If you wonder how to paint vinyl siding that has seen better days or you no longer like its color, here are few tips that will help you.
Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is commonly considered to be relatively maintenance-free.
The good news is that you yes, you can paint vinyl siding.
Just be aware that the siding will be only as maintenance-free as the paint itself.
Questions to Ask
In this case, it is really important to ask yourself a few questions.
Why? Because, changing the color of your siding can have an impact not only on how you feel about your home but on its value, too.
However, choosing a combination of hues that are beautiful and pleasing to the eye is an entirely different task altogether.
What’s the architecture of your home? – So, your home’s style may provide visual cues that you should listen to, but not be completely bound by when it comes to selecting siding colors.
Viewed on their own, siding color swatches can be misleading.
Keep this in mind:
Lighter siding colors neutralize features that you may wish to de-emphasize, while darker siding colors draw attention to places you may want to highlight.
What color is your roof?– Roof color should be a factor that you consider when choosing siding colors.
If your roofing material is dark, it may motivate you to consider a lighter siding color scheme.
A more neutral roof hue may allow more choices when it comes to exterior schemes.
Choose a Safe Color
Every type of vinyl siding is designed for a specific amount of heat absorption.
Because dark colors absorb more heat than light colors, you should not choose a paint color that is darker than the original siding color.
Why preparation is key to painting Vinyl
Before vinyl siding is painted, it needs completely cleaned off.
It is recommended to use a power washer with a house cleaning agent that contains mildewcide.
If it’s not properly prepared and cleaned, the paint will peel.
Painting on vinyl siding is very dependent on having a clean surface, using an adhesive primer, and high-quality acrylic paint.
Project Summary
- Work only in suitable weather; avoid hot, humid, or windy days
- Choose the proper paint (latex urethane formulated for outdoor use)
- Mask Off Trim, Doors, and Windows
- Prepare the vinyl surface by cleaning it thoroughly
- After that, apply primer, if necessary, then two coats of paint
- Apply the Paint
1. Work Only in Suitable Weather
Painting vinyl siding in ideal conditions means waiting for mild temperatures, low relative humidity, and an overcast sky.
If the weather’s too hot, too sunny, or even too windy, the paint may fail to go on properly.
2. Proper Paint
Painting vinyl siding requires a latex urethane paint formulated for exterior use.
Firstly, you should also shy away from dark colors, which may create more maintenance problems.
3. Mask Off Trim, Doors, and Windows
Use painter’s tape and masking paper or plastic sheeting to mask off any areas you do not want to be painted, including doors, windows, trim, and hardware.
4. Prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly
The goal is to remove all mold, mildew, chalky buildup, and debris from the surface.
For best results, use a cleaning solution that contains:
- 1/3 cup laundry detergent
- 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner
- 1 quart liquid laundry bleach
- 1 gallon water
Use a cloth or a soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution before painting vinyl siding, then be sure to rinse off any remaining residue.
5. Apply primer
Apply the primer to all of the surfaces to be painted, using a paint sprayer, a roller with a 1/2-inch nap (for smooth surfaces) cover, or a paintbrush.
If you use a roller or sprayer, always back brush—following up the roller or sprayer application with a brush to ensure full coverage and remove drips and heavy areas.
Let the primer dry as directed.
6. Apply the paint
Paint the cleaned or primed surfaces with an even coat of exterior paint, using the same techniques used for priming.
Let the first coat dry as directed by the paint manufacturer. Apply a second coat, and let it dry.
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