Aluminum Siding, Freshly Painted: A Guide To House Exterior Makeovers

Painting the exterior of your house can be a daunting task, especially if it's aluminium siding. Aluminium siding is durable and can last up to 40 years, but it may need a fresh coat of paint to keep your house looking its best. Painting aluminium siding is different from painting other types of siding, as aluminium has unique characteristics such as oxidation, pitting, and corrosion. In this article, we will guide you through the process of painting your aluminium siding, including the necessary preparation and safety considerations.

Clean the siding

Aluminium siding is a smart choice for residential exteriors as it is strong, durable, cost-effective, and can last for practically the entire life of a house. However, it can accumulate dust and grime over time and start to look worn. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your aluminium siding at least once a year. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you clean your aluminium siding effectively:

Step 1: Inspect the Siding

Before starting the cleaning process, it is important to inspect the siding for any signs of mildew, powdery paint pigment, or mildew. You can do this by rubbing the siding with a cloth. If there is lead paint present, be sure to contact a licensed lead abatement specialist. It is also important to cover the ground and nearby shrubs with drop cloths to protect them from any cleaning solutions that may be used.

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

To effectively clean aluminium siding, a cleaning solution is required. One option is to mix one cup of chlorine bleach, one cup of TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate), and one gallon of water in a bucket. Put on gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning solution. Alternatively, you can use a biodegradable laundry detergent, mixing 60ml of detergent with 4 gallons of water.

Step 3: Choose Your Cleaning Method

There are several methods you can use to clean aluminium siding. For small areas, you can use a sponge to scrub the siding with the cleaning solution. Be sure to rinse the siding with a garden hose when you're done. For larger areas, a pressure washer or a random-orbit sander can be used. If using a pressure washer, connect it to a garden hose and attach a fan-spray tip to the wand. Fill the reservoir with the cleaning solution and spray it onto the siding, being careful not to shoot water under the siding. If using a random-orbit sander, attach a 100-grit abrasive disk and use it to remove paint from the siding. This method may be too time-consuming, so a pressure washer is usually sufficient to prepare the surface for painting.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub the Siding

Once you have applied the cleaning solution, use a garden hose to rinse the siding thoroughly from high to low, making sure to remove all the detergent. If there are tough stains or debris, you may need to use a scrub brush or a soft-bristle siding brush to scrub the siding gently. Be sure to brush with the water flowing down the siding to prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath.

Step 5: Let the Siding Dry

After rinsing and scrubbing the siding, let it air dry completely before moving on to the next step of the painting process.

Choose the right paint

The best paint for aluminium siding is 100% acrylic latex paint. This is an all-seasonal paint that will hold up better, cover better and is less likely to fade. It is also more flexible than 100% acrylic paint, allowing it to resist cracking as the metal expands and contracts in changing temperature conditions.

Stay away from high-gloss paints that reflect the sun's glare, unless you live in a hot area and want a deliberate shine. Instead, opt for an eggshell or satin finish, as it wears better than a matte finish and is more flattering for your home.

You can paint your aluminium siding in almost any colour once the primer has dried. Very bright colours might need a lightly tinted or white base, but most common home colours can be painted directly over the metal primer.

If you are using a brush, work with small batches of paint and try to stay in the shade. Aluminium heats up in the sun, so the paint will thicken and set quicker. If you are only used to interior painting, you could easily brush or roll on too much paint. If it dries before you can finish spreading it, you could end up with uneven spots and unsightly runs of paint.

The best way to paint aluminium siding is with an airless sprayer. These tools are used by professional painters to create a perfect finish. They cover more area and do it faster and with a more even finish than a brush or roller. However, they require a lot of skill to use properly, and keeping the tool clean and spraying smoothly can be a challenge.

If you are using a roller, use a lambswool roller to give your siding a smooth finish.

Prime the siding

Priming the aluminium siding is an important step in the painting process. It ensures that the paint will adhere properly and helps to prevent chipping, flaking, and cracking. If the existing paint is in good condition, you may be able to skip the priming step, but it is generally recommended, especially if any bare metal is exposed or if the surface is corroded, pitted, or in poor condition.

