Painting aluminum siding is an effective way to update the look of your home’s exterior and protect the siding from wear and tear. With proper preparation and application, a fresh coat of paint can give aluminum siding a brand new appearance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to successfully paint aluminum siding, from cleaning and prepping to choosing the right paint and techniques for application. Follow these tips and you’ll achieve professional-looking results.
Cleaning and Prepping the Aluminum Siding
Thorough cleaning and prepping is crucial for the new paint to properly adhere to the aluminum siding. Here are the key steps:
Wash the siding using a pressure washer or garden hose with a nozzle attachment. Use a detergent solution mixed with water and scrub areas with a soft bristle brush to remove dirt, mildew, chalky paint, and other grime. Rinse thoroughly.
Inspect for damage: Look for dents, cracks, holes, and other imperfections. Use caulk or epoxy filler to patch small holes. Larger damaged areas may need replacement siding panels.
Sand shiny or glossy surfaces: Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up any shiny or glossy areas for better paint adhesion. Avoid sanding deeply into the aluminum.
Remove loose paint: Use a paint scraper, putty knife, or stiff wire brush to remove any loose, cracked, blistered, or peeling paint. Feather the edges smooth.
Clean with TSP substitute: Mix a TSP substitute cleaner with water per label instructions and scrub the siding to remove any oil, grease, wax, chalk, mildew stains, etc. Rinse thoroughly.
Spot prime: With a small brush, spot prime any bare aluminum or newly exposed areas after cleaning with an oil-based metal primer or etching primer. This enhances paint adhesion.
Caulk gaps and joints: Use a paintable silicone caulk to fill any cracks, gaps, or open joints to help keep moisture out. Tool the caulk smooth.
Thorough prep removes surface contaminants and gives the new paint something to “grip” onto. Now the aluminum siding is ready for painting!
Choosing the Right Paint and Supplies
When selecting paint for aluminum siding, consider:
Latex acrylic paint formulated for exterior metal and masonry is recommended. Latex acrylics expand and contract similarly to aluminum to avoid cracking and peeling. They also resist fading and provide good coverage.
Flat or satin finish is ideal as higher sheens like gloss can make imperfections in the siding more noticeable. Satin offers a nice low luster.
Quality primer promotes adhesion and evens porosity differences. Use a bonding primer or acrylic metal primer.
Matching caulk and paint give a uniform finished look. Use paintable silicone caulk.
2-3′′ Angled sash brush is great for cutting in around trim and corners. Use high-quality nylon or polyester bristles.
3/4′′ to 1-1/2′′ nap roller covers work for quickly rolling larger areas of siding. Choose microfiber or polyester nap.
Painter’s tape, stir sticks, trays and other basic supplies are useful to have as well. Buy quality paint and application tools for best results.
Paint Application Tips and Techniques
Follow these key tips when applying the paint:
Work in shaded areas when possible to avoid paint drying too fast in direct sun. Work on small sections at a time.
Apply primer first if needed to seal bare aluminum, provide an even base color, improve topcoat adhesion and help cover more smoothly. Allow primer to fully dry per label before painting.
Start with the trim, cutting in around windows, doors, corners, eaves and outlets with the angled sash brush. Hold the brush at a 45° angle to get straight edges.
Roll the siding panels using a vertical up and down motion to coat evenly and avoid lap marks. Apply a uniform coat, overlapping edges slightly but avoiding thick buildup.
Maintain a wet edge by brushing/rolling continuously from one section to the next before the paint dries. Work in logical sections.
Work methodically around the home, doing all upper panels, windows, trim etc before moving down the walls. Use painter’s tape if desired to protect adjacent surfaces.
Apply two coats for full coverage and durability, allowing proper dry time between coats. The first coat acts as a primer while the second coat provides an even finish.
Inspect for missed spots and apply another brushcoat if needed for full coverage after the main paint job is complete. Touch up paint before it fully dries for best blending.
Proper paint application helps the new color go on smoothly and evenly. Be sure to follow the product label instructions for dry time between coats, clean up and disposal. With attention to detail your freshly painted aluminum siding will look great for years!
How Long Does Paint Last on Aluminum Siding?
How long your paint job lasts depends on several factors:
- Paint quality – Higher quality paints last longer. Look for exterior grade acrylic latex paint.
- Surface prep – Proper cleaning, sanding, priming and patching maximizes paint adhesion and durability.
- Application techniques – Proper coating thickness, following recoat times, avoiding painting in direct sun all help paint last longer.
