How To Paint Your Vinyl Siding In 5 Easy Steps

Vinyl siding is a popular option for home exterior because it’s affordable and easy to install. However, its color can fade over time so many people choose to paint their vinyl siding as a way to improve the appearance of their homes.

In addition, painting your vinyl siding will protect it from the weather and extend its life. Just follow these 4 steps:

1. Remove any dirt or debris from the vinyl siding
2. Scrape off any peeling paint
3. Mask off any areas that you don’t want to paint
4. Apply a primer to the vinyl siding
5. Paint the vinyl siding using a high-quality paint

It doesn’t have to be complicated to paint your house, just make sure that you’re prepared with the right tools and equipment.

What you’ll need:

• Paintbrush
• Outdoor cleaner (such as 30 Seconds available at Home Depot)
• Masking tape
• Primer
• Roller
• Paint tray
• High-quality exterior paint
• Step ladder/ladder or a working platform (depending on the height)
• Drop cloths
• Painter’s plastic

What to have in mind when painting vinyl siding

The best paint for vinyl is a water-based 100 percent acrylic paint or a urethane-modified acrylic paint. Avoid cheap latex paint.

Acrylic paint is quite flexible. Vinyl can expand and shrink dramatically when subjected to temperature changes, causing cheap and lower-quality paint to fracture and peel.

Paint on a cloudy day or choose a side of the house that’s shaded.

When choosing paint some paint brands have primer and paint in one to make your life a little bit easier.

When it comes to color selection, it’s best to go with the same color, same tone or a lighter color. Dark colors will absorb more heat, causing the vinyl siding to expand more and making it more likely to deform.

It’s also important to consider the type of finish you want for your paint job. A high-gloss finish will make imperfections more noticeable so it’s best to stick with a satin or semi-gloss finish.

Also, make sure that the warranty on your siding doesn’t explicitly state that you void it by painting the siding. The majority of siding manufacturers provide a fifty-year guarantee. On the other hand, some siding materials may have a lifetime warranty.

How to paint vinyl siding

Now, when you have chosen the paint, color and if you actually want/can paint your siding, let’s move on to the steps.

1. Remove any dirt or debris from the vinyl siding of your house

Before you start to paint your siding you need to clean it. Either use a pressure washer or a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment to remove any dirt or debris from the vinyl siding.

If the siding has algae or mildew, apply a cleaning solution that is designed for this purpose such as 30 Seconds.

Apply it with a stiff brush or use a garden sprayer to apply it evenly over the surface of the siding. Use a brush to scrub the siding if necessary.

Rinse the cleaner off with water from a garden hose and let the surface dry.

2. Scrape off any peeling paint

If there is any peeling paint on the vinyl siding, scrape it off with a putty knife or a wire brush. Be careful not to damage the surface of the vinyl siding.

Use 220 fine-grit sandpaper to sand the edges of the paint that you just scraped off.

3. Mask off any areas that you don’t want to paint

You need to use painter’s tape to mask off any areas where you don’t want the paint to get on to get the best result. This includes power outlets, lamps, windowsills and any other areas that you don’t feel comfortable cutting in with a paintbrush.

Use plastic or masking paper around larger details.

Use a drop cloth to cover the ground below the area you’re painting to protect it from paint drips.

4. Apply a primer to the vinyl siding

A primer will help the paint to stick to the surface of the vinyl siding and it will also improve the durability of the paint job. This step can be skipped if you chose self-priming paint. Although if the vinyl siding is high-gloss then priming is recommended for best adhesion.

Pour some primer into a paint tray and use a roller to apply it evenly over the surface of the siding. Start at the top and work your way down.

Let the primer dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer before you start painting.

5. Paint the vinyl siding using a high-quality paint

Now it’s time to start painting the siding.

Pour some paint into a paint tray and use the paintbrush to cut in around the edges. Use the roller to apply the paint to the rest of the surface. Start at the top and work your way down.

