What’s the Best Paint for Vinyl Siding?

So, you want to paint the vinyl siding on your house? To do that you need specific paint, but you also need to know several other important details.

In this article, that’s exactly what we’ll discuss. By the end of the piece, you’ll know which paint is the best for your vinyl siding and everything else you need to know before you start painting.

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?

Yes, you can paint vinyl siding. There are numerous benefits to vinyl siding. From its durability to its energy efficiency, vinyl siding is a top choice for homeowners. It can last up to 50 years. But its pros aren’t limited to practicality – there is also an aesthetic benefit. Vinyl siding doesn’t have to be replaced to be updated. To refresh your home and give it a whole new look, vinyl siding can easily be painted. But, there are some things to know before you start.

Make Sure Vinyl Siding Is Completely Clean

Homeowners often decide to repaint their siding when it looks dirty. Discoloration is more common on light-colored siding, like white, and happens naturally over time. If you’re in love with your color, a thorough cleaning may be all you want to do. But, if you do proceed with painting, ensure your siding is fully cleaned first. The best way to clean siding is with a power washer. Go section by section; you’ll be amazed at how much dirt and debris can build up! Clean the siding thoroughly, as paint can peel from an unclean surface. Once this step is done, allow the house to dry, then prime the siding.

Use a Primer and Acrylic Paint on Vinyl Siding

Before you paint, you prime. Primer is the key to a seamless paint job, as it prepares the surface and helps paint last longer. The painter will use an adhesive primer first, then paint the siding with your brand new color. 100% acrylic paint works best with vinyl siding, as it’s lightweight and tightly clings to the vinyl. Paint that is too think will eventually flake off. Two coats, best applied as a spray, will do the trick. Keep in mind that darker colors will absorb the heat from the sun and bubble over time. Stay away from black, dark gray and dark blue for the best results.

What You Need to Do to Paint Vinyl Siding

Painting vinyl siding starts with choosing the color and the paint. You can select most colors, and a significant number of them will go great on the siding of a house. You only need to avoid darker colors as these can cause the siding to absorb more heat. Extreme heat leads to bubbling, warping, and peeling of the vinyl siding, which is why you should try to avoid it.

As for the paint itself, you need to be even more careful. Many paints are not designed for painting vinyl siding and can cause damage to it. You need to choose paints that are specifically made for painting vinyl siding and similar tasks. That means that the paint needs to be acrylic and vinyl-safe. These paints are perfect for vinyl as they are designed to expand as the siding expands.

That means that all acrylic and vinyl-safe paints are the best paints for vinyl siding. However, there’s more to it than that. You still need to know how to apply it.

How to Paint Vinyl Siding

To paint vinyl siding, it’s best to apply the spray painting method. This method doesn’t only save time, but it also allows you to create a look that’s very similar to the original one the siding had when it was installed.

Before you start, you need to cover the downspouts, windows, and doors with plastic. If you have some bushes or flowers close to the siding, use some cloth to cover them as well — the point is to make sure the paint doesn’t reach anything besides the siding.

When you’re done with that, you should use an airless sprayer to paint the siding. Start from the top and spray from left to right, working down towards the bottom of the house.

To make sure it looks great, you:

Shouldn’t stop until you reach the bottom
Should do the process two times
Should paint only on a calm day without any wind
Shouldn’t paint in the sun, only in the shade

Key Takeaways

So there you have it, now you know which paint is the best for vinyl siding and how to apply it. Plus, you know all the dos and don’ts when it comes to vinyl siding painting. For more information, schedule a free siding demo with 1-800-HANSONS, and we’ll be happy to assist you.