Painting Vinyl Siding: The Complete 2023 Guide

Painting your vinyl siding, is it a good idea? We answer these and more questions below.

The short term answer is simply: Yes! As long as the siding is in good condition, there are no issues present and you use the correct materials, a DIY job is a great(and cheap) alternative than installing brand new siding.

Over the years, the color on your siding begins to fade and even look uneven. Giving your house a fresh, new look (while on a budget), we’ll show you the best way to bring back life(while saving) on your next restoration project. So keep reading further.

Some things to keep in mind

Before we begin, make sure that your siding is in good condition in order to apply some paint. Some things to make sure of are:

• The condition of your siding. Make sure that it is not damaged, vent or cracked in any parts.
• When deciding on the color, keep in mind not to use dark colors. Black entraps heat and can overheat parts of your home. When painting over, make sure to pick lighter colors.
• Always, always make sure to use primer first, before applying paint to any parts of your home. This includes your siding.
• While priming is the first step. Do make sure to caulk over any gaps, cracks or hole you might find. As mentioned above, if the damage is too severe, then you’re better off replacing your siding. However, if the damage is minimal, caulking these over is the second best option. Make sure to do this or the paint will look blotchy and uneven.
• Lastly and most importantly is perhaps, the type of paint you choose. Ensure that it is safe to use on vinyl and will not damage, rust or cause the material to crack. Consult with a store first if you have any questions. They can direct you to the best options for your home.
• Let’s say your siding is still relatively new. Then, we suggest to read over the warranty and make sure that the manufacturer warranty won’t be voided if you make alterations. Make sure to comply with the warranty color guidelines, for example, the color and type of paint that you can use. If you do not mind voiding the warranty, then pick the best color option for you.

Priming: The First Step

Depending on who you ask, priming might not be as important as you thought. Some painting companies opt to use them in every project they take on. On the other hand, other companies can decide to use primer ONLY when the paint warrants it. If you ask us, primer is always necessary, especially when re-touching. Our goal is to provide the best service possible, and a hassle-free experience for all our customers. Primer is just an extra and necessary step to a flawless service.

Choosing the Perfect Color

As we previously stated, using dark tone colors for exterior parts of your home is not a good idea. Overexposure and too much heat absorption can damage your materials.

When choosing the right color, make sure you are shopping in the correct section. There are quality paints primarily made and formulated for vinyl. These are usually made from a urethane and acrylic resins blend, meaning they won’t be able to absorb as much as heat as other paints.

Tools You Will Need

Here we highlight the basic tools you’ll need. Not all are necessary and yo can improvise, however, we recommend the equipment below for a successful DIY project.

• Painter’s tape
• Bleach
• Cleaning powder
• Laundry detergent
• Garden house or water pressure machine
• Soft-bristle brushes
• Paint brushes
• Sponges or rags
• 3/8 inch paint roller
• Spray paint equipment(if necessary)

Step 1: Cleaning

Mix the cleaning solutions. We suggest to use:

• 1/3 cup laundry detergent(powdered)
• 2/3 cup of all purpose cleaning powder
• 2/3 cup of bleach

Use these measurements for each gallon of water that you use. Mix well before applying.

First, use the power washer or hose to rinse the siding before applying the cleaning mixture. Next, using the sponge or rag, apply the cleaning mixture and scrub until all the dirt is removed. Make sure to work your way from the bottom to the top. Rinse each section as you go. After all parts have been thoroughly cleaning, let the siding dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Cover doors, windows and any trim

Apply the painter’s tape or masking paper to separate the siding from other areas that are not to be painted. Make sure to apply and cover carefully as to not miss a spot.

Step 3: Priming

Apply the primer solution on all surfaces that you will be painting. We suggest using a sprayer if you have previously painted siding or walls before, otherwise, stick to a roller. Do back brush, meaning, use a brush right after to ensure that every spot is fully covered. Let the primer dry accordingly.

Step 4: Painting

Similarly to priming, use a roller or sprayer and apply coating evenly. Once done, let the first coat dry. Then, apply a second coat. We recommend two coats is enough, however, check your work. See how the siding looks once its dry, if you think an additional coat is necessary, then apply it accordingly.

Apply any touch ups as necessary. Clean the materials and remove the tape after the paint is dry and done.

Advantages of Painting Your Own Siding

With the right tools, paint and time, many DYI homeowners are able to diy paint their home siding in no time. There are many advantage to doing it yourself. Such as:

1. More budget friendly: Buying the materials necessary and doing it yourself is less expensive than hiring a company to paint your siding or replace it. This one is the strongest advantage for many homeowners.
2. Changes the overall look and feel of your home: Painting your siding changes the look of your home and gives it a fresh look without breaking the bank.
3. Caulk and cover any damages: One of the first steps before starting is to caulk over any small holes or cracks that may be present. While this step is done so that the paint can be applied evenly and with no awkward spots, by caulking any issues, you are also repairing and strengthening the material. Not to mention, by putting layers of paint, you are protecting your siding from the weather conditions.
4. Increase in home value: When you fix, arrange or upgrade any part of your home, you are adding value to it. When painting, with the goal of increasing curb appeal, we suggest to use a high-quality paint and provide regular maintenance through the years. This is also a great way to increase your home value when planning on selling your home.

Common FAQs

We have talked about the steps and advantages of taking on a DIY project yourself. While it is a laborious task, the savings can be worth it. Not sure if you are ready to paint your own siding or maybe hiring someone else is the better option for you? Let’s find out.

Question 1: How long does the paint last?

Vinyl siding typically lasts from 20-30 years. This, of course, is determined by the weather exposure, regular maintenance and cleaning. On the other hand, its been stated that the paint does need to be reapplied every 10 to 15 years after the installation.

Question 2: How much would it cost to paint my siding?

This depends on the area of the country and the size of the home. For example, a 2,000 square foot home will typically cost on average $5,000. Again, this is just an average. Your location, age of siding, number of coats and labor costs of the company you decide to work with are the factors that determine the final cost of the project.

Question 3: What is the best color for my home?

This one can be tricky because it all depends on personal preference. Some homeowners want colors that pop and stand out, so they will choose stronger colors. Others want more neutral tones. We do recommend if you are planning on putting your home for sale, to go with neutral or more traditional colors as these help homes sell faster and are more commercial. Colors such as gray, light blue, taupe, or different shades of white will work.

 

Don’t know where to begin? Consult with a painting specialist

Maybe you’re a busy person and don’t have time to take on a home project. Or you simply don’t want to risk causing any further damage to your siding. This makes sense, if done incorrectly, the paint can chip or flake off eventually. This would then leave your siding exposed to more damage. Don’t want to take the risk, we don’t blame you.

You can contact us for a free estimate. We have our expert teams ready to tackle any home project. We specialize in interior and exterior services and are able to provide the best quotes around. Give us a call or fill out our contact form today.