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If you have old aluminum siding, painting it can help to revive your home and give it a new look. A long-lasting finish requires proper preparation and painting of aluminum siding, unlike traditional siding. Here's the guide on everything to prepare till the finishing touch.
Why Paint Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum is popular among many homeowners as it is durable, lightweight, and will not rust. The paint on the exterior of your home is long-lasting, but eventually, if it starts to fade or chalk you may need a facelift. What Painting Your Aluminum Siding Will Do
- Reinstate the original color or flaunt a new look of your home.
- Keep the siding from getting any worse
- Boost your home's curb appeal and perhaps its selling price.
Materials and Tools You'll Need
Before you start, gather the following materials and tools:
- Power washer or hose with a scrub brush
- Mild detergent (like dish soap)
- Paint scraper and wire brush
- Sandpaper (120-150 grit)
- Painter's tape and drop cloths
- Primer (specific for metal or aluminum surfaces)
- High-quality acrylic exterior paint
- Paint rollers (with extension poles) and brushes
- Paint sprayer (optional, for a smoother finish)
- Ladder and safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask)
Step 1: Clean the Surface
First and most important is that cleaning aluminum siding is the first step in painting it. If there is dirt, mildew, or a chalky powder residue on the surface then the paint will not adhere.
- Use a pressure washer to clean the siding of dirt and debris. If no power washer, a hose should be all right and you can even scrub the siding with a brush and piece of mild detergent in water.
- Rinse well with water and leave the siding to dry completely. At least a day, maybe 2 days depending on how sunny it is near you.
Step 2: Scrape Off The Old Paint and Repair Damages
Paint will not stick to a peeling or loose surface and unless your desire is for the outcome of future flakes landing in his hair, that would be what I call creating extra work.
- Use a paint scraper to take off any loose flaking paint. You will want to be careful to not scratch the aluminum.
- Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to smooth the transition between the bare metal and paint that is still on.
- Use filler or patching compound to fix any dents and holes on the siding. Once dry, sand the repairs flat.
Step 3: Prime the Surface
Priming is essential if you want your paint job to stick well and last longer.
- Primer suitable for aluminum or metal surfaces. A roller for big areas and a brush for edging is the simple tip that will end up saving you loads of money. If you have a paint sprayer, this is the best way to get an even coat.
- Allow the primer to dry as per manufacturer instructions, and this will take anywhere between 24 hours to 48 hours.
Step 4: Paint the Siding
And now that you have your surface prepped and primed, it is time to start painting.
- A quality fade-proof acrylic paint designed for exterior use and safe to apply on metal surfaces.
- First layer of paint with a roller or sprayer Begin at the top and work your way down, making sure everything is coated evenly.
- For edges, corners and other hard-to-reach places use a bristle brush.
- Wait until the first coat is completely dry and put on a second coat. It generally takes 4-6 hours, but be sure to read the paint can for accurate drying times.
- A second coat will provide a more durable and even finish.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Let it dry and then peel back tape/primer (if applicable) to see how well covered it is.
- If you miss any spots or need to touch up the siding, do so.
- Wipe up any drips or spatters with a damp cloth before it dries.
- Clean up the area and remove drop cloths.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Aluminum Siding?
Picking the ideal paint in the very first area will assist you in acquiring a durable as well as good coating on your aluminum siding. As for painting aluminum siding, exterior acrylic latex paint should be used so follow this link if you want a complete guide, or read how about caulking and painting kitchen cabinets. The system preferred is acrylic latex paint, as this can adhere itself to aluminum with great durability and will peel off its color or fade. It also moves with the metal, helping to prevent temperature-related paint problems.
You should also consider applying a primer before the topcoat. The use of a bonding primer that is intended for metals to promote better adhesion with the paint can result in a much nicer finish. This is even more crucial for painted siding.
Should You Paint Aluminum Siding Flat or Satin?
The gloss in your paint may not only influence how nice the siding looks but also its lifetime and time needed for maintenance requirements. Finish – Most aluminum siding paint has different finish types, and flat or satin is a common choice.
