Galvanized steel should not be painted with oil-based paint. Many paint manufacturers offer multi-purpose enamel or a direct to metal paint. Determine if the siding has been previously painted and what kind of paint has been used. If possible, bring a sample to a professional. Aluminum can be difficult to tell apart from vinyl if brand new. Check for cracks or dings in the siding. If the siding is cracked or broken, it is vinyl. Dings or bumps are an indication of aluminum. [1] X Research source Try tapping on the siding because aluminum sounds hollow and lightly metallic. [2] X Research source Use a magnet to determine if your siding is steel versus aluminum because magnet will stick to an steel siding but not aluminum. steel will also show red-brown rust. [3] X Research source
If you’ve got stubborn stains, try cleaning with a biodegradable laundry detergent by mixing approximately ¼ cup (60 milliliters) detergent with 4 gallons (16 litres) of water. [5] X Research source Rub your hand along the siding when it is dry to check for chalking, which is common. If a powdery substance comes off, don’t be alarmed because this is chalking, which is normal in paint made for aluminum substances. This powdery substance acts as a self-cleaner for the siding. Simply choose a detergent containing TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove the chalking. [6] X Research source Repair any damaged siding by banging out any dents or sags or removing unsalvageable pieces altogether. If there’s any peeling paint on the aluminum, use a scraper to remove it. [7] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 22 July 2020.
Sanding the siding will give it a little texture that the primer and paint can adhere to. [8] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 22 July 2020. You can also use wire brushes to scuff the surface of the aluminum, if you’d prefer. [9] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 22 July 2020. Depending on how big the area is that you want to paint, you may want to use a power sander. If you use a power sander, be cautious when applying pressure to prevent any damage to the siding.
Power washers can be rented inexpensively at a hardware store, so contact your local stores to compare prices and availability. Pressure is typically measured in water per square inch which generally ranges from 2000psi to 2800psi for a gas powered washer vs 1300psi to 1700psi for an electric one. Higher pressure means higher power but it also means more noise, therefore, be aware of the disturbance you may create for your neighbours. [10] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source If they don’t come with the rental, don’t forget to use the proper safety tools that coincide with power washer use such as waterproof boots, goggles, gloves and ear protection.
You can also use an acrylic primer which will act as a strong base while sticking to metal and not reacting to any possibly-missed oxidation on the siding. Be cautious when using an acrylic primer, which can only be paired with acrylic paint. Avoid latex primer since it generally contains ammonia, which reacts over time with aluminum to form microscopic gas bubbles and can lead to premature failure of the primer, removing the paint from the surface or the siding.
Stay away from high gloss paints which reflect the sun’s glare, unless you live in a hot area and want to do this deliberately. Try to select an eggshell or satin finish because it is more flattering for your home as it wears better than a matte finish.
When working with brushes or rollers, stick with synthetic fibre brushes or a lambswool roller. This will give your siding a smooth finish. If you’re using a sprayer, use an airless sprayer with a . 017 gun tip for a smooth application. While you can rent a professional machine in most areas, it’s best to compare prices and availability.
Splurge and pick up a handle extension for your roller. With ranch-style homes, you’ll be able to forgo a ladder and use the handle extension. If you have a multiple story home, you’ll skip some steps on your ladder when reaching for the top of your siding.
When priming or painting, begin on a portion that is shaded from the sun as painting in direct sunlight can cause cracks and bubbles from drying too fast. [12] X Research source In turn, any bubbles or cracks will have to be sanded out after drying.
Don’t worry if you can see the metal or previous paint through the primer. Your coat should be thin enough to dry fast but still visible to the eye. Always begin priming at one end of the siding. By working left to right, or right to left, rather than starting in the middle, the primer will dry evenly as you work. This is a great way to avoid visible lines dried within your progress. Allow full drying time between coats. If you don’t wait long enough, peeling or bubbling can occur. Full drying time will vary between brands, however, a four hour drying time is a good rule of thumb. Since it is to be covered up, primer can be great practice for airbrushing techniques. [14] X Research source
Work from the top down to eliminate dripping paint from ruining your hard work. If your siding is horizontal, paint left to right. If vertical, paint up to down. This ensures even coats and will prevent you from missing any spots. [15] X Research source As a rule of thumb, paint takes two hours to dry. [16] X Research source To test the dryness of your paint, touch the siding with your finger in an inconspicuous area. If the paint no longer feels tacky or sticky, it’s completely dried. This means you’re ready for your second coat. Plan your breaks. Any siding that is partially painted and left to dry is at risk for lasting, visible lines. This can be avoided by finishing each individual piece of siding as you go.
You don’t want to strip off any of the paint while removing impurities. If it happens, though, dab on some primer to cover the raw aluminum. While a second coat of paint isn’t a necessity, it adds a look of professionalism. The second coat also increases the durability of the paint, overall increasing the value of your new siding. [17] X Research source If you’re seeing lines in your first coat, it’s because you’re painting too slow. A line in the color is from the paint drying and being over painted. To eliminate the line, try working in a smaller area while keeping your edges wet and painting your siding in panels without pausing in between strokes. [18] X Research source Painting your second coat carefully will allow you to hide any lines from the first coat.
