How to Paint and Maintain Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding provides more durability than many alternative options, but there inevitably comes a time when your home is in need of a visual refresh. An immediate way to do this is with a new paint job. There is a prevailing train of thought that vinyl siding can't be painted after it is installed, but this is not true. Vinyl siding can be painted - it just has to be done properly to bring out the best results. And the benefits are too good to ignore. Choosing to paint vinyl siding gives property owners the opportunity to craft the aesthetic of the home to suit their vision and bring their style to life. This method of renovation is also significantly more affordable (30-40% on average) and has a smaller environmental impact than replacing the previous siding. 

So, what is the best way to repaint vinyl siding? Read our guide to learn the ins and outs of the painting process, as well as some tips to maintain the appearance of your siding after the paint dries. 

The Basics of Vinyl Siding Paint

For a professional-looking paint job, you'll want to utilize the following tools:

• A pressure washer
• Hose with a spray nozzle
• Drop cloth
• A soft-bristled brush or cleaning cloth
• Paint roller/sprayer
• Paint tray

And these tools with this list of supplies: 

• Paint
• Primer
• Painter's tape
• Household cleaner
• Detergent
• Bleach

The cost of painting vinyl siding depends on several factors, including the size of the area, ease of access, and whether additional elements like doors, trim, or gutters are included. Hiring professional exterior painting services provides a level of quality and durability that’s hard to match, ensuring the paint adheres properly and lasts for years. If you prefer the DIY route, choose a mild day with low humidity for the best results. Avoid painting when it’s too hot or windy, as this can prevent proper adhesion and cause blemishes. Also, check the weather forecast—most paints need at least 24 hours to dry before rain to achieve a flawless finish.

What Type of Paint to Use on Vinyl Siding

Of course, the most important aspect of every painting project is figuring out what type of paint is best for your vinyl siding. Paint technology has evolved in recent years, but be careful if you want to use a darker color than the original shade. Vinyl is designed to handle a certain temperature range, and darker colors trap more heat than lighter ones. This could cause the underlying siding to warp in unintended ways. If you do want to transition to a darker exterior color, be sure to utilize premium paints with vinyl-safe technology that guards against heat absorption. 

The best paints for vinyl siding are 100% acrylic, as they are long-lasting and provide strong UV resistance that should keep your siding looking sharp for several years. Any Benjamin Moore premium exterior paint can be used, though we recommend selecting one of their most popular vinyl-friendly paint colors. Hiring Ace Hardware Painting Services for your painting project also comes with three free Benjamin Moore paint samples to assist you during the decision process. 

Preparation for Painting Vinyl Siding

Here is what you have to do to get your vinyl siding ready for painting:

1. Use a non-abrasive cleaner to remove dirt and grime from the siding. You can also make your own cleaning solution by mixing one-third cup of detergents and two-thirds cup of cleaner with one gallon of water. If mold or mildew is present, add a quart of liquid bleach to the mixture. 
2. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean off your siding. Start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid streaks. 
3. Rinse the siding with clean water. Point the hose down to minimize the likelihood of water accumulating behind the siding. Let the house dry completely before moving on to the next step. 
4. Make repairs to the siding if they are necessary. 
5. Decide if you want to apply primer before adding the paint. You can add paint without primer, but primer is often recommended as it helps the paint adhere to the siding and helps to maintain a consistent appearance going forward.

The Painting Process

How you apply paint to vinyl siding can be the difference between a home that shines above its peers and a splotchy disappointment. This point sounds simple, but make sure you have enough paint for the project before you start. One gallon of paint should provide ample coverage for a 300-400 square foot exterior surface, but check the label to be sure, as this can vary between brands. 

Using a low-pressure airless sprayer to evenly apply the paint is the best option, but you can use a paint roller as well. Start at the top and work downward. It's also important to maintain a wet edge to prevent visible spray lines from forming. Use a brush to clean up any spots that were missed or have excess paint. After the first coat dries completely, apply a second coat. Once the painting is complete, gently remove the masking materials and gaze upon a job well done. 

Maintenance After Painting

Regular maintenance keeps your home looking good for as long as possible and saves you money in the long term. Vinyl siding paint jobs should last about 10 years. (Living in harsher climates may mean that you have to repaint it sooner.) To protect the investment in your siding, follow these tips:

• Wash your siding at least once a year 
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent branches from affecting the siding
• Inspect the area for any signs of damage or deterioration and deal with them before they cause more serious issues

The money, time, and resources needed to paint vinyl siding may put some off from the entire endeavor. But doing so is to ignore all of the ways that repainted siding can revitalize the look of your home and increase its curb appeal. But aside from the tangible benefits, a new coat of paint on your siding can make your home feel more like yours. It displays a commitment to keeping your home in great condition and a willingness to invest in its presentation to the outside world. 

Those interested in an expert's perspective on your painting project, look no further than Ace Hardware Painting Services. Each member of our team will use knowledge and passion to ensure that the painting process goes as smoothly as possible from start to finish. We also offer free touch-ups for a year. Ready to start work on your project? Contact us today to get a free estimate for our services.