Paint plastic siding

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? You Bet. Here’s How — Advice from Bob Vila

A sensible siding solution, vinyl remains a popular and budget-friendly choice for home exteriors. Many homeowners have chosen vinyl for its low maintenance requirements, and the material has only gotten easier to maintain and longer lasting, benefiting over the years from advancements in manufacturing. Even so, it’s not—and will never likely be—invincible. If your siding is looking faded or worn, or if you’ve just grown tired of the color, you might be wondering: “Can vinyl siding be painted?” The answer is: Yes, vinyl siding can indeed be painted!

On homes in which siding covers most of the exterior, painting vinyl siding can be a large project. However, the good news is that it’s not a particularly complicated task. You may fear that in order to paint vinyl successfully, you will need to learn a new set of idiosyncratic, vinyl-only techniques. Fortunately, that’s not the case. If you’ve painted anything else before, most of the following steps for how to paint vinyl siding will probably be familiar. Plus, we’ll detail the handful of vinyl-specific considerations that you’ll need to keep in mind to get the job done right.

Tools & Materials

Laundry detergent
Powdered household cleaner
Bleach
1 gallon water
Soft-bristled brush or cloth
Garden hose
See full list «
Drop cloth
Ladder
Primer
Paint
Paint roller or paint sprayer
Paintbrush
Paint tray

STEP 1: Choose an appropriate vinyl siding paint color (the paint has to have certain properties, too).

For some, the first step may be the most difficult. There are so many colors that it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, there are a few ways to narrow down the options and feel confident about the exterior house paint color you choose.

Basing color choice on the home’s style can help. Many paint makers offer historically accurate collections of colors for specific house styles. For example, Sherwin-Williams offers exterior color palettes for Queen Anne, Craftsman, Georgian, Suburban Modern, and other styles of homes.

Another way to choose an exterior siding color is to consider the home’s other exterior features. Look for colors that go with the roof color, and any brick or stone that is part of the facade. In order to help envision a new color on your home, search for inspiration images of homes that have the same fixed feature colors.

Climate and neighborhood restrictions may also help narrow the choices. While the roof has a larger impact on heat gain in a home, the color of the walls can also make an impact. Cooler colors lead to less heat gain. Plus, many communities have regulations dictating and limiting paint colors, and some homeowners may need to gain approval from the homeowners association before painting a house.

Finally, keep in mind that it’s easiest and most cost-effective for the homeowner if the new exterior paint color they choose is the same color or a lighter hue than the current color. This is because darker colors retain more heat, can leave the siding vulnerable to premature warping, and may also create other maintenance problems.

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STEP 2: Make sure the vinyl siding paint you choose contains the right ingredients.

Although it can be tempting, don’t try to save time and money by purchasing the least expensive and most easy-to-reach can of paint. For a paint job to look good and last on vinyl siding, the product needs to have a few specific qualities.

Paint for vinyl siding contains acrylic and urethane resins. These ingredients accommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl and help the coating stick. Vinyl siding paint requires a latex urethane paint formulated for exterior use.

STEP 3: Check the weather forecast for painting day.

Before heading outdoors to start painting your vinyl siding, first consult the weather forecast for your area. The ideal weather condition for exterior painting is a mild temperature, low relative humidity, and an overcast sky.

If the weather is too hot, too sunny, or even too windy, the paint may fail to go on properly. While it might look fine in the short term, paint applied on a hot, humid, or gusty day may adhere poorly as it cures and be more prone to cracking and flaking over time. Also make sure the weather forecast predicts clear skies for at least one day after the paint job is complete.

STEP 4: Prepare the vinyl surface.

A thorough cleaning is a critical step toward achieving a professional-quality paint job—not only on vinyl, but on any material that’s inside or outside. Simply rinsing the house’s siding with running water from a garden hose won’t cut it.

The goal is to remove all mold, mildew, chalky buildup, and debris from the surface. For best results, make a cleaning solution that contains the following ingredients.

1/3 cup laundry detergent
2/3 cup powdered household cleaner
1 quart liquid laundry bleach
1 gallon water

Use a cloth or a soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution before painting vinyl siding, then be sure to rinse off any remaining residue. Before going any further, allow enough time for the siding to dry completely.

For specific tips about this process, check out our other article on how to clean vinyl siding.

