Revamping Steel Siding: A Guide To Repainting Your House's Exterior

Repainting the steel siding on your house is a great way to revitalise its exterior and prevent rust. While metal siding is durable, over time it can become chalky, faded, and rusty. Repainting is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation to ensure the new paint adheres properly and protects the metal.

Prepare the surface by cleaning and removing rust

Before painting, it is important to prepare the surface by cleaning and removing rust. This will ensure the paint goes on smoothly without bubbles, bumps, or blemishes.

First, determine whether your metal siding is aluminium or steel, as the two require different handling. If it is aluminium, use a pressure washer on a low setting, and for steel, use a paint sprayer mixed with trisodium phosphate. For aluminium, you can add some liquid soap to the water, and after spraying, be sure to rinse off the metal with clean water. For steel, use a rust converter to completely remove the rust. Trisodium phosphate is caustic, so be sure to wear protective gear when using it.

If you are dealing with rust stains, you can use a combination of white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water. Apply the solution and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with soap and water. For tougher stains, a scrubbing brush and a bucket of soapy water can be used. Alternatively, a product like CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover) can be used, but be aware that this may dull or remove paint.

Once the surface is clean, you will need to sand the entire surface until there are no shiny or slick areas. Paint will not stick to slippery surfaces, so it is important to ensure the surface is dull.

Cover areas you don't want to paint

Painting your steel siding can be a big undertaking, but it's important to do it right to prevent mistakes that could cause the paint to chip or crack. One of the most important steps is to cover any areas you don't want to paint, such as doors, windows, trim, soffits, and gutters. You can use plastic sheeting to cover these areas, cut to size with a sharp knife and affixed with masking tape. Make sure every inch is covered to avoid any unwanted paint spraying or rolling onto these areas.

It is also important to clean the metal siding thoroughly before painting to remove any dirt, grime, or rust. If you have aluminium siding, you can use a pressure washer on a low setting with some liquid soap added to the water. For steel siding, you can use a paint sprayer mixed with trisodium phosphate to get rid of grime, and a rust converter to turn rust into a black substance that can be easily removed. Remember to wear protective gear when using trisodium phosphate as it can cause skin irritation and burns.

Once the surface is completely clean and dry, you can start applying the primer. Use a latex-bonding primer for steel siding, and a regular metal paint primer for aluminium. Pour the primer into a paint tray and start applying it evenly from the top of the wall. Let it dry for about one to two days, depending on the weather, before moving on to the next step.

After the primer is dry, you can start painting with acrylic paint. Apply the paint evenly and allow the first layer to dry before adding a second layer for durability and better resistance to rust. Finally, remove the plastic sheets covering the areas you didn't want to paint, and admire your freshly painted steel siding!

Apply a primer

The first actual step of painting metal siding is applying the primer. If your metal siding is made of aluminium, a regular metal paint primer will work. However, for steel siding, a latex-bonding primer is recommended.

Before applying the primer, ensure that you have covered areas that you do not want to be painted, such as doors and windows, with a cut and well-trimmed plastic sheeting affixed with masking tape.

Once you have selected the appropriate primer for your metal siding, pour the primer into a paint container or tray. Start applying the primer evenly on the metal siding, starting from the top of the wall.

For steel siding, it is recommended to apply two coats of a rust-resistant primer, allowing the primer to dry between coats to create a stronger protective barrier.

Allow the primer to dry for approximately one to two days, depending on the weather conditions in your location.

Paint with acrylic paint

Painting steel siding on a house is a great way to prevent rust and improve the curb appeal of your home. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a professional-looking paint job using acrylic paint:

Prepare the Surface:

Before painting, it is crucial to prepare the steel siding thoroughly. Start by cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, grime, or chalk. You can use a paint sprayer mixed with trisodium phosphate or a pressure washer with liquid soap to get rid of the grime. Ensure you rinse the surface thoroughly and let it dry completely.

Deal with Rust:

If there is any rust on the steel siding, it must be addressed before painting. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove loose rust. Then, apply a rust converter to neutralize the remaining rust and turn it into a black substance that can be easily wiped away.

Prime the Surface:

Priming is an essential step in the painting process. Choose a latex-bonding primer specifically designed for steel siding. Pour the primer into a paint tray and apply it evenly to the surface using a paint sprayer or a paint roller with an extension. Start from the top of the wall and work your way down. Allow the primer to dry completely, which can take around one to two days.

Once the primer is dry, it's time to apply the acrylic paint. Use a paint sprayer or a roller for best results. Start by painting the first layer of acrylic paint evenly over the primed surface. Allow the first layer to dry before applying the second layer. Two coats of paint will ensure durability and better resistance to rust.

Clean Your Equipment:

Don't forget to clean your equipment after you're done painting. Follow the cleaning instructions provided with your paint sprayer. Clean your brushes, rollers, and trays, and leave them to dry completely.

Maintain Your Paint Job:

To keep your steel siding looking its best, maintain it by washing it regularly and repairing any damage promptly. This will help prevent chalking, fading, and rust, ensuring your paint job lasts for a long time.

By following these steps and using high-quality acrylic paint, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting finish on your steel siding.

Apply a top coat

The top coat will help your paint job last and provide extra protection from the elements. You should use an exterior acrylic latex top coat, which is designed for exterior siding. This will provide long-lasting colour and prevent chipping, peeling and rust.

Apply two coats of the topcoat for optimal performance. You can use a paint sprayer, or large rollers with long handles and brushes. Make sure you get an even finish.

If you are using a paint sprayer, consider the wind's direction and avoid over-spraying. You can also use a roller and brush to apply the top coat. If you are using a roller, make sure it has a long handle to reach the upper parts of the siding.

Before you begin, make sure you have covered any areas you don't want to be painted, such as windows and doors, with plastic sheeting. You can use a sharp knife to cut the sheeting to size.

Once you have applied the top coat, leave it to dry completely. Then stand back and admire your handiwork!

Frequently asked questions