To prime the siding, you will need a primer specifically designed for use on aluminium. Oil-based primers are a good option as they offer toughness and strong adhesion, but they can be more difficult to work with than water-based primers. You will also need a paint sprayer, roller, or brush to apply the primer. If using a sprayer, you will need to mask off any areas that you do not want to be painted, such as windows and doors.

When priming, always stroke or spray in the direction of the siding. Start at one end and work your way across to the other end to ensure an even coat. Apply a thin, visible coat to the siding to prevent bubbles and cracks. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before applying paint—this usually takes around 2 to 4 hours, but may vary depending on the product you are using. You may need to apply a second coat of primer if the first coat is not even or if the siding is severely damaged.

It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when priming and to follow all safety instructions on the product label. Make sure to clean your tools with an appropriate thinner after you are finished priming.

Apply the first coat of paint

Now that you've primed the aluminium siding, it's time to apply the first coat of paint. This is a crucial step in the painting process, so it's important to take your time and work carefully. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Before you begin, make sure you have chosen the right paint for the job. The best paint for aluminium siding is water-based acrylic latex paint. It is flexible, resisting cracks as the metal expands and contracts with temperature changes. Choose a premium product to ensure a long-lasting finish.

You should also ensure that the primer is completely dry before proceeding. Expert painters recommend a time interval of at least 4-5 hours. You can test if the primer is dry by touching the siding with your finger. If it feels sticky or tacky, it needs more time to dry.

When you're ready to start painting, begin at one end of the siding and work your way across in even strokes. If you're using a brush and roller, use a foam brush instead of a bristled one to avoid brush marks. Work in the direction of the siding, going from left to right if your siding is horizontal. This will help you achieve an even coat and prevent any spots from being missed.

If you're using a handheld sprayer, you'll need to mask off any areas you don't want to be painted, such as doors and windows. You'll also need to frequently refill the sprayer's cup. However, a sprayer can make it easier to reach tight spaces, such as under the edges of the slats.

As you work, keep an eye out for any dripping paint. If this occurs, switch to a top-down approach to achieve a more even coat. Take your time and work carefully to ensure the best results.

The first coat of paint will typically take around 2-3 hours to dry, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's directions for the specific product you're using. Once the first coat is dry, you can assess whether a second coat is needed.

Remember, painting aluminium siding is a detailed process, and it's important to work slowly and methodically to achieve the best results. Don't rush, and always follow the recommended safety procedures when working with paint and other chemicals.

Apply the second coat

After applying the first coat of paint to your aluminium siding, you will need to wait for it to dry. This can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, but it is important to test the dryness of the paint before moving on to the second coat. You can do this by touching the siding with your finger; if the paint feels sticky or tacky, it is not yet dry. Once the first coat is dry, you can move on to applying the second coat.

The second coat of paint is not always necessary, but it is a good idea if you want to achieve a durable, reliable, and even finish. If you notice any bumps or uneven surfaces after the first coat, you can apply a second coat to even things out. Before doing so, however, it is important to remove any bubbles or impurities with light sanding using 400-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to strip off the paint or sand too hard, as this can damage the first coat. If you notice any paint stripping, apply a primer to cover the area before proceeding.

When applying the second coat, use the same techniques as you did for the first coat. This includes using even strokes and following a top-down or left-to-right approach to achieve an even coat and prevent missing any spots. If you are using a paint sprayer, be sure to mask off any areas that you do not want to get painted, such as windows, doors, and outlets.

As with the first coat, it is important to let the second coat dry thoroughly. The drying time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity, so it is a good idea to allow for a longer drying time if the conditions are not ideal. Once the second coat is dry, you can stand back and admire your freshly painted aluminium siding!

Tips for Success

• Take your time and work in small sections to ensure even coverage and a smooth finish.
• If using a paint sprayer, mask off all areas that you do not want to get painted.
• Clean your tools immediately after finishing to have them ready for the next time you need them.

Frequently asked questions