Can You Paint Aluminum Siding on a House?
Yes, you can paint aluminum siding on a house! Many homeowners will look at their siding starting to fade or look worn out and consider replacement but this is not the only option. With a fresh coat of paint your aluminum siding can look brand new again.
Why Paint Your Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum siding can last for many years which is why so many homeowners have decided on this option to protect their home. Over time and with many storms throwing everything from rain, snow, sleet, or hail at your siding, it can become worn down and look terrible. Even though it seems like it’s in rough shape there is likely still plenty of life left. A good paint job can last 5-10 years and make your home look fresh and clean.
Some good reasons to paint your aluminum siding include:
– Fixing faded or chalky siding
– Changing the color of your house
– Covering up small dents or scratches
– Adding protection against weather
– Saving money compared to new siding
Getting Ready to Paint
Before you start painting you will need to prep the surface of your aluminum siding. Please don’t skip this step, it is a make or break for your final results. The paint might not stick well or could peel off if you don’t take the extra time to create a surface that the paint will adhere to properly.
Do you have a pressure washer? The first step is to thoroughly clean the siding to remove dust, grime, algae, or whatever else you may have hanging onto your home. Be careful that you do not use a super high-pressure setting as this could cause damage to the siding itself. In most cases, you should use a “soft wash” on siding material but aluminum is a bit more durable. Don’t have a pressure washer? No problem, grab a long-handled brush and get to work with a mixture of soap and water. No surprise here, Dawn dish soap is great for this.
After washing, make sure to rinse off all the soap and let the siding dry completely. If you think it’s dry, wait longer. You need to surface to be dryer than the Sahara desert to get the best chance of paint adhesion.
Next, check for any damage that needs to be fixed. Tiny dents won’t be noticeable enough to spend a bunch of time on but if you have golf ball sized dents you should probably address that. While you are checking for dents and scratches in the surface, wiggle the panels and make sure none are loose.
Choosing the Right Paint
Do some homework in the particular paints that work well on aluminum siding. Then, look into the type of paints that are commonly used in your particular climate. This will have an impact in both the application and initial results as well as the longevity of your work.
The most common choices are:
- Acrylic latex paint – This is often the best choice because it sticks well to aluminum and lasts a long time.
- Paint with built-in primer – These save time because you don’t need a separate primer step.
Also consider your climate when selecting the color for your paint. If you live in a warm area you should shy away from darker colors as they are going to absorb more heat. This is not great for the siding but also contributes to larger energy bills in the home altogether.
Painting Process
Now comes the fun! Time to paint your aluminum siding. Here is your step by step:
- Apply primer (if needed) – If your paint doesn’t include primer, you should apply a separate primer made for metal surfaces. This helps the paint stick better.
- Let the primer dry completely. Check the side of the can for how long this will take.
- Start painting at the top of your house and work your way down. This way, if any paint drips, you can fix it as you go.
- Use a paint brush for edges and corners, and a paint roller or paint sprayer for larger areas.
- Apply thin, even coats of paint. It’s better to do two thin coats than one thick coat.
- Let the first coat dry completely before adding a second coat.
Tips for the Best Results
– Don’t paint in direct sunlight. The paint can dry too quickly and not stick well. If painting in the shade is not possible, connect with your paint supplier to ask what local companies do in this scenario, they will likely be able to offer some alternative paint options.
– Avoid painting when it’s too cold (below 50°F) or too hot (above 90°F) This affects drying time and as a result could impact finish quality.
– Don’t paint if it might rain in the next 24 hours.
– Cover plants, decks, and windows with drop cloths to protect them from paint.
– If using a paint sprayer, be careful on windy days so the paint doesn’t blow onto things you don’t want painted. Only try this if you have had some practice as these can be difficult to make even layers with.
How Long Will It Last?
If you do a good job prepping and you use the right paint, your newly painted aluminum siding can look amazing for 10 years. The exact time will depend on:
– The quality of paint you use
– How well you prepare the surface
– Your local weather conditions
– Which direction your house faces (south-facing sides get more sun)
When the paint starts to fade or peel, you can simply clean the siding and paint it again.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
The obvious right answer here is to CLICK HERE and connect with Four Seasons Interior & Exterior Painting if you are near Lake County, Ohio. You can DIY your aluminum siding paint job, just make sure you have read this blog twice and wouldn’t mind hanging out 15 ft up a ladder for a few days. There is a danger element here that makes hiring a pro a more appealing option.
Professional painters also have all the right equipment and know exactly how to prepare the surface for the best results.
Conclusion
Painting aluminum siding is a great way to refresh your home’s look without spending a ton of money on brand-new siding. With proper cleaning, prep work, and the right paint, you can make your siding look new all over again! Before you begin your project we want to triple down on the importance of prep work. If you want your house to look great and last for years to come you need to prep the surface properly. Best of luck with your project and if you are curious about what a professional would charge for these services in Lake County, Ohio please CLICK HERE and reach out to the only company in Ohio that offers a warranty-backed quality guarantee. Four Seasons Interior & Exterior Painting!
