What You Should Know About Painting Exterior Aluminum Siding

Do you want to know about painting exterior aluminum siding? If yes, you are in the right place. The project requires careful planning and preparation. People choose aluminum for siding because it offers resistance to harsh environmental conditions. 

 

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors reports that aluminum siding is strong, durable, and cost-effective because it can last up to 40 years. In addition, aluminum siding takes paint better than other types of siding materials, allowing you to maintain your home’s exterior for a long time. 

 

Not only is aluminum siding durable, but it also resists dents and dings. In addition, unlike other materials such as fiber cement and stucco, aluminum does not require much maintenance, leading to improved functions and weather protection. In today’s article, we will discuss painting exterior aluminum siding. Read on! 

 

Painting Exterior Aluminum Siding – Steps

 

Many homeowners find it challenging to paint their exterior aluminum siding. For instance, if you have not planned the project, you can’t achieve your goal. In addition, you will experience short life for your exterior painting project without the proper prep work. 

 

Therefore, it is wise to do your research, plan, and prepare before starting the project. Otherwise, we recommend hiring a professional painting contractor to save your time. Here is the step-by-step process to get started! 

 

Step 1: Clean the Aluminum Siding

 

Experts recommend a power washer for cleaning the aluminum siding. If you can’t purchase a new one, you can rent one or ask your relatives or a friend to save money. You can rent a power washer at a local hardware store. An electric or gas-powered washer with a pressure between 1,700 psi and 2,800 psi will work well. You also might need a scrub brush and some elbow grease if you have oxidized paint. 

 

Ensure you have all the safety tools, such as gloves, goggles, waterproof boots, and ear protection. If you need to scrub oxidation off, use a scrub brush with an extension pole. That way, you can use the power washer without any problems. Avoid washing from the bottom up because it can lead to the siding. Instead, make sure you follow a step-by-step approach and remove all residual materials, including chemicals, to streamline your painting process. 

 

Use a biodegradable laundry detergent to clean stubborn or hard-to-remove stains. For instance, mix 60ml detergents with 4 gallons of water. Check for chalking by rubbing your hand along the aluminum siding; if you notice a powdery substance, it is okay. Chalking is oxidation on the aluminum siding surface. You will need to remove as much of the powdery substance as possible. A scrub brush and pole with a detergent that contains Tri-Sodium Phosphate will speed up the process. 

 

 

Step 2: Choose the Correct Paint

 

Painting exterior aluminum siding requires you to choose the right paint. First, choose a paint product that goes well with the aluminum. Professional painting contractors recommend using acrylic-based exterior grade paint because it provides better coverage, holds up effectively, and will resist fading.  

 

Avoid choosing high-gloss paints because they can reflect the sun’s glare and cause damage to show on your exterior siding. However, some like to have a duller surface, like flat exterior paint. Exterior flat finishes are more like interior matte because they need some sheen to protect from the elements. Most choose to use a satin finish for their projects. Satin is the standard exterior sheen we use on most projects. Research shows that a satin finish is much better than a matte finish in preventing wear and tear. 

 

Step 3: Choose the Right day for painting

 

Considering the right weather conditions for painting exterior aluminum siding will yield durability and long-lasting results. Whether you prime or paint the siding, the general rule is to avoid painting in weather conditions below 50 degrees within 24 hours after painting with aluminum siding.

 

Avoid painting in rainy or high-moisture weather conditions because moisture or humidity will damage your paint’s new application. Likewise, avoiding painting in direct sunlight is crucial because it can lead to bubble formation and cracks. Therefore, always start painting on a shaded portion to prevent damage or bubbles. 

 

Step 4: Prime the Aluminum Siding

 

Use a high-quality roller with even pressure to ensure a steady and balance priming along with the panel of siding. Make sure you also roll both ways to ensure an even coat. Bear in mind that applying primer takes a few seconds per foot. Therefore, we recommend applying one coat of primer for proper surface bonding.  

 

Besides, apply a thin, visible coat to the siding to prevent bubbles and cracks. Start priming at one end of the siding and work right or left to right. You won’t achieve an even coat if you start priming in the middle. Always start at one end to avoid visible lines and variations in the sheen. Even coverage will become more critical when you get to the finishing coats.

 

Moreover, allow your primer to dry thoroughly to prevent peeling and bubbling. Although full drying time varies from product to product, expert painters recommend a time interval of at least 4-5 hours. After covering up your siding with the primer, the next step is to apply the paint. 

 

Step 5: Apply the first Coat of Paint

 

Now that you have completed 70% of the work applying the first coat of paint to your exterior aluminum siding is time. Again, choosing to do it in even strokes is the best practice for painting exterior aluminum siding. 

 

If the paint is dripping, follow the top-down approach to achieve an even coat. Paint from left to right if your aluminum siding is horizontal, leading to even coats and preventing you from missing any spots. 

 

Remember, the first coat of paint will take at least 2-3 hours to dry, and it is better to test the paint dryness before applying the second coat. Always follow the manufactures directions for the products you are using. You can test the dryness by touching the siding with your finger. If the paint feels sticky or tacky, it has not dried completely. Then, on the other hand, you can apply the second coat. 

 

Step 6: Apply the Second Coat of Paint

 

Although the second coat of paint is unnecessary, you can apply the second coat if you notice any bumps or uneven surfaces. However, before doing that, we suggest removing the bubbles with more sanding with 400 grit. Ensure you remove impurities carefully and avoid too hard sanding because it will cause damage to the first coat. 

 

Avoid stripping off the paint while removing bumps or impurities. Instead, use a primer to cover the aluminum siding if you notice any paint stripping. Applying a second coat is an excellent and professional way to achieve a durable, reliable, and even finish. 

 

 

Final Words

 

Painting exterior aluminum siding is a daunting task for many homeowners, especially when they don’t have enough knowledge and try to carry it out as a DIY project. Most professional painters will spray aluminum siding, but we don’t recommend that for people with no experience.

 

Painting exterior aluminum siding won’t cost you a lot, but it will change your home’s look and feel. If you want to do it as a DIY project and achieve long-lasting results, follow the step-by-step procedure above. Good Luck! 

 

If you’d like a professional to take care of your aluminum siding painting, give us a call or schedule an estimate below!