Aluminum is a popular siding material for a variety of reasons: it is light enough that it does not put any pressure on your home’s structure; it can withstand extreme weather conditions; and it requires very little maintenance. Even with its appealing appearance, you can still give a home with aluminum siding a fresh new look. Whether the siding has never been painted, has peeling paint, or has developed a chalky residue, painting it can make it look a lot better. Here are the steps you need to follow to ensure a great finish.
Prep the Siding
There are three main things you should do before you paint aluminum siding: scrape off the peeling paint, clean it, and repair any damage you find. Scraping any peeling paint can be done using a paint scraping tool. You can then use a brush and a dilute solution of bleach to remove any mildew. You can then finish off with a power sander to ensure the surface is smooth and even for painting.
As for the repairs, there are telltale signs that your siding is damaged. Signs like warping indicate that you need to have the siding repaired before you can paint it. Contractors like Advantage Construction can do an in-depth assessment and let you know the extent of the repairs that need to be done.
Apply the Coats of Primer
To ensure the paint is not affected by rain, debris, or high temperatures, plan your project when the weather is favorable. You can apply the first coat of primer using a roller. Depending on your home’s size, the process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If you have a larger home, you can opt to paint the siding in stages so you do not overexert yourself.
Once the first coat is dry, you can apply the second coat of primer. Primer usually takes hours to dry.
Paint the Aluminum Siding
When painting the siding, use long, even strokes and work from top to bottom. This helps you correct any drips as you work and minimizes the amount of paint wasted from dripping to the ground. Also, try to paint along the direction of your siding; paint left to right for horizontal siding and up and down for vertical siding.
You can apply a second coat of paint two hours after finishing the first one. The second paint is used to seal the first coat in as well as correct any flaws with the first coat of paint.
One thing to note is that you should not see any visible lines in the paint. If you do, you are going too slowly. Also, always buy more paint than you think you need. This will not only save you a trip to the store if the amount you got is not enough, but you will also have extra paint for touch-ups or additional coats.
Painting aluminum siding is relatively easy. Three of the most important things to remember are to have the right safety equipment on, ensure you prep the surface before you start, and purchase enough paint to cover all sides of your home.