Can Aluminum Siding Be Painted With Latex Paint?

Fresh paint can give new life to old aluminum siding.

Aluminum siding was introduced to the residential housing market in the late 1940s as an indestructible building material. The siding has survived decades on many homes, but the finish has often weathered. Painting the siding will update the look.

Prepare the Siding

The original finish on aluminum siding often degrades into a chalky substance. Pressure washing the house with hot water will remove most of this substance and prepare the siding for painting.

Primer

Aluminum siding needs to be primed before painting. Use an oil-based primer designed for metal for the best results.

Paint

Some experts warn against using latex paint on aluminum siding because of the potential reaction between ammonia in the paint and the aluminum. The Paint Quality Institute insists that ammonia levels in modern latex paint is so low that it is not an issue and latex paint can be used on well prepared siding.

References

• "New York Times": Restoring Aluminum Siding: Jay Romano: March 23, 1997
• Ask the Builder: How to Paint Aluminum Siding