4 Essential Tips for Painting Vinyl Siding
Did you know that vinyl siding could be painted? That's right, and giving your siding a coat of paint is an excellent way to make your home look fresh and new. You might opt for a shade you prefer, cover up damage, or restore sections that have faded in the sun.
Before you get started, you need to know that painting vinyl siding comes with some unique challenges. You'll need to prepare the surface correctly, choose the right paint, and apply it evenly.
Keep reading for four essential painting tips.
Clean Your Siding Thoroughly
While cleaning all your siding might sound like a big job, it's absolutely essential to a good finish. If your siding is dirty, greasy, or covered in dust, your paint won't adhere properly, and the finished result will look awful.
If the siding isn't too dirty, you can hand wash it using soap and water. For stubborn dirt, consider hiring a professional to pressure wash your home. It's important to call in an expert for this, or you could damage the materials behind your siding.
Use Primer on Damaged Siding
Is your siding badly weathered? Are sections starting to deteriorate? If the answer's yes, you'll need to apply primer before you start painting. If your siding is fairly new and in good condition, you can get away with skipping the primer.
Don't Pick a Color Darker Than The Original
Siding is designed to absorb a certain amount of heat, and colour plays a big role in this. If you choose a paint colour that's darker than the original colour of your siding, it could absorb too much heat, and buckle, warp or crack. To ensure this doesn't happen, pick a shade that's similar to or lighter than the original siding colour.
Choose a Vinyl Safe Paint
If you want your paint to adhere correctly and last a long time, you'll need to choose a variety that's been specifically formulated for use on vinyl. Look out for 'vinyl safe'colours, which are designed not to absorb too much heat. Paint can be applied using brushes, rollers, or spraying tools.
Want to give your vinyl siding a makeover? Dedicate some time to preparing your siding, choosing the right paint, and applying an even coat. If that's too much work, consider hiring a local trade qualified painter. They'll be able to take care of everything, and there's no risk of you making a novice mistake that could damage your home.