How to Finish Tongue and Groove Pine Siding

Nothing adds elegance to a room like installing tongue and groove pine siding. It can be used both inside and out. Tongue and groove pine paneling can also be painted, stained or clear coated for a beautiful natural look. The simple detail of the tongue and groove give this type of siding its distinctive look and durability.

Step 1. Preparation

Prepare for your siding job by determining exactly how much material will be needed. It's always a good idea to add 5 to 10 percent, for miss cuts. Make sure that the surface you will be attaching the pine paneling to is solid. Pine tongue and groove paneling is normally installed vertically, which can entail installing horizontal furring strips. For the exterior of your home, install furring strips on top of the weatherproofing and vapor barriers. For paneling inside, remember to fur out for electrical outlets and around trim. Install furring strips every 16 inches horizontally, from floor to ceiling.

Step 2. Painting Pine Tongue and Groove Paneling

Sand up the siding with 100 grit sandpaper and wipe clean. If painting your pine paneling, the first step would be to prime it thoroughly. Spot prime any big knots with an oil based stain killer. Then prime the entire surface, including the tongue, with a paintbrush and roller. For exterior use, be sure to prime the back side as well. This helps prevent moisture from warping the board later on. It's never a bad idea to spot prime any butt joints and the ends of each board. Apply the first coat of paint. After installation, you can apply your second coat to everything for a professional finish. Hint: Having several sets of sawhorses can be handy. Use one set of sawhorses to keep the paneling at a comfortable height while priming, sanding, painting or staining. Use several other sets of sawhorses to hold the paneling while drying.

Step 3. Staining Pine Tongue and Groove Paneling

Staining pine tongue and groove paneling can create a stunning effect. Pine is a naturally softwood with a visible grain, so it takes stain very well. Test your stain colors on scrap pieces of wood until you find the right shade. You can apply stain with a short nap paint roller or paint pad and wipe with a rag. For a deeper, richer shade, apply 2 coats of stain. Sand lightly and wipe clean before adding your topcoat. If you're planning to use stained paneling outside, seal the back edges, top and bottom with a clear polyurethane sealer often referred to as a staining sealer. Apply the stain to the front of the board before sealing the back and edges. Let dry.

Step 4. Sealing Pine Tongue and Groove Paneling

Using an acrylic latex polyurethane, you can seal your tongue and groove pine paneling with a foam paint roller, brush or paint pad. A paint pad cuts out bubbles and allows you to spread the polyurethane evenly and quickly. Most latex polyurethanes are thin and somewhat milky, but will dry to a crystal-clear finish. Acrylic polyurethanes do not yellow over time. Their quick dry time will also allow you to apply 2 or 3 finishes in the same day, for extreme durability and wash-ability.