How to Prep Metal Siding for Painting

Painting metal siding is much different than painting wood. Metal siding does not even need to be primed. Also, metal siding won't absorb moisture and swell up like wood will which makes it much easier to work with. All there really is to preparing it is knowing how to clean the siding properly before applying any paint.

Things You'll Need

• Pole sander
• Scouring pad
• Metal cleaning solution
• Garden sprayer
• Hose

Instructions

1. Attach the scouring pad to the pole sander head.

2. Connect the hose and garden sprayer together with the metal cleaning solution if required.

3. Spray the metal siding with the metal cleaning solution and let it stay on there for about 10 minutes.

4. Scrub the metal siding with the scouring pad that is attached to the pole sander to loosen the chalk and remove the gloss. Make sure that the underside of the lap siding is scrubbed too.

5. Rinse off the metal siding with the hose to finish preparing it and let it dry.

Tips & Warnings

• The metal cleaning solution being used should state that it can be used to prepare metal for painting.

• The metal cleaning solution should be used in a well ventilated area because the fumes can be toxic.