Tips and the Best Paint for Vinyl Siding
It used to be a given that you couldn’t paint vinyl siding. People would replace their worn out siding with new siding. It was an expensive alternative, but the only one provided. Now, we know that you can paint over your vinyl siding to give it a fresh, new look that will last for several years. In this article, we’ll give you some tips for painting vinyl siding although we strongly recommend that you use a professional like us at 21st Century Painting & Roofing for your vinyl siding paint job.
What to Look for in the Best Paint for Vinyl Siding
Paint is a great option to improve the look of vinyl siding and protect it against the elements. There are so many paint options available, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. These are some important things to keep in mind when selecting the right paint for vinyl siding.
Durability: Choose a paint specifically made for vinyl siding. These paints are more durable and less susceptible to chalking and fading.
Flexibility: Vinyl siding is susceptible to temperature changes and can expand or contract. It’s therefore important to select a paint that allows for this flexibility.
Adhesion: Choose paint that has excellent adhesion to vinyl. This will ensure it stays in place and resists peeling or flaking.
Water resistance: This will protect vinyl siding from water damage.
Colorfastness: A paint that is colorfast will not fade or color change over time.
Reputation: Research the paint brand you are considering, and then read customer reviews. Reputable brands are more likely to make high-quality paints that will deliver the best results. Behr, Sherwin Williams, and Valspar are some of the most popular brands that make high-quality paints for vinyl siding. These brands offer a variety of colors and finishes so that you can find the right one for your style and needs.
Preparing to paint your vinyl siding
The most important thing to do when painting vinyl siding is to make sure it’s clean and free of mildew and dust. Some recommend that you clean with a scrubbing brush and hot water. Others recommend power washing. Power washing is certainly simpler. However, hand washing with soap and water is a better way to get it completely clean. Don’t forget to rinse.
Application Tips
When the vinyl siding is clean and dry, you can apply the paint. Since most types of vinyl siding need to be applied between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s probably best to do the job in the spring or fall. You should also check the weather forecast because, in order to dry, the vinyl siding needs at least two days of warm weather to dry thoroughly.
Paint can be applied with a sprayer, roller or brush. Paint will go on smoothly because of the vinyl surface. It’s best to paint with two coats although it may not be necessary. Since you’re painting when it’s warm, you must remember to paint under the seams so that when the vinyl shrinks in the cold, you won’t have areas without paint.
Other tips for painting vinyl siding
- Don’t paint darker than the original color or the siding can get too hot from the sunshine. If you do paint it darker, it can get warped.
- Remove mildew prior to priming/painting so that it doesn’t grow.
- Use top quality 100% acrylic, exterior house paint in a flat, satin or semi-gloss finish.
So, there you have it – vinyl siding painting tips. Hopefully, they’re easy enough to follow and help you get a smooth finish. Remember, the professionals at 21st Century Painting & Roofing understand siding and how to paint it. Call us today at 512.219.0342 and we can do it for you. We’re happy to help.