Paint Vinyl Siding using Right Materials and Techniques

If your siding is looking faded or the color is outdated, you might be wondering: can you paint vinyl siding? The good news is, there are techniques for painting siding. But you’ll want to read up on the process carefully before attempting it. Using the wrong materials or process could lead to chipping and worse-looking siding than you currently have.

Learn everything you need to know about the vinyl siding painting process as well as pros and cons to decide whether siding replacement might be better for you.

What Materials Do You Need to Paint Vinyl Siding?

The first step in painting your vinyl siding is to assemble the materials required. Here’s a look at what you’ll need.

Exterior vinyl siding paint
Primer
Painter’s tape
Paint brushes
Paint rollers
Paint sprayer
Power washer and cleaning solution made from one gallon of water, one quart liquid bleach, one-third cup of laundry detergent, two-thirds cup powdered household cleaner
Bucket
Soft-bristled brush
Plastic sheeting

Step-by-step Directions for Painting Vinyl Siding

Painting vinyl siding is complex. If you aren’t careful, you can damage your siding or make it look worse. If you can afford it, hire a professional painter. If you can’t afford the painter, make sure you’re skilled with a paint brush before attempting whole-house vinyl siding painting.

1. Clean the Siding

Check your siding manufacturer’s advice on power washing your siding because some manufacturers don’t recommend it. Prepare your cleaning solution and add it to your power washer while leaving some in the bucket. This mixture will attack dirt and mildew. Use the right attachment for your power washer and hold the nozzle a proper distance from the home to avoid damaging the siding. Use the soft-bristled brush to scrub areas that need it.

2. Lay Out the Plastic Sheeting

Prepare the area with plastic sheeting over elements you don’t want painted, such as trim, downspouts, windows and doors.

3. Prime the Home

Before painting, you’ll need to add a primer to the home. Ensure you allow enough time for the primer to dry properly, or you might experience peeling paint.

4. Paint

Start by cutting in around elements like the windows and doors. Take your time to ensure you don’t get the paint on elements that should not be painted. Then use your sprayer to finish the rest of the home. Avoid runs, which will make your home look less attractive once complete.

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Pros and Cons of Painting Vinyl Siding

Before you get started with vinyl siding painting, consider these pros and cons.

Pros

Less expensive: Painting vinyl siding costs far less than replacement. Just be sure you know what you’re doing before you get started.
Curb appeal: If your vinyl siding is no longer looking its best, a new coat of paint can work wonders for your curb appeal. You’ll cover blemishes to make your home look fresh and new again.
Greater home value: Homes that go from faded and outdated colors to updated painted siding can experience large jumps in home value.

Cons

Unlikely to last: While painting vinyl siding helps cover imperfections, it won’t provide lasting curb appeal. You’ll likely get 5 years from the paint job in comparison to the 30-40 years new siding can offer.
Could disrupt your warranty: Many vinyl siding manufacturers will cancel your warranty once you paint the siding. You’ll be altering the siding from the manufacturer’s specifications, which might void the warranty. Read up on this before attempting.
Potential for damage: During the painting process, you might damage your siding. Using the wrong type of paint can also lead to peeling and chipping, which is less attractive than the faded siding you currently have.

Considerations Before Painting Vinyl Siding

Before you commit to painting your vinyl siding, review these considerations.

Preparation: The cleaner your surface is before painting, the better the paint will adhere to it. Another reason for using a primer is that it helps prepare the surface to ensure a good even paint application.
Color: Choose your siding color carefully, especially if you’re painting to ensure a good sale price. When your manufacturer built your siding and the contractor installed it, they planned for it to react to the elements based on its existing color. Color depth and darkness impact the expansion and contraction. You should avoid painting your siding darker than its original color.
Exterior temperature: Because your siding expands when placed under heat, you should attempt to paint it when it is warmer out to expose the seams to its point of contraction. Don’t paint when it is over 90 degrees though.

Selecting the Best Paint for Vinyl Siding

Many standard exterior paints will leave your vinyl siding looking streaky. Some paint can damage your siding or cause flaking or peeling. That’s why it is so important to work with a paint that is designed for vinyl. You can’t just buy any exterior paint at your local hardware store.

The paint must be 100% acrylic, which will help it adhere to the vinyl. The right paint will make all the difference in how your paint holds to your siding and its durability.

Recap of Tips for Best Results when Painting Vinyl Siding

Here’s a recap of the best tips and suggestions for painting vinyl siding to ensure the best results and an attractive curb appeal.

Start the process with a clean surface by power washing and scrubbing the siding where you see dirt or mildew
Once cleaned, use a primer on the surface to ensure your paint adheres well
Select a paint that specifically says it is formulated to paint vinyl siding
Paint the siding during a temperate day where there is minimal humidity and wind
Use two coats of paint for good coverage and to avoid having areas that show through the original paint color as the paint wears

Painting vs. Replacing Vinyl Siding

If you’re considering painting your vinyl siding, it is likely old and beginning to look tired. If your vinyl siding is nearing the end of its life – 25 years or older – it’s wise to investigate replacement instead of painting. The cost and time commitment of painting won’t pay off if your siding is nearing the end of its life.

Or, if your siding is fairly new, the painting will void your warranties and could damage your fresh siding. That means that there is only a small window in the life of the siding where it might make sense to paint it. All other times, replacement is the better way to protect your home and keep it looking great.

Before you decide to paint your siding, have a siding contractor assess it to ensure it is still sound, has no gaps or cracks and is protecting your home as it should. Schedule your free in-home estimate with 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing today. Our team of professionals will review your home’s exterior and recommend what’s best for protecting its exterior for decades to come.

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