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STEP 5: Set up paint supplies and apply primer, if necessary.

Before applying paint, set up a drop cloth to protect any plants or other surfaces from paint splatters. If needed, set up a ladder on a stable, flat surface and ask a helper to hold the ladder while you use it.

After the work area is set up and the supplies are gathered, it’s time to start painting. However, before applying the chosen color, primer may be needed. Primer is recommended to make sure the finished paint job is consistent and has good adhesion. It may not be necessary if the original color hasn’t completely or partially worn away. If the vinyl is pitted or porous, it will also benefit from primer.

STEP 6: Apply two coats of vinyl paint.

After the primer is dry, apply your chosen paint with a roller or a paint sprayer, saving brushwork for corners and edges. Evenly coat the entire surface, taking care not to apply too much paint in any one section. As for most other types of paint jobs, it’s better to do multiple light coats than one thick coat.

Upon finishing the first coat, let the paint dry before continuing on to the second coat. The second coat, however, must be given enough time (24 hours at least) to dry completely before the project can be considered complete.

Most of the time two coats are sufficient, but that doesn’t always do the trick. Once you have allowed the second coat of paint to dry completely, assess its appearance to determine whether an additional coat may be needed.

istockphoto.com

Final Thoughts

Painting a home’s exterior (and painting vinyl siding) is a laborious job. The silver lining to completing such a large-scale is this: Assuming that you properly cleaned the siding prior to painting and had ideal weather conditions during paint application, you can reasonably expect the new coat of paint to last 10 years or more.

Now that you know the answer to the question of can you paint vinyl siding, remember that it’s easier said than done. Depending on the size of a home and how much vinyl siding is covering the home, painting vinyl siding can take a day or it can take an entire weekend or more to properly clean, apply primer, and coat twice with the chosen paint color. Because jobs like this typically involve climbing on tall ladders, it’s also important to enlist a helper for safety reasons —and to make the job easier and faster.

FAQs About How to Paint Vinyl Siding

Freshly painted vinyl siding can transform the look of a home in about a weekend. It’s a laborious project, but the cost savings and satisfaction of a home makeover can be worth it. While we’ve shared the steps in painting vinyl siding, there may be some lingering questions. Below are answers to some of the most popular questions about how to paint vinyl siding.

Q. How long will my vinyl siding last if I paint it?

With regular maintenance and cleaning, vinyl siding can last from 20 to 40 years. Paint may need to be applied every 10 years or so, depending on local weather conditions.

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Q. How do you make vinyl siding look modern?

Paint colors can help make vinyl siding look more modern. Choosing rich neutrals over pastels can infuse a sided home with modernity. Also, pairing the siding with exterior elements like modern furniture on a porch, statement-making door decor, and carefully chosen landscaping also helps make the entire house facade feel more modern.

Q. How much does it cost to paint over vinyl siding?

On average, it can cost $4,000 to paint a 2,000-square-foot home, according to Fixr. Costs vary by location, number of coats, the age of the siding, and whether you paint it yourself or hire a professional painter.

Q. Is it bad to pressure-wash vinyl siding before painting?

Vinyl siding should be washed and dried prior to painting. If it’s dirty, paint will stick to the dirt and grime on the vinyl siding and be unable to adhere to the siding. When the dirt finally flakes off, it will leave behind blemishes in the cured paint.

Q. What siding colors for houses help get the best resale value?

The best colors for home resale include neutrals and traditional colors like off-white, yellow, light blue, gray, taupe, putty, and blue gray.

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How to Paint Vinyl Siding

Bob Formisano

Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 07/06/22

Fact checked by

Emily Estep

Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and fact-checker focused on environmental sciences. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

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Project Overview

Vinyl siding and vinyl shutters are commonly considered to be relatively maintenance-free, mainly because they does not have to be painted. Vinyl comes with a color mixed with the material that is more or less permanent. But over time the color can fade, often unevenly on different areas of the house, due to the different rates of sun exposure. And whether it's faded or not, if you weren't the one to pick the siding, you might not like the color.

The good news is that you can paint vinyl siding. Just be aware that the siding will be only as maintenance-free as the paint itself. Also, there are some rules and limitations to follow when painting vinyl siding. Most importantly, confirm that painting the siding won't void its warranty if it is still in effect. If the warranty permits painting, be sure to comply with any of the siding manufacturer's stipulations, such as the type and color of paint to use.

