Vinyl siding is one of the most popular and budget-friendly choices for home exteriors. But it can look worn and faded over time. A couple of decades ago, painting it may not have been an option. But with advances in siding and paint technology, now you can paint vinyl siding instead of replacing it.
Painting a house is a big project, but it isn’t that different from any other painting project. You have to know a couple of vinyl-oriented tricks to make sure you get the best results.
Paint in the Right Weather Conditions
Before you start painting, check the weather report. If the weather is too sunny, hot, or windy, the paint may not adhere properly. While it may look good in the short term, over time, it may crack or flake. So, what are the perfect conditions needed to paint vinyl siding? Mild temperatures, an overcast sky, and low humidity.
Pick the Right Paint
Vinyl siding requires a specific type of paint: latex urethane paint for exterior use. That’s because, for the paint job to look good and last, the paint needs to contain certain types of resins to allow for vinyl’s expansion and contraction.
You may also be wondering whether you can paint your vinyl siding a darker color. Because dark colors retain more heat than light ones, you should skip going darker. Instead, pick the same shade or lighter than your current color.
Spray Off Dirt and Grime
Because vinyl is an exterior product, it can build up a coating of grime, stains, and dirt. So, before painting, fill a pressure washer with a landscape-safe cleaning solution and give your siding a good cleaning.
If you’ve never used a pressure washer to clean siding, keep the stream at eye level and point it straight at the siding. Spraying at an angle can drive water behind the siding.
Apply Primer and Paint
If the original color has completely faded or the siding is pitted, apply a coat of siding to the vinyl before you paint it. This will smooth the siding and help the paint adhere better.
If, however, your siding is in good shape, you can go straight to painting. Apply your paint with a sprayer or roller, using a brush on corners and around windows and doors. It’s better to do several thin coats than one thick one.
After you finish the first coat, let it dry, then layer on the second. Two coats are usually sufficient, but you’ll want to assess the job after the second coat to ensure you got the best results.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Cleaning and painting a house is a huge project. So if “paint vinyl siding” is on your to-do list this year, but doing it yourself isn’t, reach out for a free estimate. Our experienced exterior house painters are ready to help you every step of the way.