Many homeowners with older houses find themselves facing a familiar question: can you paint aluminum siding? The existing aluminum siding, while sturdy, has started showing its age. It may have a faded, chalky, or simply outdated color.

Replacing siding is a major undertaking. So, a common question is, can you paint aluminum siding to give your home a fresh look without spending a fortune?

The Viability of Painting Aluminum Siding

The short answer is yes. You can achieve excellent, long-lasting results with the right approach.

Aluminum, unlike wood, doesn’t rot or warp. However, the factory finish can degrade over time due to sun exposure and weathering.

This often results in a chalky residue. Painting is a way to revitalize the siding, providing a new color while adding a layer of protection.

Why Consider Painting Over Replacing?

Cost is a primary driver. Completely replacing aluminum siding can be expensive.

Replacing old siding might cost between $11,311 and $21,050, as reported by Fixr. Painting offers a much more budget-friendly option. It’s a cost efficient way to keep more money in your pocket.

Painting also allows you to customize the paint color. So, if you want an updated curb appeal, it is a great way to go.

Key Steps for Successfully Painting Aluminum Siding

Preparation is essential. Skipping steps can lead to a poor paint job.

Surface Evaluation and Repairs

Carefully inspect the siding for any damage. Check for things like dents, holes, or loose panels.

Minor dents can often be gently hammered out. For larger holes or damaged sections, patching or even replacing individual panels might be necessary.

Make sure the siding is clean and free of any old, flaking paint, too. All of these steps help significantly.

The Importance of Cleaning the siding clean

The biggest enemy of a successful paint job on aluminum is the chalky residue. This buildup comes from oxidation and the breakdown of the original finish. This chalkiness prevents the new paint from properly bonding to the metal surfaces.

A thorough cleaning is necessary to remove all residue. A simple test is to wipe the cleaned siding with a dark cloth. Any visible chalky residue indicates more cleaning is needed.

Several cleaning solutions work. The right mixture prepares the surface for primer and paint.

Cleaning Power: Pressure Wash or Hand Scrub?

Both methods work for cleaning aluminum siding. Using a pressure washer is generally faster and more efficient, especially for larger homes.

Use a cleaning solution, then rinse well using the power washer. For a deeper cleaning, consider making this mix.

DIY Cleaning Mixture Recipe:

• 1 cup chlorine bleach
• 1 cup TSP (trisodium phosphate)
• 1 gallon of water

Always protect yourself when dealing with chemicals. Wear disposable gloves and safety goggles during this process.

Rinse adjacent surfaces like shrubs, grass, etc. to prevent harm. You should always spray downward to avoid getting water up and under the siding.

Hand scrubbing is more labor-intensive but great for small spots. An abrasive sponge along with the cleaning mix removes residue and helps prep the surface aluminum.

Wash from bottom to top, then siding rinse from bottom to top, when working with metal surfaces.

Priming and Painting Process for Siding Painting Aluminum

Once the siding is clean, and the surface is completely dry, you are good to go. It’s time to prime. If painting isn’t your specialty you can hire an exterior painting company in Bucks County and surrounding area.

Choosing the Right Paint

The kind of paint you use matters on metal surfaces. Oil-based paints are not recommended on aluminum.

A high-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint is best. According to Angi, acrylic paints usually cost between $20 and $50 per gallon. They usually give you coverage of 250 to 400 square feet per gallon.

Some experts recommend specific brands known for durability. Benjamin Moore Element Guard or Regal paint are both great for use as they’re 100% acrylic.

Priming – A Critical Step

While some paints claim to be “self-priming,” it is almost *always* better to apply a separate primer. You want your siding to look good from start to finish.

You should let the siding dry completely between each step. A dedicated primer does several things:

1. Creates Grip.
2. Stops Oxidation.
3. Provides Consistent Paint Colors

Look for a self-etching primer specifically designed for aluminum or metal. Primers create an adhesive “bridge” between the bare aluminum and the exterior paint, leading to a lasting finish.

With priming done right, multiple coats will not be needed to hide the underlying surface.

Painting Aluminum Siding: Application

You’ve prepped, you’ve primed, and now it’s finally time for that fresh coat of paint. There are multiple ways to get the paint job done well.

Using brushes and rollers work great on metal surfaces. Many find paint sprayers make a paint job quick.

Apply thin coats, regardless. Do not apply a thick coat as it may cause unevenness in texture, look, and protection.

Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between layers for an attractive finish. Paint in the same direction as the panels for improved looks and protection.

Painting Aluminum Siding vs. Replacing

When is painting the smarter choice, and when does it make sense to replace? Consider the overall condition.

Extensive damage, like lots of holes, corrosion, or loose panels, may mean replacing. Replacing will last for years to come, rather than painting every 5-10 years.

If damage is minimal or if the primary issue is just an outdated paint color, then painting is perfect. Are you planning to sell the house?

If so, vinyl siding usually gives you the best return on investment. If staying long-term, painting provides a fantastic, cost-efficient update.

Maintaining Your Painted Aluminum Siding

Properly painted aluminum siding is pretty low-maintenance. It is important to follow the advice below:

Plan on a repaint later. Although durable, painted aluminum siding typically lasts 5 to 10 years, depending climate, paint wood from nearby shrubs, and cleaning and wear.

FAQs about can you paint aluminum siding

Here is a table that answers some Frequently Asked Questions:

Question	Answer
Is it a good idea to paint aluminum siding?	Yes, painting aluminum siding is a good idea if your primary concerns are fading, a chalky finish, or you want a color finish change. It’s more budget-friendly than replacing it.
What kind of paint will stick to aluminum siding?	100% acrylic exterior paint is the ideal option. These paints adhere to metal and handle weather. Avoid oil-based products.
How do you paint over old aluminum siding?	Prep work is key. Clean the surface, and remove any loose paint or chalky residue. Next, apply a primer, and follow with acrylic exterior paint.
What kind of paint do you use on aluminum?	100 percent acrylic latex exterior paint is best for aluminum siding paint jobs.
How often does aluminum siding need to be painted?	Aluminum siding typically needs to be repainted every 5-10 years. This depends on the climate, sun exposure, and overall wear and tear.

Conclusion

The question, “can you paint aluminum siding?” often arises when people weigh their options. While aluminum lasts a long time, many wonder if it makes a home seem dated.

They might think replacing is better. However, can you paint aluminum siding effectively?

With proper preparation and products, the project is possible. It can also often save quite a bit of money. If you are looking for a siding company in Bucks County to replace your outdated siding, give us a call today!