Using Primer on Vinyl Siding

There are different schools of thought regarding primer. Some pros use it in almost every project, while others start with primer only when it's warranted by the condition of the siding. For example, a primer may be recommended if the siding surface is not uniform due to pitting or other signs of deterioration or severe weathering. A simple solution is to follow the advice of your paint manufacturer. Keep in mind that paint sticks to the layer directly beneath it, whether that layer is bare siding or primer. If you do use a primer, make sure the paint is formulated to stick to it.

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Choose a Safe Color

Every type of vinyl siding is designed for a specific amount of heat absorption. Because dark colors absorb more heat than light colors, don't choose a paint color that is darker than the original siding color.

Warning

A dark color may absorb more heat than the vinyl siding was designed to handle, possibly leading to warping or buckling of the siding.

Quality paint manufacturers offer paints specifically formulated for vinyl siding and usually specify a variety of "vinyl safe" colors: that is, colors that won't absorb too much heat. Many paints for vinyl are a blend of urethane and acrylic resins, combining flexibility and excellent adhesion.

Whatever color you pick, make sure you get the right amount with the help of The Spruce's Paint Calculator.

Equipment / Tools

Garden hose and spray nozzle
Bucket
Soft-bristle brush, sponges, or rags
Paint roller with 3/8-inch nap or 1/2-inch nap roller covers or spray paint equipment
Paint brushes

Materials

Laundry detergent
General-purpose cleaning powder
Oxygen bleach
Painter's tape
Masking material

Mix the Cleaner

Mix a cleaning solution containing 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup of general-purpose powdered household cleaner (such as Spic and Span or Super Washing Soda), and 2/3 cup of oxygen bleach (such as OxyClean) for each gallon of water. Stir the solution well in a bucket
Clean the Siding

Rinse the siding with clean water from a hose, then hand-scrub the siding to remove all dirt, grease, and chalkiness, using a soft-bristled brush, sponge, or rag. Work from the bottom up, and thoroughly rinse each section immediately after scrubbing. Direct the water stream downward to prevent getting water behind the siding. Let the siding dry completely.

Tip
Hand scrubbing is very effective and may be safer for the siding than a pressure washing. If power washing, check with vinyl manufacturer's maintenance instructions first and be careful of the direction in which the pressure washer is aimed.
Mask off Trim, Doors, and Windows

Use painter's tape and masking paper or plastic sheeting to mask off any areas you do not want to be painted, including doors, windows, trim, and hardware.
Prime the Siding (Optional)

Apply the primer (if you are using one) to all of the surfaces to be painted, using a paint sprayer, roller with a 3/8-inch nap (for smooth surfaces) cover, roller with a 1/2-inch nap (for rougher surfaces) cover, or a paintbrush. If you use a roller or sprayer, always back brush—following up the roller or sprayer application with a brush to ensure full coverage and remove drips and heavy areas. Let the primer dry as directed.
Apply the Paint

Paint the cleaned or primed surfaces with an even coat of exterior paint, using the same techniques used for priming. Let the first coat dry as directed by the paint manufacturer. Apply a second coat, and let it dry.
Clean up the Site

Remove all masking materials, and complete any final detail painting and touch-ups with a paintbrush.

Can siding and other plastic surfaces be painted?

Publication date: 05/06/2021 Author: Online store GOST

In the early 90s, a rather strange material with the beautiful name "siding" appeared on the domestic building materials market. Why strange? Very simple. In the USA, where it came from, this material is positioned as a cheap imitation of the wooden finish of a building. The dream of the Negro unemployed and the fate of cheap motels. In Russia, they managed to sell it for more than wood, although overseas siding is 5-10 times cheaper than wood. nine0003

The organization of the production of domestic siding reduced prices for this material in the late 90s, but also identified certain problems with quality and assortment. You probably noticed that Russian siding usually has light colors. This approach is not accidental. Tinting in pastel colors is much cheaper and technologically simpler than in saturated ones. And if you want a dark color, then do not ask us for "cheap" housing construction.

