Painting Asphalt Siding: A Guide To Exterior Makeover

how to paint asphalt based exterior siding

Painting asphalt siding is possible, but it requires careful preparation and the right materials to avoid a costly mistake. Before painting, the siding must be cleaned with a pressure washer, and any loose paint or debris removed with a sander. It is also important to repair any damages, such as holes, cracks, and flaking paint, as paint over these areas will peel and crack quickly. The siding should then be primed, with particular attention paid to the areas between each shingle, before being painted with exterior acrylic latex paint. It is important to avoid using heavy-duty rubberized, elastomeric paint as this can seal moisture in, causing the underlying wood to rot.

Characteristics Values
Wash the siding Use a pressure washer to remove dust, cobwebs, dirt, and debris
Primer Use a roller to prime the siding vertically, moving left to right. Use a paintbrush for tight areas
Paint Use a roller to paint the siding vertically, moving left to right. Use a paintbrush for tight areas
Paint type Use exterior acrylic latex paint

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Clean the siding with a pressure washer

Before painting asphalt-based exterior siding, it is important to clean the siding with a pressure washer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Area:

  • Remove or cover items such as light fixtures and air conditioner compressors to protect them from damage.
  • Cover shrubs and garden plants with tarps or plastic sheeting, and secure them with duct tape.
  • Identify the location of windows and electrical outlets to avoid spraying water into them.
  • Do not stand on a ladder while using the pressure washer, as the pressure may cause you to lose your balance.
  • Keep the pressure washer wand at least 6 feet away from electrical wires, and do not spray water into outlets. Cover electrical sockets with duct tape or close the covers.
  • Pre-scrub the exterior with a brush or spray it down with a hose to remove any dirt, debris, or mildew.

Set Up the Pressure Washer:

  • In a 5-gallon bucket, mix water with a cleaning detergent that contains mildewcide, following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Attach the pressure washer to your garden hose.
  • Select and attach the appropriate pressure washer nozzle.
  • Step back about 3 feet from the house and test the pressure washer. Adjust your stance and the spray until you find the right balance between pressure and safety.

Clean the Siding:

  • Start from the bottom of the house and work your way up. This will prevent water and suds from running down, making it easier to clean each section thoroughly.
  • Spray in a horizontal, side-to-side motion.
  • When spraying roof overhangs and gutters, maintain a 45-degree angle.
  • Avoid power washing if your home has been painted with lead paint.

Finish Up:

  • After pressure washing, turn off the machine and disconnect it from the hose.
  • Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on storing the pressure washer, such as draining liquid from the pump.
  • Rinse the siding with plain water from the garden hose to remove any remaining soap.
  • Remove all tarps, drop cloths, and duct tape.
  • If you plan to paint the siding, allow it to dry completely, which typically takes about two days.

Remember to wear safety goggles and work gloves when operating the pressure washer. Additionally, always use the appropriate soap or detergent and avoid corrosive cleaning solutions that contain undiluted bleach or unconventional cleaners, as these can damage the siding.

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Prime the siding with a roller

To prime asphalt-based exterior siding with a roller, follow these steps:

Clean the Siding:

Use a power washer to clean the siding and remove any dirt, debris, mould, and other substances. You can also use trisodium phosphate (TSP) as a cleanser for stubborn dirt. Ensure you follow safety instructions and adjust the pressure to a suitable level to avoid damaging the siding.

Prepare the Area:

Trim plants and bushes around the house to make space for a ladder. Place drop cloths to protect your plants and the ground from paint. Cover windows, doors, and any other areas you don't want to get paint on.

Repair Damages:

Use a paint scraper to remove loose paint. Sand any splintered areas to smooth them out. Fill in holes and cracks with a two-part resin filler or exterior spackling. Let it dry completely. Replace any severely damaged boards.

Prime the Siding:

Use a roller to apply a coat of primer to the siding. Work from left to right, moving the roller vertically. Ensure you use a primer suitable for exterior use, such as an acrylic latex primer or an exterior latex primer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

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Use the right paint

Painting asphalt siding is possible, but it is not a simple task. Asphalt is not naturally suited for adhesion, so the right paint and preparation are crucial.

