How to Paint Vinyl Siding Posts & Rails
Painting vinyl siding on your home or other structure can be done successfully, but you will need to prepare the vinyl for the paint to properly bond and last over the long haul. Vinyl siding expands and contracts more than other types of siding, so paint can fail very quickly if you don't use the proper materials. You also will need to thoroughly clean the surface before applying paint. For best adhesion and durability on vinyl, use an exterior latex that contains urethane.
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Things You'll Need
- Soap and water
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Drop cloths
- Painter's tape
- Primer
- Exterior paint w/urethane
- Paint brushes
- Paint roller
- Ladder
Instructions
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1
Prepare the siding by thoroughly cleaning it with soap and water. Scrub it down with a sponge or rag to remove any dirt or film. Do not use a pressure washer because it does not clean as well as soap and water, and it can force water behind the siding.
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2
Lay out drop cloths around the area to be painted. If you have bushes or plants that you don't want painted, cover them for safety.
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3
Mask off any areas that you do not want painted. Shutters, trim, or other areas can be covered with painter's tape to protect them from paint spatter.
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4
Prime any bare spots where the aluminum substrate may be showing through, using a brush or roller. If you have large bare spots, you may want to apply a complete coat of primer instead of spot priming. Allow the primer to dry for 2 to 3 hours before you start painting.
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5
Apply the first coat of paint to the vinyl using a brush or roller. Apply thin, even coats. Allow the paint to dry between coats for 2 to 3 hours. Drying time may vary depending on the type of paint and brand, so check the directions or ask at the store where you bought the paint.
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6
Apply a second coat, if needed. Continue adding coats, allowing the paint to dry between them, until the desired color is achieved.
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Tips & Warnings
Some Latex paints can be applied without priming first. Check with the paint store to determine whether you will need to prime first or not.
Never paint vinyl siding with a darker color than the original siding. Darker colors absorb more heat, which increases the expansion and contraction rate of the siding and can cause the paint to fail more rapidly.