- Exposure and weather – Aluminum siding on the south/west sides of homes or exposed to extreme weather may need repainting more often.
On average, expect exterior acrylic latex paint to last 5-10 years on aluminum siding before needing touch ups or a full repaint. Higher quality paints at the top end of that range applied using proper prep and application techniques can potentially last 10-15 years.
Here are some signs it’s time for a fresh coat of paint:
- Fading, chalking and overall dullness
- Flaking, cracking or peeling
- Bare aluminum showing through
- Glossy areas where paint has worn away
- Mildew or dark streaking
Touch up faded or worn areas as soon as possible to get more life out of your paint job. Completely repainting when the paint starts failing will provide maximum protection. Proper maintenance painting helps aluminum siding look its best.
What Sheen of Paint is Best for Aluminum Siding?
When choosing a paint sheen for aluminum siding:
Flat or matte paint provides no shine and hides surface imperfections well. However, it tends to show dirt and can be more prone to staining.
Satin or eggshell finishes have a low luster sheen that resists staining and dirt better than flat. They highlight architectural details nicely.
Semi-gloss paint has medium gloss that stands up well to cleaning but accentuates flaws in siding. Gloss enamels are even shinier.
For aluminum siding, a satin or eggshell finish is often the best choice. It provides subtle luster between flat and semi-gloss, resists staining, cleans up easily and minimizes flaws. Satin is ideal for both frame and siding.
Consider the condition of your aluminum siding when choosing sheen:
- Flat paint helps worn or damaged siding look more uniform
- Satin works well for siding in good condition
- Gloss shows imperfections – only use on pristine or new aluminum
Talk to your paint retailer about the right finish for your particular aluminum siding. Apply primer and paint samples to see how the sheen looks before doing the full project. This ensures you get beautiful, long-lasting results.
What Kind of Primer Should I Use on Aluminum Siding?
Choosing the right primer is key to getting paint to properly adhere to aluminum siding. Look for these qualities in a primer:
Acrylic or latex-based – Acrylic primer is flexible to resist cracking as the siding expands and contracts. Oil-based primers can become brittle.
Corrosion resistant – Primers contain rust inhibitors to prevent oxidation and corrosion on aluminum surfaces.
Binding properties – Primers act as a bonding agent between the bare metal and topcoat paint for excellent adhesion.
Seals evenly – Effective primers sealconsistently to create a uniform foundation and improve coverage of the finishing paint.
Stain blocking – Primers prevent stains from bleeding through from the aluminum or existing paint for a flawless look.
Etching primers contain acids that etch into slick aluminum to provide extra gripping power for paint. They offer outstanding adhesion.
For best results, use a high quality 100% acrylic primer or etching primer designed specifically for exterior aluminum and metal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Proper priming prevents paint problems down the road.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Aluminum Siding?
The cost to paint aluminum siding depends on several factors:
- Home’s square footage – Larger homes require more paint and labor time.
- Accessibility – Multi-story homes or high reaches may need equipment rental.
- Surface condition – Heavily weathered siding takes more extensive prep and painting.
- Materials used – Type of paint, primer, brushes/rollers impact costs.
- Professional vs DIY – Hiring a painting pro is more expensive but saves time and effort.
For painting a typical single story 2,000 sq ft home, materials can run $200-$500 and a professional painter may charge $1500-$3000 for prep, priming and painting labor.
DIY painting the same home can cost $500-$800 just for supplies, with labor being your own time and effort. Added prep or repair work can increase costs.
Many factors impact the overall cost, but repainting aluminum siding is an affordable way to refresh your home’s exterior compared to replacing the siding entirely. Get quotes from at least 2-3 painters to find the best rate if hiring it out.
What Colors Look Best on Aluminum Siding?
Certain colors and hues complement aluminum siding best. Here are top color choices:
Neutral Tones
White – A classic look, bright white aluminum siding has widespread appeal. Uses the reflective nature of aluminum to “bounce” light.
Grays – Shades of gray from light silvers to deeper charcoals give aluminum siding a contemporary, sleek look.
Beiges and tans – Warm neutral tones work well on many home styles and blend with natural surroundings. Provides a subtle color pop.
Primary Colors
Red – From brick reds to fire engine red, this bold shade gives aluminum siding real curb appeal. Pairs nicely with white trim.
Blue – Cool shades like navy, slate blue and sky blue flatter aluminum siding. Feels both soothing and timeless.
