Nails and moisture make an ugly duo. The result can be rusty nail stains all along your exterior wood siding and indoors too. Don't just paint over the problem. Fix it so the stains don't magically reappear.
Nail heads can rust and create spots on painted surfaces in your home. This problem is caused by using uncoated steel nails where excessive moisture exists under the paint. The uncoated steel nails obviously cannot be removed, but you can correct the moisture problem.
Step 1: Go to the Source: Try to locate the source of excessive moisture. Check for leakage from the eaves, evaporation from nearby plumbing pipes, sweating caused by heat from a bathroom or kitchen. If you can locate the source of moisture, try eliminating the problem by shutting off the condensation that causes the moisture.
Step 2: Remove Rust: Remove any stained paint around all nail heads by sanding the area or using a wire brush. Sand clear down to the nail head, then sand the nail head itself to remove the built-up rust.
Step 3: Punch It! Use a nail punch to countersink all nail heads approximately 1/8" below the wood surface.
Step 4: The Cover Up: Apply one even layer of undercoat over the countersunk nail and the area around it. After the area is primed, fill the countersunk hole with a good grade of caulking compound. Allow the compound to dry, then apply one coat of a good grade of outside house paint. After adequate drying time, apply a second coat. Use these steps to correct the problem.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Paint
- Sandpaper
- Wire Brush
- Paint Remover
- Paint Brush
- Punch
- Undercoat
- Caulking Compound
Courtesy of the National Retail Hardware Association
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