Can I Paint Over Vinyl Siding?

Exterior vinyl siding can be painted without priming to freshen it up and increase the curb appeal of your home. However, the quality of the paint and surface preparation is key to a good-looking, long-lasting job. The secret behind every good paint job is proper preparation, and spending a little extra on high-quality paint will give you added years of performance.

Considerations

Not only must your vinyl siding be clean, but it also must be free of chalking. Chalking is a breakdown of the surface of the vinyl as it ages and oxidizes. Paint will not adhere to chalky surfaces, and unless it is cleaned, within a short time you will have a peeling mess. It's easy to determine if your siding is chalking. Choose any area exposed to the sun (usually the south side of your home) and run a clean hand across it. If a chalky white residue comes off on your hand, the siding must be power washed thoroughly.

Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Typically, the only preparation your siding needs before applying paint is a thorough cleaning. If there is no chalking and your house is fairly clean, a simple hosing down and scrubbing of the soiled areas is all that's needed. Mildew can be removed with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Commercial siding detergent containing mildewcide will make the job easier and may be applied with a garden sprayer, power washer or large sponge.

Choose the Right Paint

Vinyl siding can be painted with any high-quality exterior acrylic paint. Look for a paint that contains urethane or high acrylic solids. Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature changes, and only a quality paint will withstand the constant stress without failing. Avoid inexpensive latex paint or oil-based paint. Both will start cracking and peeling in a few years.

Choose the Right Color

Use dark colors on your home's exterior at your peril. The safe rule of thumb is to use any hue you want but no darker than the current color (white vinyl siding can be painted different colors, but keep them very light.) Using too dark a shade on your siding will cause it to warp and buckle because it will get much hotter. Vinyl siding that comes from the factory in dark shades is formulated to be sturdier and was probably more expensive because of this.

Application

By far the most efficient way to paint your siding is with an airless sprayer. Consider renting or borrowing a good sprayer instead of buying one of the little cheap ones. Cheap sprayers won't do a good job and will be time consuming and frustrating to use for an entire house.

Paint can also be applied to vinyl siding with a roller or brush. Always use the best quality tools you can afford for a better result and less time spent up on a ladder.

Expert Insight

It is not necessary to prime your vinyl siding if you choose the right paint. However, if applying by hand, two evenly applied coats will be more durable than one coat. If you use an airless sprayer, the paint film you apply will be thicker, and one coat will be sufficient.

The higher the paint sheen, the more imperfections will show up in the finished product. Avoid satin or semigloss and look for a low sheen or matte finish. This will look good and still be washable.

References

• How to paint vinyl siding