Can You Paint Vinyl Siding or Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum and vinyl are popular siding options for many homeowners in the US. Apart from their attractive appearance, they are durable and low maintenance.

However, the two still deteriorate with time. Also, they are susceptible to chalking and may even develop mold or mildew.

So, is painting vinyl siding a good idea? Read on to find out whether you should be replacing your entire siding after all.

Can Vinyl Siding Be Painted?

Contrary to popular belief, vinyl is not maintenance-free. It can chalk, fade, or get stained. Naturally, most people consider replacing it. But is vinyl siding painting an option?

Yes. You can paint your vinyl siding to reclaim its original look or even change it to another color altogether.

Your siding will lose its original color due to continued exposure to the elements. Chalking can also cause discoloration, thus reducing your home’s curb appeal.

Luckily, your siding can look attractive again with a fresh coat of paint. As long as there are no significant damages, you don’t have to replace the entire siding.

There are many options. But there’s a caveat: Steer clear of darker colors since absorbing too much heat can lead to warping.

Pros of Painting Vinyl Siding

Here are reasons why you should consider painting your vinyl siding.

Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Aging vinyl siding will fade over time. Chalking can also lead to discoloration. You can mitigate the effects by applying a fresh coat of siding paint.

Painting vinyl will also enable you to upgrade to modern trends in siding colors. You can contrast varying shades or opt for bolder color choices.

Varieties of Options

Although we do not recommend darker colors, you still have many color and design options. You can pick a color that suits your style and personality best. If you are looking for ideas, painting vinyl siding before and after photos can help.

Increase Resale Value

Curb appeal is a critical factor in attracting potential buyers. So, consider painting your aging vinyl siding. Painting the siding will transform the overall look of your home.

Some people even paint vinyl siding to look like wood. That can give your home a competitive edge on the market.

Cheaper than Installing New Siding

The alternative to painting your vinyl siding is replacing them. This will obviously be more expensive.

However, the condition of the siding may necessitate a new installation. If it is damaged, painting is not a solution on its own.

Cons of Vinyl Siding

It is better to consider all options on the table before deciding. Here are some of the disadvantages of painting your vinyl siding.

Can Void the Warranty

Some manufacturers will not honor warranty claims if you alter the vinyl in any way. That includes painting the siding. That means they will not repair or replace the siding due to flaws. Be prepared to take that risk when painting the vinyl.

Not as Long Lasting as Installing New Siding

Painting is cheaper than replacing the siding. However, the vinyl will need a fresh coat of paint after a few years. On the other hand, a new siding can last as long as 25 years.

You Can’t Paint in Certain Times

Some weather conditions are not conducive for painting. For instance, you can’t paint at certain times in the year in snowy regions. Contrastingly, you can install new siding throughout the year.

Harder to Replace Damaged Siding

Painting the siding a different color will make it challenging to find a replacement. That’s because what the manufacturer will provide will not match the current siding color.

Some weather conditions are not conducive for painting. For instance, you can’t paint at certain times in the year in snowy regions. Contrastingly, you can install new siding throughout the year.

Harder to Replace Damaged Siding

Painting the siding a different color will make it challenging to find a replacement. That’s because what the manufacturer will provide will not match the current siding color.

Paint Vinyl Siding Tips

Before anything else, you need to prepare the surface. Is there anything that needs repairing? Take a close inspection and fix any structural issues first.

It would be better to clean the siding beforehand too. That will clear the dust, stains, mold, mildew, and white residue resulting from chalking.

You can use a pressure washer to clean the siding. Only don’t let water get under the vinyl. Alternatively, you can hand wash using a brush, mop, or broom. 

A solution of water, laundry detergent, and chlorine breach can work as the cleaner. Make sure to rinse with clean water afterward, though. Once the surface is dry, use a brush, roller, or spray equipment to apply the paint.

Best Paint For Vinyl Siding

It is advisable to paint the vinyl siding a light color. Darker colors will absorb heat and cause warping.

Although you can pick whatever color you like, ensure the paint is high quality. We recommend 100% acrylic paint.

Vinyl Siding Paint Colors

Although you should only choose lighter colors, there are still too many options. Some manufacturers sell paint that they specifically make for vinyl siding.

Examples of quality paint include Sherwin Williams vinyl siding paint and Benjamin Moore vinyl siding paint. These are obviously light-colored.

Painting Vinyl Siding Cost

On average, vinyl paint costs between $30 and $150 per gallon. Installation costs will vary. However, you should expect to pay a total of $1,500 - $7,500 for a 2000 sq. ft. house.

The following table shows the cost of different brands of vinyl siding.

Brand

Cost per gallon (paint only)

Valspar

$30 - $150

Behr

$40 - $160

Behr

$50 - $190

Sherwin William

$60 - $200

Can You Paint Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum can fade, scratch, dent, or rust. It is also more susceptible to chalking than vinyl. These issues negatively impact your home’s overall curb appeal. But is painting a cost-effective solution?

If the damage is not extensive, a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into the aging aluminum siding. However, there are some problems that paint can’t cure. Big dents, many perforations, and excessive rusting are some examples.

Aluminum Siding Painting Preparation

The first stage is preparation. Here are several tools and equipment that you will require.

  • 100% acrylic paint
  • Paintbrush/Roller/Spraying equipment
  •  Power Washer
  • Garden Hose

Preparing aluminum siding for painting involves cleaning the surface. You need to remove the dirt and chalk that has accumulated over time. Here, a power washer will do the trick.

Consider applying primer first if you fail to get most of the chalk out after two washings. The primer should be 100-percent acrylic.

You can hire professional cleaners to handle the task on your behalf if you do not know how to clean aluminum siding for painting.

Best Paint For Aluminum Siding

We recommend 100% acrylic aluminum siding paint. Remember, a high-quality paint job requires high-quality paint.

Aluminum Siding Colors

You are not restricted to lighter colors only with aluminum siding. You can choose whatever color suits your fancy.

If your colors look outdated, you can always switch to modern trends. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to pick. You can look at painting aluminum siding before and after photos to get ideas.

Aluminum Siding Painting Cost

On average, it costs between $3,125 and $8,300 to paint aluminum siding for a 2,500 sq. ft. house. The paint costs $46 per gallon alone.

The following table shows the cost of buying different aluminum paint brands.

Brand

Average cost per gallon

Sherwin-Williams

$70

Valspar DuraMax

$40

Behr Marquee

$50

Conclusion

So, can you paint the siding on a house? Absolutely yes. Painting the vinyl or aluminum siding can increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value.

However, sometimes the vinyl or aluminum is too damaged for a fresh coat of paint to suffice. In such cases, you should consider installing new siding instead.

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