Aluminum siding was a very popular house siding back a few decades ago because it was less expensive than wood siding and not as labor intense to install. Vinyl siding had not been developed as yet. Like vinyl siding today, aluminum siding was never suppose to require repainting. Well the aluminum does fade after a few years and requires painting. DIY Homeowners often ask about painting aluminum siding since there are many older homes that still have aluminum siding. Homeowners often ask the question “how to paint aluminum siding”?

How to paint aluminum siding:

As is all painting tasks, having a success outcome is determined by the preparation and the manner of applying the paint. A properly prepared surface will greatly increase the success of this project. If the siding is in need of any repairs it should be done before painting.

After making any repairs, the siding should be thoroughly cleaned. The paint on the siding may have become chalky. If you wipe your hand across the surface and a powdery residue comes off, the surface should be washed. Aluminum siding that is dusty or has developed mold or mildew on the surface should be cleaned with a pressure washer. If you do not have a pressure washer you can hand wash it with a mop, towels, a broom or scrub brushes to get it clean.

A solution of water, chlorine bleach and laundry detergent makes an economical and effective siding cleaner. If you use this mixture be sure to thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry before painting.

Now that the siding is clean and in good repair, it is time to apply the paint. If the siding is glossy, slick or severely weathered, it should have a coat of primer paint applied. Any enamel automotive primer paint will work just fine. If you are doubtful about the need for primer paint, do a simple adhesion test. Apply finish paint on a small area and allow it to dry for a couple of days. Test the adhesion by scraping it with a fingernail, or pulling a piece of masking tape off in a quick motion. If the paint comes off easily a primer should be used.

Use a 100% acrylic primer, often called an acrylic bonding primer. The new acrylic primers adhere to almost any surface and provide an excellent undercoat for the finish paint. For better color coverage, the primer can be tinted to a close match of the finish paint color.

When choosing the paint colors to paint aluminum siding, you may be restricted to colors lighter than the original color of the siding. Painting aluminum siding with a darker color may require several coats.

The best paint for aluminum siding is acrylic exterior grade paint. Be certain to buy the best grade of paint that is available. The better the grade the more durable will be the finished paint. Good quality paints will resist fading, cover better and are often easier to apply. They are worth the few extra dollars. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are top of the line paints that will do an excellent job.

For the best results, acrylic paints are applied with synthetic bristle brushes. Brush size will depend on what you are painting but 2 1/2 or 3 inch paint brushes work well in most situations. The size of the brush can be matched to the width or height of the siding to maximize the brush work. Large areas of siding can be sprayed quite efficiently.

It will take approximately two days for the paint to thoroughly dry. Always keep some paint in reserve for touch up if needed.

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