Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?

If you have vinyl siding but are bored with the color, or have siding that has faded, you may be wonderfing if painting it is an option. In many cases, it is, but if done badly it can result in warping, peeling, or fading. You should also take into account the condition of the siding, use the right paint, and consider your color choices carefully. Vinyl siding is also often advertised as not needing to be painted, and in some cases faded siding may be past its prime in other ways.

Painting vinyl siding, in other words, is typically not something you want to just decide to do and do, but should be carefully considered, and you should consider calling a professional painting contractor.

How Professional Painters Evaluate Vinyl Siding Before Painting

If you do call a professional exterior house painter, they will inspect your siding thoroughly before giving a recommendation as to whether your vinyl siding is a good candidate for repainting.

They will typically look at:

• The overall condition of the siding, including whether it is warped or cracked
• The presence of moisture damage or mildew
• Whether the siding was painted before, and if so how well it was done
• The current color of the siding and how painting might impact heat absoprtion

 Good exterior house painters will then give an honest response as to whether you should paint your siding, leave it alone, or consider replacement.

Situations Where Painting Vinyl Siding May Be A Good Option

You can consider painting your vinyl siding if it is structurally sound with no major damage, if it is clean and properly maintained, and if the siding manufacturer allows repainting. Some manufactures may not allow painting or may not recommend it.

If all of these are true, then you can consider repainting if the current color is faded or outdated and you want a cosmetic refresh. You should still think about appropriate colors.

Situations Where Vinyl Siding Should Not Be Painted

First of all, some manufacturers will not allow vinyl siding to be painted. If your siding is still in warranty, the warranty may be voided. This is for a good reason: Many DIY paint jobs will ruin the siding, and the manufacturer does not want to be blamed or on the hook.

You should also not repaint your siding if it is not structurally sound. If your siding is warped, cracked, or brittle, or simply nearing the end of its lifespan, repainting is essentially a waste; you're only going to have to replace it. If there is significant mold growth or moisture damage, painting may actually make the problem worse by covering it over. You can't repaint siding that needs to be replaced.

If your vinyl siding is just dirty, soft washing may help, but avoid power washing, which can damage siding.

Things Homeowners Should Consider Before Painting Vinyl Siding

So, your siding appears to be in good condition and you think it would be a good idea to repaint. Hold on and consider these pros and cons before condinuing.

Benefits of Painting Vinyl Siding

If done correctly, painting vinyl siding can give several good benefits:

• It's more affordable than full siding replacement
• It can extend the visual life of your siding, but not the structural life
• If the color is old and outdated, you can update it
• It can improve curb appeal

The benefits of repainting your home's exterior are solid.

Potential Drawbacks of Painting Vinyl Siding

However, there are also some limitations you should consider:

• Painting does not fix structural damage, but only hides it.
• Incorrect paint can cause your siding to warp.
• Painted siding will likely need to be painted again, while vinyl siding left its natural color does not always need to be painted
• It can affect your warranty

Color Selection Limitations

First of all, you need to use vinyl-safe paint, which may not be available in the color you really want. Second, vinyl siding should be painted the same or lighter than the existing color. This can be very limiting if your siding is already a very light color and if you have white siding, you are stuck with white. This is because darker colors absorb more heat, and this can cause your siding to warp and even fail.

Paint Type and Materials

You need to use vinyl-safe paint. This is typically acrylic paint that is designed specifically to repaint vinyl siding. These paints contain additives that help prevent warping and preserve the health of your siding.

Climate and Sun Exposure

First of all, paint will fade faster than the color originally applied to the vinyl siding if exposed to the sun.

Also, if your siding is exposed to direct sunlight, it absorbs more heat to start with, meaning you have to be very careful when choosing the color. It's best to have a professional help you decide.

Long-Term Maintenance

When you paint your vinyl siding you do lose one of the advantages of vinyl. Your siding will require a lot more maintenance. Paint may fade, chalk, or peel, especially if you used cheap paint or did not prepare the siding properly. You will likely have to repaint your siding again.

Choosing the Right Paint for Vinyl Siding

Getting the best long-term results requires choosing the right paint.

Vinyl-Safe Paint Formulas

We can't stress enough the need to use vinyl-safe paint. This is formulated to expand and contract with your siding and designed to resist heat absorption. Vinyl-safe paint won't completely remove the risk of warping, but reduces it substantially.

Recommended Paint Features

Also make sure that you choose high-quality acrylic latex paint. Look for paint that has UV resistance, which slows fading, and mildew resistance. Vinyl siding can collect moisture, and mildew-resistant paint helps protect it.

How Vinyl Siding is Prepared for Painting

You can't just walk up to vinyl siding and start painting. Preparing your home for an exterior paint job properly is key to achieving a durable finish.

Cleaning the Siding

First of all, your siding must be thoroughly cleaned. Depending on the age of your siding, pressure washing or soft washing may be used. This helps remove dirt, mildew, and debris from your siding. Siding that is cleaned regularly is easy to prepare.

Then the siding must be allowed to dry completely.

Repairing Damaged Areas

Painting does not finish damage and is not recommended if there is major damage. However, you can deal with smaller damage. Any panels which are cracked or warped should be replaced, and small gaps or holes can be sealed with color-matched caulk. Also make sure you address any moisture issues under the siding, as painting can make these worse.

Priming (When Needed)

Vinyl siding does not always require priming. If your siding is older or chalky, though, a bonding primer may be needed to reduce peeling.

Let Ace Hardware Painting Services Help With Your Exterior Painting Project