Tips and Tricks for Painting Vinyl Siding
How to Paint Vinyl Siding
When we think about home siding, vinyl is typically the first material that comes to mind. This makes sense, considering vinyl has become the most popular siding material thanks to its relatively low cost, minimal maintenance requirements, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Despite its advantages, though, vinyl siding isn’t invincible. Over time, the material can fade, get stained, break down, grow mold, etc. Eventually, you’ll be faced with a decision: do you replace your vinyl siding or fix it up and paint it to renew its appearance and integrity?
The answer will depend on your budget and preferences, of course. But if you decide to take the latter path (painting), you’ll want to be equipped to achieve the best results. Here are some tips and tricks for painting vinyl siding.
Thoroughly Wash Your Vinyl Siding
Vinyl might not attract as much dust, dirt, and debris as porous materials like brick, concrete, and wood, but it will still need a good cleaning prior to painting. Otherwise, there will be a layer of material between your siding and the paint -- not a good recipe for proper adhesion. Generally speaking, pressure washing is the most efficient way to clean vinyl siding and rid it of any mold or mildew. That said, only operate a pressure washer if you know what you’re doing. Standing too close to the siding and/or using the wrong cleaning solution can damage the surface, and aiming improperly can become a safety hazard. Hire professionals if you’re not confident in your technique. After your siding has been washed, you must let it dry for the recommended amount of time (usually 24-48 hours) before painting.
Pick the Right Day and Time
Like any other exterior home painting project, you want to wait for the ideal conditions to paint your vinyl siding. Poor conditions won’t just prolong the job and make your life miserable -- they’ll interfere with the paint application and drying processes, too. So, choose a day with low winds, no chance of precipitation, some clouds to minimize the sun’s rays, and temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And if possible, start early so you have as much daylight as possible.
When in Doubt, Prime Your Siding
If your siding has been painted before, this step might not be necessary, but professional home painting services will tell you it’s always a good idea to coat your siding with the right type of primer before painting it. Doing so provides your siding with an additional layer of protection and creates a more receptive surface to help the paint stick and dry properly.
Select the Right Type of Paint
For the best-looking, longest-lasting finish, you’ll want to go with a high-quality latex exterior house paint that’s optimized for vinyl surfaces. Your paint should contain acrylic and urethane resins, as these materials are designed to withstand the natural contractions and expansions of vinyl.
Consider Cooler Colors
Not only does the paint’s composition matter -- so does its color. While you might like the look of darker colors for your exterior, keep in mind that darker colors attract more heat, which can gradually warp your siding and increase your energy costs. So, lighter, cooler colors are a more practical choice.
Hire the Professionals
With the right approach, you can paint your vinyl siding on your own. Of course, painting your exterior is no small job, and doing it yourself might be more trouble than it’s worth. So, if you need help at any stage of the process, or you simply want the peace of mind that comes with hiring professional exterior house painters, consider working with Nash Painting.
To learn more about us, our services, and our values, call us at 615-829-6858 today!