If you don’t want the stipple finish, roll the paint on and then use the paintbrush to smooth it out.

Let the first coat of paint dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer before you apply a second coat.

A second coat is recommended even if the first coat looks good. This will help to improve the durability of the paint job.

Remove the painter’s tape and plastic once the final coat of paint is dry. Always remove the tape away from the painted surface to avoid peeling the paint off.

Now stand back and enjoy your newly painted house!

Pros and Cons when painting your vinyl siding yourself

When painting your house yourself it’s important that you take the time to do it correctly. If you don’t have any experience painting, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to do it for you.

However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, here are some pros and cons of painting your vinyl siding yourself.

Pros:

• Cheaper; The most expensive part is the labor cost.
• Can change the color whenever you want; Don’t have to wait until your vinyl siding fades or goes out of style.
• You know you get what you want

Cons:

• Requires some knowledge and experience in order to do a good job.
• Can be time-consuming. If you have a large house, it might take a while to paint it all.
• You might need to buy some additional equipment like a ladder, scaffolding, or a paint sprayer.
• Can be dangerous if you are not careful.

Conclusion

Paint is a great way to add some color to your house and protect your vinyl siding from the sun and weather. If you are thinking about painting your vinyl siding, make sure to do your research and plan ahead. Painting can be a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

If you are willing to put in the time and effort, painting your vinyl siding yourself can be a cost-effective way to give your home a new look. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully and take all the necessary precautions.

FAQs

Many questions can arise when you are about to paint your vinyl siding. Here are some frequently asked questions with answers that might help you out.

Is it a good idea to paint vinyl siding?

While painting vinyl siding can change the color and improve the curb appeal of a home, there are some risks involved. Paint can crack and peel over time which makes it more expensive when it’s time to repaint since it needs to be scraped and this is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

How long will my vinyl siding last if I paint it?

Painting your vinyl siding is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan. If you take good care of it and keep it painted, it can last a very long time.

A painted vinyl siding will prolong its lifespan since it provides a protective barrier against the elements, helping to prevent fading and damage from UV rays.

Is it cheaper to paint or replace vinyl siding?

In most cases, painting your vinyl siding will be cheaper than replacing it. This is because replacement can be costly, and you will need to factor in the cost of labor as well.

When you paint your vinyl siding, you can do it yourself which will save you money on labor costs.

Can you pressure wash painted vinyl siding?

Yes, you can pressure wash painted vinyl siding. If the paint starts to peel then try to remove as much as possible with the pressure washer since you will have to remove the paint that is loose anyway.

When removing the paint after you have pressure washed it, don’t use abrasive tools that can damage the vinyl surface, and use high grit sandpaper to even out the edges.

What color siding has the best resale value?

The best colors of siding for resale are neutral colors like white, cream, light gray, or tan. These colors have a timeless appeal and will help your home to sell quickly.

If you want to paint your vinyl siding a color that is not neutral, make sure it is a color that you like since you might be living with it for a while. Also, keep in mind that painting your siding can be expensive and you might not get your paint job back when you sell your home.

How much does it cost to hire someone to paint my vinyl siding?

According to Homeadvisor.com painting a home’s exterior costs an average of $3,048 with a typical range between $1,764 and $4,331.

The average price per square foot ranges from $0.50 to $3.50 depending on your geographic location, condition of your exterior and accessibility.

Is it better to spray or roll vinyl siding?

When painting vinyl siding, you can either spray it or roll it on. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Spraying is a fast way to cover large areas, but you need to be more thorough with masking everything. Spraying gives a perfect finish but it also uses more paint. You also have to be careful that the wind doesn’t blow the paint around.

Rolling is slower, more labor-intensive and gives a stippled finish. But it’s more precise and you don’t have to worry about overspray.

In the end, it’s up to you which method you prefer. Just make sure to follow the instructions that come with your paint carefully.