As a homeowner, investing in vinyl and aluminum siding can help protect your home from the elements while giving it an aesthetically pleasing look, and painting it requires careful preparation so that it looks its best when finished.
There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when painting your siding in order to ensure you end up with the best results possible – ones that complement and add value to your home.
What Is Vinyl & Aluminum Siding?
Vinyl and aluminum siding is a type of exterior cladding often seen in residential construction. As its name suggests, it consists of two layers—a layer of vinyl with an external layer of aluminum on top.
Just as with any other home improvement project, painting this type of siding requires preparation and attention to detail, including cleaning the area thoroughly by removing dirt, dust, mildew, or chalking from previous coats.
Preparation Before Painting Vinyl & Aluminum Siding
When it comes to prepping vinyl and aluminum siding prior to painting, there are several key steps that must be taken in order to ensure an optimal result.
The first step is to thoroughly wash the surface with a hose and scrub brush using a mild detergent such as dish soap mixed with warm water. This should remove dirt and debris, as well as provide a clean surface for the paint to adhere to.
Additionally, when cleaning these surfaces, it’s necessary to inspect them for any potential damage such as warping or rusting which could affect how well the paint sticks afterwards.
The next step involves sanding down any rough edges so that the new coat of paint can create an even finish across the entire area being painted. This is not only important from an aesthetic perspective, but also because it helps promote better adhesion between the existing surface and new layer of paint.
After sanding, it may be beneficial (depending on what type of substrate you’re working with) to prime over top of it in order to preserve colour longevity, as well as protection against UV rays and fading/peeling due to weather exposure.
Step by Step Guide to Vinyl & Aluminum Siding
For a final result that is perfect and long-lasting, there are several steps that must in be taken in order for the project to succeed:
- Cleaning: Before any work begins, use a pressure washer or scrub brush with soap and water to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the siding.
- Repair: Look over all areas carefully for damages such as dents, cracks, or loose pieces, taking note of any repair work that must be done before starting the painting process.
- Primer Application: Use a good quality primer specifically designed for vinyl & aluminum siding surfaces prior to applying the topcoat colour(s) of paint. This helps prevent chipping and fading of the painted finish while improving adhesion between coats.
Professional Vs DIY Painting of Vinyl & Aluminum Siding
Painting aluminum siding can be a daunting task, leaving many homeowners feeling exasperated and helpless. It requires tremendous expertise to do the job properly, as well as having access to the right materials and tools.
Therefore, knowing whether it is best to hire a professional painter or attempt a DIY project is an important decision.
Those who are unfamiliar with painting should consider hiring a professional painter for vinyl & aluminum siding projects, as someone with experience in dealing with these types of surfaces understands which techniques work best on them. Professionals will also have access to high quality products such as exterior paint primers specifically designed for metal surfaces. They may even know how to mix different paints together correctly in order to achieve optimal results.
On the other hand, taking on this challenge yourself can offer certain benefits too – namely, cost savings and satisfaction from completing the job yourself.
While some people feel comfortable tackling small jobs such as touch-ups or refinishing window frames, they might still require advice from experienced painters if they wish to go beyond minor repairs and take on larger painting projects involving aluminum siding.
At the end of the day, when deciding between a professional vs DIY approach for painting aluminum siding, it’s important to weigh both options carefully before making your choice.
At Custom Contractors Roofing & Exteriors, we offer a variety of services in order to help you achieve the best possible results from your vinyl & aluminum painting job. Reach out to a member of our team today in order to get started on your painting project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Vinyl & Aluminum Siding?
One of the most common mistakes made when it comes to painting vinyl & aluminum siding is failing to choose a high quality exterior latex paint that matches your existing colours. This oversight can lead to an uneven finish, or even surface damage.
It is also important to prepare the area prior to painting by removing dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces before applying primer and paint layers. Failing to do so could result in improper adhesion leading to peeling or flaking off over time.
Lastly, inadequate drying times between coats of paint can cause cracking or bubbling if too much humidity is present after each coat has been applied. To avoid these issues, wait at least 24 hours between coats in order for proper curing and drying times.
What Are Alternatives to Painting Vinyl & Aluminum Siding?
Pressure washing can give your surfaces a fresher appearance by removing years of dirt buildup and algae stains.
Other alternatives to painting include covering existing siding with faux brick panels or stone veneer sidings made of composite materials, such as polypropylene and PVC plastic, that can mimic natural stone at lower costs and with more durability than real stone would offer.