Flat finish: This variety creates a non-reflective, matt surface that will hide older aluminum siding imperfections But flat paint is not as resilient, and cleaning it can be more difficult.
Satin finish: This gives the siding a smooth polished look and is slightly less glossy than gloss. It has greater longevity than flat paint, and it is easier to clean so best for high-traffic areas or homes in urban environments.
In the end, most houses with aluminum siding opt for a satin finish which provides an excellent compromise between appearance and sustainability as well as maintenance.
How Many Coats of Paint Are on the Exterior Aluminum Siding?
If you are wondering about the price of painting your aluminum siding and how long-lasting, then the number of coats matters. For aluminum siding, generally, two coats of paint is all it takes:
First Coat: The first coat will be the addition of a good bonding primer, especially if you are painting over bare aluminum, or peeling paint. This makes the topcoat stick better and gives away a flat surface to work on.
Second Coat: Following the primer, give a first layer of acrylic latex paint. Let the first coat dry entirely before applying the second coat to ensure even coverage and a smooth finish.
If the existing color is dark, and if you are changing to a light one…a third coat might be needed in certain cases.
What Kind of Paint Will Stick to Aluminum?
The best way to paint aluminum siding to paint aluminum siding first requires the right type of paint for aluminum siding. The Acrylic latex paint covers exceptionally well to metal surfaces, including aluminum. It has great weathering resistance making it practical for use outdoors as well.
Oil-based paints work fine with wood but on aluminum siding, not so much. When acrylic latex paint is used on aluminum the right way, it will have great adhesion and keep your surface protected for a very long time.
Cost to Paint Aluminum Siding
If you decide to paint your aluminum siding, the type and amount of materials required will play a role in determining how much this project can end up costing.
Factors Influencing Cost
Size of the house: More paint and materials are required to cover a larger home, raising costs across the board. If you are strictly doing it yourself, your paint and materials costs for a general 1500 square feet house could be somewhere between $500 to $1,000.
Quality of Paint: You get what you pay for with paint — better quality paints typically last longer and need fewer coats, but cost more. A gallon of good-quality acrylic exterior paint costs $30 to $60.
Labor Costs: This will make up the biggest part of your expense if you hire a professional painter to do all of their work. A rough estimate will be about $1.50, and 3.50 per square foot depending on your location as well as the difficulty of this task Professional painting services
Other Supplies: Last but not least, remember to add these costs for supplies like primer, painter's tape, or drop cloths and the brush rollers are ladders. These will run you another $100-200 in total cost.
DIY vs. Professional Painting
Do It Yourself: For the most cost-effective route, plan on spending $600-$1,200 for all your painting materials and supplies if you decide to take matters into your own hands. If you have the time and skills to complete it, this can be a very inexpensive option.
Professional: Hiring professionals can cost more, with overall costs between $2000 and $6000 total depending on the size of your home and local labor rates. But, professionals have experience which makes them deliver a perfect finish for years to come.
Overall Cost Estimation
It costs between $1,500 to$5,500 on average (depending if you do it yourself or hire a contractor). Although it may sound a little bit pricey at first, turning your siding can also drastically enhance the search of your home and improve it's producing this odd expenditure.
Siding Painting in Philadelphia
If you are in the Philadelphia region and considering giving a second look to your dwelling exterior let Pinnacle Painters take up this work. We are aluminum siding exterior, painting experts, giving your home plenty of curb appeal and a great finish. They know what to avoid, so they will prevent you from making the same mistakes that others make when trying to paint their own home and help you get professional results that are going to last for years.
Conclusion
Painting aluminum siding is an inexpensive way of improving your home's exterior. By doing these steps, cleaning the rough process of a surface that has been used for years and continuing the prepping priming painting will allow the paint to last on your tile site like a pro does! You know how the saying goes; every good painting starts with a great canvas work and that means you shouldn't rush through this step!