Firstly, you must ensure your asphalt siding is not, in fact, asbestos siding. Asbestos is hazardous, and you will need to take appropriate precautions if it is present.

Assuming your siding is asphalt, the next step is to clean it. Use a pressure washer to remove all dust and cobwebs, and allow the siding to dry for 24 hours.

The next step is critical: priming. You must use a specific bonding primer to ensure the paint will adhere. Apply the primer with a roller, working left to right and moving the roller vertically. Use a 3- to 4-inch nylon paintbrush to force primer into the tight areas between shingles, using a dabbing motion. Allow the primer to dry for two hours.

Now you are ready to paint. Use acrylic latex paint, applying it with a roller and a nylon brush as you did the primer. Do not use plain latex paint, as this will cause fading. Work left to right, moving the roller vertically, and use a dabbing motion with the brush to reach between shingles. Allow the paint to dry for two hours.

By following these steps, you can successfully paint your asphalt-based exterior siding and achieve a bright, vibrant, and long-lasting finish.

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Prepare the area by covering doors, windows, and plants

Preparing the area before painting asphalt-based exterior siding is crucial to ensure a smooth and efficient painting process. Here are some detailed steps to help you cover doors, windows, and plants during your project:

  • Cover Doors and Windows: Use plastic sheeting and painter's tape to cover all doors and windows. This will protect them from paint splatters and accidental spills. Make sure to tape down the edges of the plastic sheeting securely to prevent any paint from seeping through.
  • Remove Shutters: Take down any shutters to ensure you can paint behind them. This will give a more uniform and professional finish to your project.
  • Protect Landscaping: Use tarps or drop cloths to cover plants, bushes, flowerbeds, and any other landscaping elements near the painting area. Secure the coverings with weights or ties to ensure they don't blow away in the wind.
  • Protect Other Outdoor Items: In addition to landscaping, cover any other items in the vicinity, such as sidewalks, driveways, parked vehicles, outdoor furniture, or grills. This will prevent paint from accidentally getting on these surfaces.
  • Seal Off Areas: If there are areas that you don't want to paint, such as lighting fixtures or door handles, use painter's tape to mask them off. This will help create clean lines and prevent paint from getting on unwanted areas.
  • Inform Neighbours: If there is a possibility of paint drifting onto neighbouring properties, it is courteous to inform them beforehand. This will allow them to take any necessary precautions to protect their belongings.
  • Check Weather Conditions: Choose a day with mild weather and no rain or high winds. Paint needs time to dry properly, and unexpected weather changes can ruin your freshly painted surface.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the area and protect doors, windows, and plants from paint. This will create a safer work environment and help you achieve the desired results for your asphalt-based exterior siding painting project.

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Repair any damages

Before painting asphalt-based exterior siding, it is important to repair any damage to the siding. This is because, if left unrepaired, water and ice can penetrate the openings and threaten the long-term integrity of the exterior walls.

To repair asphalt-based exterior siding, first identify the extent of the damage. If there are large areas of the asphalt building siding that are worn through, the proper repair is to completely remove the material from the structure. Then, inspect for and repair any structural damage, followed by the installation of a new exterior wall covering.

If there are only small holes or cracks in the siding, these can be patched. For small holes, squirt exterior-grade caulk into the hole, using caulk that matches the colour of the siding. If you cannot match the caulk to the siding colour, buy a paintable exterior caulk. Leave the caulk to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer, then trim away any excess caulk with a razor scraper so that the patch is flush with the siding.

For medium holes, insert the curved end of a siding removal tool under the buttlock of the damaged piece of siding. Lift the siding piece up gently and apply foil tape over the hole on the back of the siding. Then, snap the siding back into place and apply caulk over the tape-filled hole.

For large holes or cracks, unlock the broken piece of siding with a siding removal tool. Cut out the broken siding section with a utility knife and pry off the nails securing the broken piece. Then, insert a replacement piece of siding and drive new nails into the nailing strip before snapping the buttlock of the replacement piece into the rest of the siding.

Frequently asked questions

You should use an acrylic latex paint for asphalt-based exterior siding.

You should wash the siding with a pressure washer and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

After washing, you should prime the siding with a roller, moving vertically from left to right.

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