Applying Stain to House Siding. How To?

Question

Assuming you had to work with a small crew and
reach up to 30 ft in height working around
windows and other obstacles would you:

Rent a scissors lift
Erect scaffolding
Apply by sprayer and brush
Apply by power roller
Apply by brush
Apply by spray
Wash and brush the wood first
Pressure wash the wood first
Just brush the wood first with a stiff brush
other?

Answer 1

Cuprinol oil base stain-a brush(for better distribution and control)- I work off a ladder but if you don't feel good about that, a lift will be fine. Start at the top and liberally brush 4 or 5 boards completely from left to right(or right to left) point being that if you stop in the middle of a board and come back to it later, it will leave a lap mark. The brush allows you to work the oil into the wood beter than any other applicator, you will feel it when you get started. GET A GOOD BRUSH (Purdy or Wooster brands work for me). 2 coats ideally the first time. The oil WILL fade in time, but it won't peel off, so next time you go to recoat, you don't have a lot of scraping and prep to do. Oh, almost forgot, pressure wash w/bleach solution(bleach is corrosive and will tarnish metal plated knobs/lights/etc.) to kill any mildew and let dry as needed.

Answer 2

Sounds like you'd be telling me my job, huh!
Let's not get off on the wrong foot, O.K. I;d be using a water based paint, I won't use any other. Then It would be my crew of two, me and my partner, my daughter. She's the best. We'd use a ladder. We'd pressure the house first, using low pressure and soap, letting the house dry for a day or two, depends on the weather. Cover the windows, use a shield on the glass etc. We would trim some things by brush.
I would start in, she would be behind me watching for my moves, she's my eyes and only my eyes. We'd finish in one day. You'd pay me, end of story.

Answer 3

nice ladder 24'..pressure washer is ideal then let dry 1-2 days.. rollers, brush 4" and a deck sprayer w adj. tip. not too bad of job. brush for cut-in, roller for high places and sprayer for big areas back roll if necessary.. and this is the best coating I have found.. http://www.flood.com/Flood/Products/Exterior/CWF-UV/