Should You Paint or Replace Aluminum Siding?

A lot of homeowners are curious: “Can I paint aluminum siding?” The answer to this question is yes—you can paint aluminum siding! Adding a fresh coat of paint with a sprayer can not only help your home’s curb appeal and is low maintenance; it can also add an extra layer of protection to your siding in the right conditions.

Even though the answer to the question “Can I paint aluminum siding?” is YES, it might not always be the best option for your home improvement. Here are six things to consider before you learn how to paint aluminum siding and start picking out paint colors.

Cost to Paint Aluminum Siding

Painting siding is significantly more low maintenance and affordable than replacing it, as long as your siding is in relatively good condition. Installing new siding can run between $10,345 and $19,253. According to Fixr, replacing old siding is even more costly, costing between $11,311 and $21,050. 

The cost of painting siding depends on the size of your home and type of paint and siding you’re working with. According to Angi, acrylic paints will run between $20 to $50 per gallon, and most cover about 250 to 400 square feet per gallon. 

How to Paint Aluminum Siding 

Can you paint aluminum siding? Yes, and it’s a great way to extend the life of your siding and keep it in the best condition. However, the level of expertise, costs, and time needed can make this a hard home improvement to keep up with. 

If you have aluminum siding, it’s more than likely that with time, the original finish will start to wear and turn chalky from rain and sun exposure. Parts of the bare metal begin to peek through, and this is when painting becomes the perfect option for siding that is still intact but starting to look a little rough.

So not only can you paint aluminum siding, but you should when this starts to happen. Luckily for you, aluminum is one of the easier types of siding to paint. It takes paint better than most other siding types, making it a more affordable option for this particular home improvement.

Here’s what you’ll need to do before you paint.

1. Inspect the Siding

  • Look for damage. If you see structural holes or issues, consider fixing those parts of the siding before painting.
  • Check for powdery paint pigment and mildew by rubbing the siding with a cloth.
  • Test old paint for lead with a lead testing kit. Since aluminum siding was commonly installed from the 1940s-1970s, you’ll want to check for lead in the previous paint used if you have an older home. If lead is present, you’ll need to contact a lead abatement specialist before proceeding.

2. Clean

  • Scrape off any peeling or flaking paint with a paint scraper.
  • Create your cleaning solution.
    • 1 cup chlorine bleach
    • 1 cup TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)
    • 1 gallon of water
  • Choose your method of cleaning. The most common are hand scrubbing or power washing.
  • Cover the ground with nearby shrubs with drop cloths.

Hand Scrubbing or Power Washing?

To clean the siding by hand, soak an abrasive sponge in your cleaning solution and then scrub by hand. Afterward, rinse with a garden hose.

Pressure washing is faster than hand scrubbing and is our recommended method. Fill the power washer with your cleaning solution, and spray downward to avoid spraying in between the siding. Rinse with a hose when done.

3. Apply Primer

Once your siding is dry after washing, apply one coat of oil-based primer meant for metal surfaces using a synthetic polyester paintbrush. Let dry for at least four hours. 

4. Paint

For painting aluminum siding, choose an acrylic exterior paint in the color and finish of your choosing. Most colors should work just fine after you apply your primer, but keep in mind that dark colors absorb more heat, so they are not recommended.  

Roll on your paint in the same direction as your siding, and use a brush to paint the edges. Apply two coats of paint for the most attractive and long-lasting result, letting the paint fully dry in between coats. 

Replacing With Vinyl Siding

When you notice that your aluminum siding is beginning to age, you can either paint it or replace it entirely with vinyl siding. Painting is more cost efficient for fixing aging, faded siding, and it’s recommended to repaint every 4-6 years. Here’s the tools you’ll need to paint your aluminum siding.

Tools Needed to Prep and Paint Aluminum Siding

  • Gloves 
  • Abrasive sponge 
  • Pressure washer 
  • Bucket
  • Safety goggles
  • Ladder 
  • Oil-based, anti-rust primer 
  • Synthetic polyester paint brush
  • Paint rollers 
  • Plastic paint buckets 
  • Plastic paint trays 
  • Drop cloths 
  • Acrylic paint

Painting Aluminum Siding FAQs

Is It Cheaper to Paint or Replace Aluminum Siding?

Painting aluminum siding comes with a lot of costs, including buying paint for multiple coats, renting paint sprayers, and dedicating the time to paint it yourself. Replacing aluminum siding with vinyl siding may save you more money in the long run as it requires minimal maintenance and lasts up to 50 years.

How Long Will a Paint Job Last on Aluminum Siding?

A paint job on aluminum siding will last 4-6 years depending on the climate you live in and the siding’s natural wear and tear.

How Often Should Aluminum Siding Be Replaced?

A complete aluminum siding replacement can be a huge investment, but is usually not necessary. If your aluminum siding is in good condition but one section is damaged, you might only need to replace that one section. If the siding is only fading or weathering, you can paint over it instead.

When to Call a Tasker

If you need any help painting your home inside and out, local Taskers are available. For high-quality painting and a friendly face, hiring a talented Tasker is your best bet.

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