Can I Paint My Gutters?
Are you thinking about painting your gutters? Here are some things you need to consider beforehand!
At some point in time, you might want to paint your gutters because tastes change. There is a common belief that you are unable to paint gutters. Since they are made of metal, why would paint be able to stick?
This belief is wildly false. Not only can you paint them, but it is also very easy. As long as you follow the right steps, you will be able to paint them to look great and avoid the cost of professional painting. Take the opportunity to change your home.
If your gutters have a lot of rust, it might be time for a replacement. However, if your gutters don’t have a lot of rust on them, then you can just use a wire brush to remove rust and paint the gutter area with rust converter paint. This is a base coat or a primer. Then spread roof cement over the area and put some metal flashing or aluminum foil into the cement. After that, spread another roof cement layer on top. This can be a temporary repair.
Besides specialized rust paint, you might also want to paint your gutters for the aesthetic effect as well. First, you need to clean your gutters in order to paint them.
Start by scraping off the old paint using a paint scraper. Then wash your gutters again and apply an oil-based metal primer. Whatever you use, make sure that it does not contain ammonia, since it could react with the aluminum, creating gas bubbles between the layers. After about two days, you can apply an enamel paint layer to the gutters. Then add a second coat when the first one is dry.
Spray Painting Gutters
Careful masking is needed before spray painting gutters. Windows and fascia boards close to the gutters all have to be covered with masking paper and plastic. The fastest and easiest way to do this is by using the 3M hand masker because masking without this tool will take much longer.
Place 4×12 canvas drop cloths over the area of the roof shingles directly above the gutters to protect them from the spray. Put the ends of the drop cloths into the gutter and add a couple of rocks on top to keep them in place.
Spray the gutters from side to side, keeping a wet edge all the time. Spray two paint coats. Tear off all of the plastic and masking paper once the paint is dry.
Avoiding the Need to Paint
Often, problems with gutters getting full of debris start with gutter clogging. If you can prevent this, then you can stop a lot of those gutter issues in the first place, and you won’t need to worry about gutter replacement or painting. It’s essential to clean your gutters every season to prevent debris from building up. This debris can result in clogged gutters that then start to sag under the weight of the leaves and sticks in the gutter.
Clogged gutters allow algae to grow and can become very hard to clean over time. If water stays in a gutter and spills over the side regularly, this leads to rust.
Are you looking to paint your gutters? Feel free to contact 1-800-HANSONS for a free estimate.
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