Yellow – Cheerful pastel yellows complement aluminum siding without being overpowering. Makes a welcoming visual statement.
Greens
Sage – An earthy green tone at home in natural settings. More mellow than bright greens.
Forest green – A traditional green with natural appeal. Darker than sage, but not too bold.
Light greens – Soft mint, seafoam and other pale greens provide an uplifting color that works well with aluminum.
Consider the overall color scheme and architecture of your home when choosing exterior paint colors. Neutral aluminum siding paint colors offer flexibility in coordinating trim, roofs and other accents. Bold paint shades make the siding a dramatic focal point.
Painting Over Previously Painted Aluminum Siding
Follow these tips when repainting previously painted aluminum siding:
Remove loose paint – Scrape off any paint that is blistered, cracked or peeling using a wire brush or paint scraper. Feather edges.
Sand glossy areas – Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to dull any shiny spots. This provides “tooth” for the new paint.
Clean thoroughly – Power wash and use TSP substitute to remove chalk, mildew and surface contaminants. Rinse well.
Spot prime bare areas – Prime any exposed aluminum with a quality acrylic bonding primer or etching primer.
Check for compatibility – Make sure new paint is compatible with old. Ask at paint store if unsure.
Use correct preparation – If existing paint is oil-based, sand and apply oil primer before painting.
Apply finish coat – Use quality exterior latex acrylic paint. Allow proper dry time between coats.
Previously painted siding won’t need as extensive prep as bare aluminum. But it’s still important to properly clean, patch and prime for best results. The new paint will adhere and perform better long-term.
How to Paint Aluminum Siding Visual Guide
Here is a quick visual overview of the steps for painting aluminum siding:
Supplies Needed
- Exterior acrylic latex paint
- Primer
- Paint brushes, rollers
- Additional prepping supplies
Prep Steps
- Clean siding thoroughly
- Sand glossy areas
- Scrape/remove any loose paint
- Spot prime bare aluminum
- Fill gaps and holes
Painting Process
- Cut in edges and trim with brush
- Roll larger siding sections using vertical strokes
- Apply two finish coats allowing proper dry time
- Inspect and touch up missed spots
Proper prep and application provides long-lasting, professional paint results! Review the steps above and helpful tips throughout this guide before your aluminum siding painting project.
Painting Aluminum Siding – FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting aluminum siding:
Does aluminum siding need to be primed before painting?
Primer improves paint adhesion and durability on aluminum siding. For best results, it’s recommended to apply a high quality acrylic bonding primer or etching primer designed for metal. Prime any bare aluminum before painting.
What kind of paint adheres best to aluminum siding?
Exterior grade acrylic latex paints adhere best and provide the most durable finish on aluminum siding. The flexible acrylic resin expands and contracts similarly to aluminum to prevent cracking and peeling over time.
Can you use a sprayer to paint aluminum siding?
Yes, you can use an airless paint sprayer to paint aluminum siding. Sprayers allow faster application. But they require masking off adjacent surfaces and take practice to master proper spraying techniques.
How long after painting aluminum siding can it get wet?
Acrylic latex paint generally cures fully after 5-7 days. Avoid heavy wetting for at least 3 days. Light moisture/dew is ok after 24 hours. Let the paint fully cure before power washing or harsh weather exposure.
Should you paint aluminum siding white or dark colors?
Both white and dark paint colors work well on aluminum siding. White is very reflective. Darker colors absorb and transfer more heat, so may be prone to faster fading. Medium tones offer a good compromise.
Can you paint aluminum siding that has faded but still looks good?
Yes, you can paint faded aluminum siding to spruce it up and renew protection. Clean thoroughly, sand glossy areas, spot prime bare aluminum, then apply 1-2 fresh coats using exterior acrylic latex paint.
Painting aluminum siding the right way ensures your exterior paint job lasts for many years! Give your home a fresh new look with a beautiful weather-resistant finish.
Conclusion
Painting aluminum siding allows you to update your home’s exterior color scheme and restore the siding’s protection from the elements. While the process requires some work, it is very doable as a DIY home project if the proper steps are followed. Be sure to properly clean, prep, prime, and paint the aluminum siding using high quality exterior grade acrylic latex paint. Employ proper techniques when applying the paint for an even, durable finish. Maintain the freshly painted aluminum siding by catching any worn areas early and doing spot touch ups. Following this guide will have your aluminum siding looking like new again in no time!