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Should you paint vinyl siding


Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? 5 Factors to Consider

If your home is ready for an exterior facelift, painting your vinyl siding may seem like a quick solution.

However, painting your vinyl siding may not be the best long-term solution for your home. There are five key factors to consider before you decide if you should paint or install new vinyl siding:

  1. Warranty

  2. Cost

  3. Color

  4. Integrity & Durability

  5. Insulation

 

1. Vinyl Siding Warranty

Most major vinyl siding manufacturers do not honor warranties if the vinyl siding is painted, even for brand new vinyl siding. Be sure to check the specific warranty for the siding currently on your home to determine if paint negates the warranty.

If the siding warranty is expired or no longer valid, or you aren’t concerned with voiding the warranty, paint might be a low-cost option.

One final word of caution: if your home suffers damage that requires a claim, your insurance agency may not honor the claim if the vinyl is painted.

2. Vinyl Siding Cost vs. Painting

According to Home Advisor, the typical cost to paint a home’s exterior is $1687 - $3,907.

You may be able to save money by doing the project yourself, but plan to dedicate many hours to the project. Don’t underestimate how large the exterior surface of the home is and how much paint you will need. Also, don't forget the cost of additional tools like sprayers or scaffolding.

New vinyl siding costs between $5,000 - $14,050, according to Home Advisor.

(Check out this article on 5 Factors that Influence the Cost of Vinyl Siding. )

Although new siding comes with a higher price tag, it requires no regular painting or maintenance and is guaranteed by the manufacturer for 30 years or more.

You can also expect to recoup 76.4% of the total cost of new siding according to Remodeling Magazine, reducing the true cost of the project over time!

On average, painted homes will need a new coat of paint every five years. You may be required to repaint if the paint didn’t adhere well to the siding, or if your home gets exposed to extreme elements of sunlight and moisture. If you plan to stay in your home, the cost of painting can quickly add up to the price of a new siding job.

If you do not properly paint vinyl siding, it can take your home’s appearance from bad to worse, and the money you spent on the paint job will have been wasted.

3. Integrity of the Siding and the Home

 

 

Photo credit: http://hugohd.com/editor/

Your siding serves as the first line of defense between your home and the outdoor elements. Making changes to your home that could degrade that defense could be detrimental to your home.

When new siding is installed, the old siding is typically removed. Professional contractors then inspect the home for any damage from moisture, pests, or walls settling over time. Any problems are corrected before the contractor installs new siding. In addition, insulated vinyl siding products come with contoured insulation attached to the back, providing superior impact resistance after installation.

 

What is Insulated Vinyl Siding? Materials, Pros, Cons, and Installation

Read the full article >>

 

 

 

When painting, any underlying problems are not made visible before going over the existing siding. In addition, damage to the siding from wind, hail, or rocks thrown from the lawn mower are not corrected by painting siding. Damage spots can serve as points of infiltration for moisture or pests, causing problems like mold and nesting.

4. Paint Color Selection

If you decide to paint vinyl siding, be sure to select an appropriate color based on your siding brand and current color. Too dark of a color can cause the lighter siding underneath to warp. It is generally recommended to use a siding color that is similar or lighter than the color of your current siding.

Some major paint companies, such as Benjamin Moore, offer a curated palette of 59 colors that they consider to be safe for vinyl siding.

Installing new vinyl siding provides you thousands of color options and profiles to choose from.  

Photo credit: http://www.royalbuildingproducts.com/

 

5. Siding and Insulation

If you’re looking to change the appearance of your home, you might not be thinking about insulation. Adding insulation under new siding can provide real energy savings by keeping heat where it belongs. Products like insulated vinyl siding have insulation permanently attached to the back, improving your home’s appearance, energy efficiency, and durability.

Painting old siding doesn’t give you an opportunity to add a layer of insulation underneath, so you will keep paying the utility companies month after month.

Summary

It is possible to paint vinyl siding and has been done by many. But once you paint a vinyl sided home, it can’t be undone, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons before opening the paint can.

Can you paint vinyl siding? Here's what to consider first |

(Image credit: onepony / Getty Images)

Can you paint vinyl siding? If your home has vinyl siding that's looking worse for the wear, or you no longer like the color of your vinyl siding, you may be wondering if it's possible to simply paint over it. After all, paint is a common solution for sprucing up a house with wood or board siding.