The second issue is quality, which is no less important. In pursuit of cost reduction, manufacturers save on components. Accordingly, it is not at all a fact that domestic siding will stand for the declared 50 years, like the American one. Of course, the doubts stated here are not groundless, since clients began to contact us for painting siding. At first we decided that this was some kind of stupidity or a human whim, but the problem really exists. nine0003

There are houses covered with siding over 10 years old. Someone is fine, but someone has microcracks, yellowing, fading, or just tired of the usual color scheme. This is where the eternal Russian question arises: "What to do?". Changing the coating is expensive, and a lot of hassle. It is much easier and cheaper to paint, but regular paint will not adhere to siding. Therefore, the VGT Enterprise developed a specialized enamel "For siding and PVC coatings". It will help you renovate siding that has lost its appearance, plastic window frame and other similar products made of PVC, as well as other plastics, except for polyethylene and polypropylene. Enamel has not only good adhesion to these materials, but also high resistance to temperature and mechanical stress, has high light resistance and weather resistance. nine0003

Features of siding enamel and PVC coatings

If the house sheathed with siding began to turn yellow, the material began to crack or fade, it can still be given a second life. For repairs, it is enough to choose a special enamel, evaluating its color, which should fit into the exterior of the cottage. The main thing is to use a special paint for siding and PVC coatings. It is specially designed for such work, fits perfectly and lasts a long time.

The main features of this enamel:

Good adhesion to materials The compound adheres well to smooth surfaces. Siding is quite specific and only enamel with special properties should be used for it.
Temperature resistance paint withstands fluctuations in the range from +50 to -50, does not crack in the cold and does not fade in the summer sun. It will last for many years, retaining its original color.
Elasticity The temperature expansion of the siding is 4%, not every enamel will last on this material. PVC paint meets such quality standards. nine0022

If you use normal paint, it will peel off quickly in the first season. Enamel does not tolerate negative temperatures, heat and ultraviolet light. Even with good preparation, you will get poor results. Only the use of special enamel guarantees a quality repair.

Working with paint for PVC surfaces is easy:

the siding is thoroughly washed and dried;
the surface is primed with a special compound;
paint is applied in a thin layer, the coating is dried. nine0022

It is necessary to work in dry weather, windows and lamps must be sealed with masking tape. Carefully perform the preparation, the quality of the painting depends on it. Enamel is selected for the external design of the house, the color is indicated on the bank. If you need help, it is better to consult with the manager.

So don't worry about the fate of your siding, with the help of VGT materials you can give it a second life.

You can buy enamel for siding and PVC coatings from us - in the tool shop in Kostroma! nine0003

Can vinyl siding be painted a different color?

Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable ways to finish your home's exterior. It is lightweight compared to other siding materials and is very durable. However, there is one drawback which is that it fades in the sun.

Contents

Can siding be painted?
How to paint vinyl siding
Choosing a color for painting vinyl siding
What paint to paint PVC siding
Preparing siding before painting
What weather is better to paint plastic siding
How to paint plastic siding in a different color
How to do an adhesion test:
paint the siding?
Heavy duty vinyl will last over 50 years with minimal maintenance. However, UV rays will eventually take their toll and the color of the siding will become tired and pale that no amount of washing can renew. nine0003

Yes, you can do it today! 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago, the answer would have been less reassuring, but with today's high quality paints, it's entirely possible to freshen up and protect your home's vinyl with a coat of good paint.

Modern paints of higher quality than they were ten years ago, with better binders and more permanent pigments. To paint your siding, you will need a high quality exterior acrylic latex paint. Look for a brand that uses vinyl-safe elements. nine0003
Please note: Be sure to check the warranty on your siding before painting. Many brands provide a lifetime warranty, but if you do vinyl staining, the warranty will be voided and some manufacturers believe.

4 Benefits of Repainting Vinyl Siding
- Availability
Painting siding is a more cost effective alternative to replacing it completely. Painting allows you to save from 50% to 60%.
- Looks Like New
In addition to saving you money, a new paint job will give your siding a new look - much nicer. This not only adds an aesthetic element to your home, but also enhances its value. A beautiful home will make you happy with a higher resale value and a fresh color will give the impression that your home is in good condition.
- Change the color of your home
Colors go out of fashion. You can choose a paint color that is different from your current siding to change the color of your home to match your personal design preferences or current trends. The updated color scheme will increase the appeal and decorate your home. nine0003
- Adds a layer of protection
Perhaps one of the most important benefits of repainting is the protection it provides. The latest technology has been used to create durable yet flexible paints that will expand and contract with your vinyl, giving it the protection it needs from further UV damage. In addition, the underlying layer will be better protected from moisture and insects.

