different to the touch than more protected areas of the structure. The south and west sides are more likely to need a maintenance coat more often than the north and east sides.
If in doubt as to whether it is time to apply a maintenance coat, it is better to recoat sooner than later in the maintenance cycle. In the weathering process the coating dries out making the film surface more brittle. A single maintenance coat softens the film and replaces the part of the film that has weathered away. There will be less maintenance problems if you are timely in your maintenance coat. It is good practice to inspect your home in the spring and fall.
What product should I use for the maintenance coat?
If the original protection system is the alkyd oil NatureColor® Base Coat and Recoater system, you have a choice of coating with a single coat of NatureColor® Recoater or NatureOne® 100% Acrylic.
If the original protection system is the water based system NatureOne® 100% Acrylic, apply a single coat of NatureOne® 100 % Acrylic.