DIY Network

Diseases & Weeds
Flowers
Fruits & Vegetables
General Information
Container Gardening
Insects & Pests
Kids Gardening
Lawns & Landscaping

Landscaping, Arranging & Mulching
Raised Beds
Structures, Walls & Walkways
Other

Plants & Foliage
Public Gardens
Seasons & Zones
Services & Associations
Shrubs & Trees
Soil & Water
Structures & Ornaments
Tools
Water Gardening
Wildlife

SPONSOR LINKS

Getting Primed and Painted

From "Grounds for Improvement"
episode DGFI-208

Figure A

The work has begun on the backyard of Nate Luden and Kat Tanaka. This dull yard -- full of dirt, cement, gravel and cinderblocks -- in the process of becoming a more relaxing setting. The jasmine climbing over the wall from the neighbor's yard has been pruned back, and the wall has been measured into sections for paint and lattice panels (figure A).

An exterior latex primer, recommended for masonry surfaces, is first applied to the wall sections that will be painted. It is applied with a commercial paint sprayer, available at rental stores for approximately $50 a day, and requires about two hours' drying time.

Note: When using a paint sprayer, always wear a mask and safety glasses.

To prevent paint overspray past the taped lines, Kat pulls the spray trigger and moves the sprayer at the same time, keeping the nozzle 10"-12" from the wall as she applies an even coat of clear primer from the top to bottom of the wall (figure B). Since a full even coat is needed to seal the block and give the paint a surface to adhere to, this is not a good project for windy days.

Next, an exterior latex paint, in a shade called Toasted Cinnamon, is sprayed over the dry primer. A plywood board is held at the top of the wall to prevent the paint from drifting over to the neighbor's yard, and construction paper is used to protect the border sections of the wall (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

The paint is sprayed from the plywood out to keep it from getting underneath the wood. After applying the cinnamon-colored paint to one wall panel, the next panel is painted a shade called Seafoam Green (figure D). To avoid paint build-up, the wall surface is given several light coats.

While the walls are drying, the team moves to the front yard to start on the redwood lattice panels. Redwood was chosen because it is an excellent exterior-grade lumber that will also introduce more color into this formerly bare landscape. The panels will consist of 6x6 timbers, along with 2x8s and 2x2s. When completed and installed, the panels will help define the wall and provide a growing surface for a several species of climbing plants.

A miter saw is used to cut the 2x2s to length (figure E). These will make up the inside lattice frame. Two of the 2x2s are cut to 75-1/2" for the top of the frame, and two are cut to a length of 3'10" for the ends of the frame. Dean uses a framing square and tape measure to mark a cut line around the 6x6 post that will support the entire structure, then cuts the post to spec with a reciprocating saw.

Holes are drilled into the 2x2s, and they are screwed together to form a box that will frame out the inside lattice panel. Next, each panel is measured to make sure it is exactly 10-5/8" apart, since spacing needs to be exact for pretty lattice work (figure F).

After the spacing is set, Kat countersinks screws through the outer wood pieces into the center pieces (figure G). Crossbeams are then attached to provide depth (figure H). Three screws are used to hold each of the five cross pieces in place (figure I).

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I