How to paint vinyl siding

Painting is not a difficult task, but it does require proper equipment and a lot of preparation. There are no secrets to learn, as all the secrets are in the paint. In fact, painting vinyl requires less prep work than painting other types of siding, such as brick, wood, or fiberboard.

If you have ever painted a wall, you are already familiar with the technology of painting. We'll also outline the specifics you need to keep in mind when it comes to vinyl painting. nine0003
Color selection for vinyl siding

Dark paint absorbs heat, which can cause the paint to bubble and peel.

What paint to paint PVC siding

You can find cheap exterior paint at the hardware store, but your siding needs specially formulated paints to save money.

Look for outdoor latex paints that contain urethane and acrylic resins. These compounds allow the paint to maintain its elasticity and resist the expansion and contraction of the vinyl as it heats up during the day and cools down at night. Other paints may crack and peel off over time. nine0003

Preparing Siding Before Painting
Fortunately, vinyl siding generally does not need to be primed before painting. If the surface is severely damaged, such as pitted and porous, or the original color has been worn off, it should be applied.

Cleaning Siding Before Painting

Your choice of paint is critical to painting, as is the cleaning process. In fact, you are likely to spend more time cleaning than painting. nine0003

Simply rinsing the siding with a hose will not solve all problems. You will need to remove all mold, chalk residue, and any debris from the surface and seams of the siding. If you don't, the paint will just peel off after it dries.

You do not need to spend money on expensive professional detergents. Just mix laundry detergent, comet, bleach and water and you have clean siding:

If you are using a high pressure washer, be careful with the pressure settings so you don't damage the siding or peel off paint that adheres well to the surface. If the siding has been previously painted, you can remove any peeling paint from the surface. nine0003
The best way to clean paint siding is to use a garden sprayer. Point the nozzle down because you don't want to force water under the edges of the siding.

Once you have covered the siding with mortar, let it sit for 10 minutes. Then brush it with a soft bristled brush. Rinse the siding well and let it dry completely.

What weather is best to paint plastic siding
The success of any painting largely depends on the weather. If it's too hot, the paint will dry too quickly, giving it a patchy look. If the weather is too windy, this can cause debris to get into the paint or the surface to dry too quickly, leaving an uneven surface. Paint applied under these conditions may crack and flake over time. nine0003
Look for moderate temperatures and low humidity. An overcast sky is also good so that the sun does not heat up the surface and dry the paint too quickly.

How to paint plastic siding a different color
With the high quality paints available today, you can find a brand that will suit your siding. However, the only way to know for sure is to take a test.

How to do an adhesion test:

Paint a few small areas of the siding with 100% acrylic paint. It's a good idea to apply this to different sides of the house. Let dry for approximately 48 hours. nine0003
Using a utility knife, make cuts in the paint that should cut through the entire paint.

Take a piece of clean, high quality packing tape and press it firmly against the notched areas. Rub it to make it snug, and then remove the tape by pulling it at a sharp angle. The goal is to peel off any paint that has chipped off at the corners.

If there is only a small amount of ink on the tape, then it adheres very well. But if there is a lot of paint sticking on the tape, you need to try another brand. nine0003

Painting a house with siding
If the vinyl peels and cracks, primer should be applied first. Then you can apply paint.

For better painting, it is recommended to use a 100% acrylic spray gun. Use a spray gun to cover the surface, being careful to apply the paint evenly. You can also use a paint roller. Use the brush to paint around the edges around the windows and doors and paint over the corners.
Learn more

Paint plastic siding

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? You Bet. Here’s How — Advice from Bob Vila

How to Paint Vinyl Siding

Using Primer on Vinyl Siding

Prepare for your next exteriors project with a pro

Choose a Safe Color

Warning

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Mix the Cleaner

Clean the Siding

Tip

Mask off Trim, Doors, and Windows

Prime the Siding (Optional)

Apply the Paint

Clean up the Site

Can siding and other plastic surfaces be painted?

Features of siding enamel and PVC coatings

Can vinyl siding be painted a different color?

How to paint vinyl siding

Color selection for vinyl siding

What paint to paint PVC siding

How to do an adhesion test:

Learn more