Even though vinyl and aluminum seem to be a permanent solution, over time even those products can lose their luster. If your facility has faded, worn vinyl or aluminum siding, you can renew it with a coat of paint, rather than replacing it.
Not only will painting vinyl or aluminum siding bring back its quality look, you can also quickly update your color scheme for enhanced curb appeal or to update your branding. Also, painting your siding makes good sense for your long term investment because you protect the siding from the elements with the latest coating technologies.
Painting vinyl or aluminum siding is relatively straightforward. Simply follow these steps and you will achieve the best results:
Step 1: Cleaning
Before you begin painting, hand scrub or power wash the surface to remove any mildew, chalking or other residue. This will ensure maximum adhesion and help to avoid staining. Always remember to rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water.
When power washing, use caution with your pressure settings so that you do not damage the siding or remove sound paint. Take care when washing around windows, doors, vents, soffits, or other openings.
Step 2: Priming
Spot-prime any bare aluminum areas, and be sure to prime any pitted or porous areas in vinyl siding. Be sure and use a primer designed for these surfaces.
In addition, recognize that paint adhesion can be affected by the wax or silicone layer common in newly-installed aluminum siding, and by plasticizers in vinyl siding. However, these compounds are removed naturally by time and weather. Generally, if your siding is in need of refreshment this will not be an issue.
Step 3: Selecting Your Paint
Choose paints which are formulated to provide superior adhesion and excellent resistance to chalking. Most paints sold today are formulated to resist mildew growth and dirt pickup, but check with your painting professional or your paint store to be sure your paint will provide this important benefit.
Step 4: Selecting Colors
Color choice is obviously personal, however keep one thing in mind. To avoid warping in vinyl siding caused by paint colors that absorb heat, be sure to choose colors that are recommended for a vinyl application. Don’t worry, there are still a multitude of choices available to you. Your commercial painting contractor can help you with the proper color selections.
Step 5: Maintenance
After the job is finished, be sure and maintain your newly painted siding properly. Power washing each spring will help maintain the appearance and extend the life of your paint job.
Not only is painting your vinyl or aluminum siding far less expensive, it is eco-friendly because it keeps the old siding in service and out of the land fills.