The good news? You can paint vinyl siding, at least in most cases. There are, however, some times when it's better to skip over the paint ideas and install new siding instead.  And, you'll need to follow a strict set of instructions in order to get curb appeal-worthy results and preserve the integrity of your vinyl siding. 

How can you paint vinyl siding? 

You can paint vinyl siding so long as you're prepared to undertake a detailed process without cutting corners, or you can pass the job over to a professional.

Below, we've rounded up the dos and don'ts of painting vinyl siding, with tips from the experts.

1. Make sure your siding is in good condition

Before you decide to paint your vinyl siding, make sure it's all in good condition, i.e. that there's no warping, or broken or loose pieces. If there is, replace those portions of the siding before you start investigating how to paint a house exterior.

'Generally speaking, you'll want to avoid painting your siding if it's cracking, chipping, or otherwise damaged -- as this will just lead to further damage down the line. Painting over damaged siding will also void any warranty that may be in place,' says Matthew Malczewski of DMG Exteriors , a general contractor for exterior home projects in Valparaiso, Indiana.  

2. Give it a good clean

Like all painting projects, getting the desired results comes down to proper surface preparation.

'You can paint vinyl siding but you have to prep the surface before you start painting,'  says Tony Adams, a professional painter with more than 15 years of experience and a contributor at DIYgeeks.com . 'If you don't clean the surface properly, the paint will peel off within a year because the paint won't stick due to dirt on the surface.'

To prep: Pressure wash the entire surface, board by board, taking care not to over-saturate the siding. 'You should avoid getting water behind the vinyl siding as that can damage the vinyl later on,' says Adams.

A professional painter is best tasked for this job, as they'll understand the proper technique and pressure to use for optimal results.

3. Choose the right paint color

Before you begin to think about exterior house paint ideas, it's important to note that vinyl siding can't be painted a dark color. So, if you were planning to paint your vinyl siding a charcoal grey or a navy blue, you'll need to reconsider. 

'Vinyl siding that has never been painted before must not be changed to a much darker paint color. If you currently have a light beige, grey or white color vinyl, most likely you cannot change that vinyl to a deep blue, dark grey or chocolate brown,' says Geoff Sharp, president and owner of Sharper Impressions Painting , a painting business with operations in six states. 'The newly painted, darker colored paint will heat up in the sun and cause bowing and warping of your vinyl siding.' 

This is common, industry-wide knowledge, though, and most paint brands that are suitable for vinyl siding aren't even offered in darker colors. 

'Often, vinyl-safe paints will not come in darker color bases. Some paint manufacturers have paint brands that can be tinted to numerous shades of neutral colors. Other paint brands will limit you to only about a dozen or so color choices,' says Sharp.

If you have your heart set on a darker shade, Sharp says slightly darker is OK, but sticking to a hue within one or two shades of your current color will yield best results.

Still have questions about a color you're considering? Talk to a paint professional or someone at your local paint store, who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Getting the right color is worth the extra effort, emphasizes Sharp. 'It's very, very important. Going too dark with a new paint color on vinyl siding can ruin the vinyl siding.'

4. And the right paint

Color is just one important factor in choosing the right paint for your project. 

You also need to choose a paint that's vinyl-safe, with ingredients like latex urethane to make the job last. 

'The paint store manager or your professional painting contractor will know what paints are vinyl safe,' says Sharp. 'The paint can label will say that the paint you have selected is "vinyl safe" which means it is formulated to be applied to vinyl siding. '

Choosing any old exterior paint can have disastrous results. 'Failure of the paint can occur and damage to the vinyl siding underneath can show over time,' he says.

5. Use a paint sprayer

Put the paint brush and roller away, this job calls for more sophisticated tools.

"It's advised to spray the vinyl sidings rather than using a roller. That's because spraying is faster and gives you a smooth finish,' says Adams. 

Better yet? Hire a painter to do the job for you, especially if you've never used a paint sprayer. 'Using the right sprayer equipment and having it applied by a professional with experience will ensure even coverage so that you only see the new color and never any of the old color bleeding through,' says Sharp.

Is it cheaper to paint vinyl siding or replace it?

Oftentimes, homeowners consider painting vinyl siding instead of replacing it in order to save money. While this is generally true, painting vinyl siding can still be a costly job.

When painting tripping the siding of all the grime that's built up. And you will need a power washer and the right chemicals for that.

Because you need to strip the siding of any grime that's built up and purchase specialty paint, or hire a professional painting service to do this for you, costs can creep up quickly, says Kevin Johnson, a general contractor with PlainHelp.com .

