First off, what is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of styles. Vinyl siding is made from a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a durable material that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Also, vinyl siding does not need painting or staining, and it is available in a variety of colors and styles. Now it might not need painting, but over time the color will fade and may even look uneven in different sections of the house. This can be because of different rates of sun exposure on the house.
But, before you break out the paintbrush, it’s important to understand how this may affect your warranty. Many warranties for vinyl siding include a clause that specifically excludes painting as a covered repair. That means if you paint your siding and something goes wrong, you’ll likely be on the hook for the cost of repairs. In some cases, you may even void the warranty entirely. So before you start painting, be sure to check your warranty and make sure that painting your siding won’t end up voiding the warranty.
How do you paint vinyl siding?
Step 1: Choose a paint color for your vinyl siding
This can sometimes be the most difficult part. With vinyl siding, you need to think about many factors before landing on a color.
When painting vinyl siding, you have to take into account the current color. It’s recommended to choose a color that is the same or lighter than the current color of the siding. This is because if you choose a darker color, it will retain more heat and could lead to premature warping, as well as cause other problems with maintenance.
The other half of this decision is you have to like the color! Check out a recent blog we wrote on picking an exterior color for your home to help your decision!
Step 2: Clean the surface
Before doing any painting, it’s essential to clean the surface of the siding. Removing all chalky buildup, debris, mildew, and mold is very important and will affect the painting process if not done correctly. Don’t overlook this step!
Step 3: Apply a primer (optional)
Vinyl Siding doesn’t need a primer applied before painting but can help if the siding has signs of severe weathering. It’s important that if you use a primer, let it completely dry.
Step 4: Paint
Using either a paint sprayer or a roller, apply the paint to the vinyl siding. Brushwork will be needed for edges and corners.
Painting vinyl will almost always need at least two coats of paint. Apply the first coat evenly and then let it dry. Then apply the second coat. The majority of the time, two coats will be enough but assess the way the siding looks after the second coat to see if a third is necessary.
Final Thoughts
Painting the vinyl siding of your home can make your house look amazing and can be much cheaper than deciding to replace your siding. But it’s very important that it is done correctly. Check out our exterior painting page if you have more questions. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, we would love to give you a free estimate!
