Homeowners often ask, “Can vinyl siding be painted?” The answer is “yes,” but vinyl presents a number of challenges that must be considered before it’s attempted. For example, heat causes vinyl to expand and contract, and vinyl doesn’t work well with many kinds of exterior paint. Paint can also be very time-consuming to apply to vinyl.
Nevertheless, painting vinyl siding still has some benefit. For instance, it’s a relatively simple way to give the exterior of your home a facelift. Also, if the vinyl siding on your home has experienced any type of weather damage, it can be restored to its original look. Benjamin Moore® even claims that quality paint and modern coating technology can actually protect your siding. You should read through their handy guide if you’re seriously considering painting the vinyl siding on your home for many helpful tips.
Which Paint Should You Choose?
You must use paint that’s formulated specifically for vinyl. These paints are typically blended with urethane and acrylic resins. Both Benjamin Moore® and Sherwin Williams® have paint products that are designed for use with vinyl siding. Also, it’s highly recommended that you only paint your siding with colors that match your current siding colors, or slightly lighter. That’s because temperature swings cause of the vinyl to expand and contract, which leads to cracking and peeling. Dark colors painted on top of lighter colored vinyl are unsightly and difficult to mask.
Price
You’ll be pleased to know that painting vinyl siding isn’t very expensive. And if you’re properly equipped, it can be a do-it-yourself job. You’ll have to buy paint, purchase or rent a power washer, and you’ll need cleaning supplies. A 1,000 sq.ft. home will cost $300 or more in paint and cleaning supplies, plus washing equipment.
How to Apply Paint to Vinyl Siding
Painting vinyl siding is done in three simple steps: 1) preparation, 2) washing, 3) painting. Two people can complete the project in a single weekend. It’ll take a single individual several days.
1. Use vinyl siding cleaner to spot clean the vinyl and remove bugs, dirt, mildew, and tree sap.
2. Rinse the house down with a pressure washer or garden hose and allow the siding to completely dry.
3. Apply the first coat of paint from the top of the house to the bottom. Use long even strokes lengthwise across the vinyl. Let it completely dry and apply the second coat.
Don’t attempt to paint on a rainy day or on a sunny hot day. It’s best to paint when the weather is overcast and cool. Under those conditions your paint stands a better chance of properly adhering to the surface and completely drying.
Ongoing Maintenance
• Hose down the exterior of your home and spot clean where necessary every spring to extend the life of your paint job.
• Your home should be repainted every 7 to 10 years. If your climate experiences extreme temperature changes you may have to paint more often.