How to Paint Vinyl Siding

Painting vinyl siding can completely transform the look of your home’s exterior. With a fresh coat of paint, you can update the color, protect the siding from weathering, and make your house look brand new. Painting vinyl is definitely doable as a DIY project if you use the right prep work and painting techniques. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly paint vinyl siding to get beautiful, long-lasting results.

Assessing Your Vinyl Siding

Before jumping into painting, take some time to examine the current state of your vinyl siding. This will help you determine the best approach for prepping and painting.

Consider the following:

Age of the siding – Older, weathered vinyl will require more intense cleaning and potentially sanding to smooth damaged areas. Newer vinyl may only need light cleaning before painting.
Color of the siding – Paint adheres best if the new color is lighter than the original shade. Drastic color changes from dark to light may require a primer or multiple paint coats.
Texture of the siding – Heavily textured or perforated vinyl siding can be trickier to paint as paint can get lodged in crevices. Go for spray paints rather than rolled paint to get into textured surfaces.
Current condition – Vinyl siding that is cracked, warped, or has loose panels will need repairs before painting. Use vinyl cement to patch small holes. Replace severely damaged panels.

Thoroughly inspect all sides of your home before prepping siding for paint. Pay extra attention to areas exposed to intense sun or moisture.

Choosing the Right Paint

The type of paint you choose for vinyl siding is extremely important for getting great results. Here are the most suitable paint options:

100% acrylic latex exterior paint – Latex-based acrylic paints are ideal for flexibility and adhesion on vinyl. They resist cracking and peeling.
Exterior satin paint – Satin offers a nice sheen while still hiding surface imperfections well. It’s less shiny than gloss.
Vinyl-specific paint – Some brands formulate paints specifically for vinyl and other plastics. Use these for best results.
Spray paint – For textured siding, opt for spray paint to get full coverage in crevices.

Avoid the following:

Oil-based paints – These don’t flex well on vinyl and can crack.
Flat paints – They don’t adhere as strongly and show scuffs.
Dark colors – Very dark hues absorb heat and can warp or discolor vinyl.

Test potential paint colors on a small, inconspicuous area first. Make sure the paint adheres well without sagging or damaging the vinyl.

Prepping Vinyl Siding for Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for getting paint to adhere correctly on vinyl siding. Follow these steps:

Cleaning the Surface

Vinyl siding must be cleaned thoroughly before attempting to paint:

Use a pressure washer to remove loose dirt and grime. Start at a distance, moving the nozzle closer if needed.
Mix trisodium phosphate (TSP) with water in a bucket. Scrub siding with this solution and a stiff brush.
Rinse cleaned siding thoroughly with a garden hose. Allow to fully dry.

Do not use cleaners containing bleach or abrasives as these can damage vinyl.

Sanding and Scuffing

For older or damaged siding, lightly sand surfaces:

Use 150-220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the vinyl enough for paint to adhere.
Avoid removing too much material – the goal is just to rough up the surface.
Hit rough spots and areas with paint chipping more intensely.
Sand evenly across all sides being painted.

Spot Repairs

Inspect closely for any cracks, holes, or missing pieces in your vinyl siding. Make repairs before painting:

Use exterior vinyl cement to patch small holes and cracks. Let cure fully.
Cut out and replace any split, warped, or buckled siding panels.
Reinforce detached panels by nailing back into place. Fill holes with exterior caulk.
Replace any missing or rotten trim pieces around windows, corners, etc.

Priming

Some paints for vinyl don’t require a separate primer. For best results, it’s a good idea to apply primer:

Use an exterior acrylic primer made for plastic and vinyl.
Only apply primer to any bare spots where you made repairs. Avoid priming over paint in good shape.
Let primer dry fully before painting – usually at least overnight.

Once your vinyl siding is prepped, it’s time to start painting. Follow these application tips:

Choosing Brushes vs. Rollers vs. Sprayers

Brushes – Use high-quality nylon or polyester bristle brushes. They provide good control for cutting in.
Paint rollers – Choose rollers with a thicker nap (3/8″ – 1/2″ is best). Only use these for flat, smooth surfaces.
Paint sprayer – For textured siding, sprayers provide the most complete, even coverage. Practice first to get technique down.

Painting Technique

Always paint on dry, calm days with temperatures between 50-90° F.
Paint in sections, starting at the top of a wall and working your way down.
Apply paint in smooth, thin coats rather than globbing it on thickly.
Use a brush to “cut-in” corners, edges, and trim first, then use a roller or sprayer for large areas.
Work methodically around all sides of the home, doing a section at a time.
Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another.
For drastic color changes, darker hues, or heavily textured vinyl, add a second coat for full coverage.

Drying and Curing

Let painted vinyl siding dry for 24-48 hours before exposing to rain or moisture.
Allow painted vinyl to cure for 2-3 days before high-pressure cleaning.
The paint will fully harden and become scratch-resistant in 5-7 days. Avoid activities that could scuff the paint until fully cured.
Additional coats can be applied after 2-4 hours of dry time, as needed.

With the right preparations and painting approach, even textured or older vinyl siding can get a refresh with a new color. Properly applied paint will maintain its vibrancy for years. Follow these tips and your painted vinyl siding will look freshly installed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Vinyl Siding

Painting vinyl siding brings up a lot of questions for DIYers. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:

Q: Does vinyl siding need to be primed before painting?

A: Most paints formulated specifically for vinyl do not require separate primer. For heavily weathered siding, a primer can help the paint adhere better. Always spot prime repaired areas.

Q: Can you use a paint sprayer to paint vinyl siding?

A: Yes, paint sprayers are great for getting full, even coverage on textured vinyl siding that rollers may miss. Practice your spray painting technique first.

Q: How long does painted vinyl siding last?

A: Painted correctly, vinyl siding paint should last 5-7 years before needing touch ups. Harsher climates may require refreshing paint more often. Proper prep and using quality paint helps maximize durability.

Q: What kind of brushes are best for painting vinyl siding?

A: Look for brushes with polyester or nylon bristles. These are durable enough for exterior use but still provide good control for cutting in edges. Avoid cheap bristle brushes.

Q: Can you use the same paint on vinyl siding as wood siding?

A: Generally no – wood paints like alkyds don’t flex well for vinyl. Acrylic latex paints formulated for vinyl and plastics provide the best adhesion and flexibility.

Q: Is it better to paint vinyl siding in sections?

A: Yes, painting in manageable sections makes it easier to maintain wet edges and not miss any spots. Start by cutting in edges then fill in the main areas in 3-4 ft. wide sections.

Q: Should vinyl siding be washed before painting?

A: Thoroughly cleaning vinyl prior to painting is a must! Pressure wash, use TSP to scrub, then rinse to remove dirt, chalky areas, and mold or mildew. Let siding dry fully before painting.

Q: What temperature should it be when painting vinyl siding?

A: Ideal temps for exterior latex paint are 50-90° F. Avoid painting in direct sun or if rain, heavy dew, or temperatures below 50° are expected within 24 hours.

Conclusion

Painting vinyl siding is one of the most affordable ways to update the exterior of your home. To achieve great results that will last, be sure to properly assess and clean your vinyl siding, use high-quality acrylic latex paints suited for vinyl, and use proper painting techniques. Painter’s tape for clean lines, taking your time, and allowing proper drying between coats leads to a durable finish that will refresh your home’s look for years. With a little patience and effort, you can paint vinyl siding and boost your home’s curb appeal.