Can I Paint my Aluminum Siding?
The siding on your house can be made of many different materials. Some of the most common materials are wood, vinyl, and now aluminum. Aluminum siding has been very popular since the end of World War II when the metal became newly available. It is resistant to weather and wearing, but it is also harder for beginners to paint.
Installing aluminum siding doesn’t mean resigning yourself to a dull house in neutral colors. You can paint your aluminum siding as long as you follow the right procedures, which we will outline below.
Can I Paint Aluminum Siding?
Yes, you can paint aluminum siding. This versatile material wouldn’t be so popular if you couldn’t paint or adjust it. However, the process of painting metal looks different than the process of painting wood or concrete that most homeowners are familiar with. You will also need different materials.
What Materials Do I Need to Paint Aluminum Siding?
To paint aluminum siding, you will need special products for painting metal. Buy a galvanized metal etching primer or other primer that has a formula specifically for painting metal.
Once you set down the primer, you can use any acrylic exterior metal paint that you wish, not just paint formulated specifically for painting metals. Once the primer is laid down, the surface is prepped to allow any type of paint to stick to it properly.
Finally, you need to have the right painting implements on hand. Experts recommend using a polyester bristle paintbrush to apply the metal primer. You can use whatever painting tools you prefer for applying the exterior paint.
How Do I Prep the Surface for Painting Aluminum Siding?
Properly preparing the surface is the most important step when it comes to painting aluminum siding. If you don’t make the right preparations, the paint won’t stick to the surface properly.
First, you want to repair any damages the siding took on. Aluminum siding is more immune to wear and tear than vinyl, but that doesn’t mean nicks, dents, and gaps don’t happen. Replace any damaged sections of the siding. You can do this easily with a repair patch kit. Cut away the damaged area, then cut a repair patch larger than the gap. The kit usually comes with tools to apply the patch, such as a nailing strip and silicone caulk.
You also need to clean aluminum siding thoroughly as this material is prone to mildew. Use a solution of diluted bleach to scrub away at the whole siding. If you want maximum efficiency, use a pressure washer for the best coverage.
Once the surface is clean and dry, apply the self-etching primer. This will prevent future mildewing and oxidation. Let the primer cure, which usually takes four hours or more.
Finally, you’re ready to paint your siding. Seal off any areas that don’t need painting with painting tape and start working. Choose a durable paint with a finish that won’t degrade over time.
Painting aluminum siding takes some prep work, but it is doable.