'When you take all of this into account, painting your new siding will only be about 30 percent cheaper than buying brand new siding. Not to mention that it will last less if you repaint it instead of replacing it,' he says.

How long will painted vinyl siding last? 

If you do it right, you can expect painted vinyl siding to last 10 or more years, says Sharp. 

'With the proper research, vinyl safe paint and colors selected, preparing the vinyl surface and application with professional equipment you can get you a new color on your siding that will last for many years,' he says. 'Normal fading should be expected from any exterior painted surface exposed to exterior weathering elements.'

Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. Her work has appeared in Real Homes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids, and black lab.

How to paint vinyl siding - detailed instructions

Even the best vinyl siding can lose its original color over time. To a greater extent, this is due to external conditions:

After such exposure microcracks, whitish spots appear on the surface of the panels, and the protective layer disappears. Often fading occurs unevenly, which further spoils facade appearance. nine0003

Another reason to change the shade of the skin - the desire to update or completely change the decor of the house.

What if make? Do I need to spend money on a new facade decoration?

If it's only a matter of loss of color, then PVC panels can be painted, thereby significantly saving the budget for possible repairs. Another question is what kind of paint choose? After all, not every composition is suitable for PVC products.

What paint to choose

Vinyl siding tends to expand greatly with temperature changes. Up to 3-4% of the panel length may vary depending on the season. In winter it will be compression, in summer it will be expansion. nine0003

Ordinary household the paint will crack in the first year of operation. So you have to choose coloring composition, including one of the substances:

Paints with such compositions have strong elasticity, therefore they do not deteriorate from expansion and vinyl compression.

To help you choose, here is a list of specific paint finishes that can be treated on vinyl siding:

  1. Elast-R is a general purpose coating with up to 800% elasticity. What you need for PVC finishing.
  2. PRO-Siding is a premium quality paint from a European manufacturer. It has antistatic properties and does not require pre-priming. It includes a glass-ceramic filler. This makes it resistant to heavy soiling and intensive washing. nine0006
  3. ZAR Solid is a wood covering oil that is also suitable for PVC panels. Composed of 100% acrylic and alkyd resins with the highest quality pigments. Dual Resin technology helps bring out the texture and beauty of the siding.

Before go to the store for a purchase, you need to take into account the following - not all the colors will match the shade of the siding. Which one is best for your facade?

The right choice of color is very important

For dyeing not any shade of paint will suit the facade. Choose a color similar to vinyl siding or shade lighter. If you choose a completely different color, the result can be unpredictable. In addition, you have to spend much more paint, because you need at least 2 layers.

Very dark shades can also be used, but due to the strong absorption of heat in summer period, the paint may swell and peel off. nine0003

In what weather it is impossible to carry out work

As with the installation of vinyl siding, when painting panels there are recommendations for weather conditions to obtain a long-term quality result:

Medium temperature, low humidity, lack of scorching sun - conditions for successful painting of PVC panels.

Vinyl Siding Painting Instructions
Panel Preparation

Vinyl siding surface preparation is as important as paint selection. If the panels are defective and moldy, then a good staining result is out of the question. Paint applied to dusty siding will wash off with the first rain due to poor adhesion. nine0003

Therefore, before direct staining, required:

PVC facade painting process

For painting vinyl siding should choose a very wide brush for greater comfort in work.

Usually the facade is processed from above, starting from the corner in the horizontal direction. So In this way, up to 4 panels can be used at the same time to speed up the process.

Gradually moving down, you need to pay attention to missed or poorly colored plots and correct errors immediately. nine0003

Considerations when painting vinyl siding

What to look for attention when painting PVC siding? There are nuances that must be must be taken into account before work or in the process:

re-upholstery completely?

There are cases when painting vinyl siding is a waste of money:

In such cases, the best option is to order the installation of a new turnkey siding from professionals. For example, in our company.

Related posts:

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

  1. Can siding be painted?
  2. How to paint vinyl siding
  3. Choosing a color for painting vinyl siding
  4. What paint to paint PVC siding
  5. Preparing siding before painting
  6. What weather is best to paint plastic siding

    6

  7. for adhesion:
  8. We paint a house sheathed with siding

Is it possible to paint the siding? nine0177

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.

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 outdoor 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 consider.

4 benefits of repainting vinyl siding

Painting siding is a more cost effective alternative to replacing it completely. Painting allows you to save from 50% to 60%.

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.

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

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 so you don't waste your 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 does not usually 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 finish. 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.

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