How to paint a new pergola?

[Umeirbaloch]

I would like to paint the pergola of my newly constructed house. The timber pergola is very new, would appreciate if someone could please suggest the step by step process and materials needed for painting which should also protect the pergola from harsh weather. The colour I would like to paint is monument. Please also suggest the hire of 4m height ladder (with platform).

[JacobZ]

Hi @Umeirbaloch,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you join us.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of where you can hire 4-metre platform ladders.

The first and most important step with any painting project is your prep work. 

Use a joint knife to fill any holes or imperfections with Polyfilla Exterior Timber Filler. 

Once you've filled the holes and imperfections, you'll have to sand everything. Starting with 80 grit, work in small sections ensuring you sand the whole surface before moving on to the next section. This will help you keep track of what has already been done. Once you've gone over everything, move up to 120 grit, and then 180 grit. Use a random orbital sander to make the job quicker and less taxing on your body.

Once sanded you can use a UNi-PRO 230mm Unifiber Roller Kit and a high-quality cutting-in brush like this Monarch 50mm Cutting In And Framing Paint Brush to apply Wattyl Solagard 15L Pre-tinted Monument Low Sheen Exterior Paint. Wattyl Solagard is self-priming, so there is no need to apply primer beforehand. 

A roller pole such as this ProRenovator 1.0 - 1.8m Aluminium Extension Pole will also come in handy so you aren't having to reach as much.

Apply 3 coats of your paint allowing each coat to dry for 2 hours before applying the next. Remember that if you take 2 hours to apply the first coat, when you finish up, where you started will be ready to go.

If you see any paint bubbles or imperfect spots between coats, you can give them a light sand with Flexovit 115mm x 1m 240 Grit Painted Surface Sandpaper before the next coat.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob