Are you thinking about painting your vinyl siding a new color? We will help you do it!
Yes! You can paint vinyl siding.
Painting your vinyl siding is a great option for those DIYers who want a new look and want to save some money. There are a two things you should know before getting started. (Looking for more helpful tips on your home’s siding? Check out our Ultimate Siding Guide.)
1. Your siding should still be in good shape.
If your siding color is fading, the siding quality overall might be poor. Make sure the siding itself is strong. Vinyl siding can last for 20-40 years depending on how well you maintain it and where you live. Therefore, if your siding is over 15 years old it may be better to replace it.
2. Know that painting your siding is a large job.
Make sure to check the weather for the next couple of days. Low humidity and a partly cloudy day are ideal. Too much moisture, wind, or sun can create cracks and flakes in the paint. We recommend asking your friends and family to help you. If you have two stories, make sure you and your helpers are capable of painting the top level safely. You can always hire a painter to do the entire job for you.
Clean your siding first
Don’t paint over dirt! You need to make sure your surface is squeaky clean so the paint can stick to it.
You can buy siding cleaning solutions: Simple Green, Nice & Easy, Armor All will do the trick. You can also use a power washer, or you can make your own cleaning solution. Mix white vinegar and water (go for a 30% to 70% mixture) for an organic mixture.Or, you can create a stronger cleaner using ⅓ laundry detergent, 1 quart of laundry bleach, ⅔ cups of powdered household cleaner, and 1 gallon of water.
Then, pick out your paint
- Make sure it is a shade that will properly cover up your original color.
- It’s best to avoid vinyl siding paint colors darker than your original color. Darker colors will attract more sun and the heat will become trapped in between the new paint color and the old paint color. This can warp your siding structure. Vinylsafe assures users their darker paints won’t experience this problem.
- Not just any paint will do. Exterior vinyl paint should have urethane and acrylic resins in it, to stick and expand with the siding. The paint should be specific for exterior use, like Vinylsafe from Sherwin Williams or Regal Select REVIVE by Benjamin Moore. You should be able to find these at your local home improvement store.
- You shouldn’t need to apply a primer before you paint unless your siding is porous and pitted (at that point maybe you should consider getting new siding).
How to Paint Your Vinyl Siding
1. Test the area first to ensure you like the color and that it is properly adhering to the surface.
2. Use painters tape to cover any window sills or other things you don’t want to be painted.
3. Start from the top of your exterior and work your way to the bottom.
4. Apply the second coat once the first coat is dry. You must wait 24 hours before the project is complete (make sure there is no rain). Usually, two coats of paint will do the job.
