
How much paint do I need to paint aluminum siding?
One gallon of paint typically covers between 250-400 square feet but you’ll need to know how many coats of paint you’ll need to apply to estimate how many gallons of paint you need. What is the best paint for aluminum siding? As mentioned before, 100 percent acrylic latex paint is the best paint to use to paint aluminum siding.
How long does aluminum paint last?
While the aluminum lasts for over 30 years, the paint doesn’t. It is good for about 15 years, and then it can start to show its age by getting chalky and flaking off.
Can you paint over chalky aluminum siding?
If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded, stained or just plain the wrong color, fear not. You can paint it. Here's how to prepare the surface and choose your paint. Paint aluminum siding with high-quality 100% acrylic paint.
How long does it take for aluminum siding to fade?
After about 15 years, the baked-on enamel coating typically begins to fade, first becoming chalky and then gradually washing away in the rain. To keep aluminum siding looking new, Eldredge explains, homeowners have to repaint, although “not as frequently as with wood.”

How long does a paint job last on aluminum siding?
five to 10 yearsAluminum siding paint typically lasts from five to 10 years and aluminum siding is easy to paint.
Is it a good idea to paint aluminum siding?
They couldn't be more wrong! Aluminum siding takes paint very well. Paint adheres to metal better than it does to vinyl, and since aluminum doesn't shrink and swell like wood, you don't have to worry about paint peeling off the way you do with wood shingles.
Is it cheaper to paint aluminum siding or replace it?
Though painting may seem cost effective, having to repaint over and over really adds up. In the long-run, it'll cost more than installing new vinyl siding. Painting aluminum siding is a big job.
How many times can you repaint aluminum siding?
How long does paint last on aluminum siding? On average, you can expect to paint your aluminum siding every 5 to 10 years. Well-maintained, painted aluminum siding can last about 40 years.
How much does it cost to have aluminum siding painted?
The average cost to paint aluminum siding on a home ranges from $3,125 to $8,300 for a 2,500-square-foot home, but most homeowners report spending about $5,730. Costs will vary based on labor, paint prices, and the condition of the metal.
Can you power wash painted aluminum siding?
Power washing can be too harsh for some aluminum siding, or other types of exterior siding like vinyl, brick or stucco. Unfortunately, too much pressure can do more harm than good. Sometimes it damages the material or pushes the aluminum away from the structure of the house.
Why is aluminum siding no longer used?
Aluminum Siding Dents and Scratches Easily Aluminum siding is more prone to scratches and dents compared to alternative siding materials. Furthermore, these can be difficult to fix. This characteristic is considered the top disadvantage of aluminum siding.
Do you need to prime aluminum siding before painting?
Before you paint aluminum siding, clean the surface thoroughly and prime the siding with one coat of acrylic primer. Then, paint with two coats of acrylic paint.
How often should aluminum siding be replaced?
Aluminum Siding Aluminum, as a metal, lasts for decades without needing replacement. However, after about 15 years, aluminum siding starts fading, especially on the baked-on enamel. It, later on, becomes chalky, which can be washed away in the rain. To ensure the aluminum siding lasts long, you have to repaint it.
Do you need to sand aluminum siding before painting?
Sanding the siding will give it a little texture that the primer and paint can adhere to. You can also use wire brushes to scuff the surface of the aluminum, if you'd prefer. Depending on how big the area is that you want to paint, you may want to use a power sander.
How do you fix peeling paint on aluminum siding?
If you notice any peeling paint, scrape it away to make the siding smooth. Help the scraped areas blend in by gently sanding the edges. If a section has more severe damage, you may need to replace it with a new section of aluminum siding.
What kind of paint will stick to aluminum?
acrylic paintsLatex or acrylic paints are the best for painting aluminum. Choose the ones designed for use on metal. If you're handling an outdoor project like patio furniture, ensure the paint is exterior grade. Tempting as it might be, don't go for high-gloss paints because they will highlight imperfections on the surface.
What is the best way to paint aluminum siding?
Before you paint aluminum siding, clean the surface thoroughly and prime the siding with one coat of acrylic primer. Then, paint with two coats of acrylic paint.
What kind of paint will stick to aluminum?
acrylic paintsLatex or acrylic paints are the best for painting aluminum. Choose the ones designed for use on metal. If you're handling an outdoor project like patio furniture, ensure the paint is exterior grade. Tempting as it might be, don't go for high-gloss paints because they will highlight imperfections on the surface.
How long does aluminum siding last?
Requirements of Aluminum Siding Aluminum has a tendency to last longer than wood and is much less likely to leak moisture into the house as it ages, but even this sturdy metal needs to be maintained about once every 15 years and fully replaced about every 40.
Can you paint aluminum siding with a roller?
Sand down the siding, first with 80-grit sandpaper and then a second with 220-grit. Apply a coat of primer with a paint roller, working across the siding from left to right. Once that coat has dried (this usually takes up to four hours) apply a second coat using the same method.
How long does paint last on aluminum siding?
Paint lasts on aluminum siding for about 40 years. That is if it is well-maintained and painted using the right equipment and product. To maintain the appearance of your aluminum siding, you should repaint it every 4-6 years depending on its condition. Various weather conditions greatly affect the aging of your aluminum siding’s paint.
Why does aluminum siding fade?
Its exposure to sun and rain cause the baked-on color of the aluminum finish to completely fade away. The raw metal finish of the material starts showing. It’s definitely not a good look for your home. When that happens, most homeowners’ first instinct is to replace the aluminum siding with a much more expensive vinyl siding.
Can you paint aluminum siding before painting?
When it comes to some aluminum siding issues that can still be resolved with repairs, make sure they’re completed before painting. Otherwise, you’ll risk getting the siding completely broken, making the paint job a waste of money.
Can you replace aluminum siding with vinyl siding?
The only time you’ll need to replace your aluminum siding is if it’s damaged or suffering from unsightly dents. Replacing aluminum with vinyl is costly, so make sure you’re upgrading for only these serious reasons.
Can you paint siding over and over?
Make sure to weigh the degree and frequency of wear and tears on your siding. At first, painting may seem like a cost-effective solution. But if you have to repaint over and over, your expenses might add up to more than you’ll spend on a vinyl upgrade.
Does aluminum shrink?
Aluminum also doesn’t swell or shrink like wood. You won’t have a problem with paint peeling off over time.
Can You Paint Aluminum Siding on Your House?
Contrary to popular assumptions, aluminum siding actually adheres to paint very well. You don’t need to scrap the entire aluminum siding once its color fades .
How Much it Costs to Paint Aluminum Siding On the House?
Thus enters the elephant in the room, the overall cost of an exterior paint job is a tricky one to answer. You will need to consider how large your home or the project is, and secondly, whether or not you will be doing it personally or contracting the workout.
What Type of Exterior Paint is Best for Aluminum Siding?
There is no better paint on aluminum siding than 100-percent acrylic paint.
Will Paint Stay On Aluminum Siding?
Contrary to popular belief, paints adhesion on aluminum is surprisingly high.
Is it Cheaper to Paint or Replace Aluminum Siding?
There is no question about it; painting aluminum siding will save you hundreds, if not thousands, on the overall job cost to keep your house looking exquisite in the long run.
Is it Okay to Power Wash Aluminum Siding?
You can pressure wash your aluminum exterior. As we mentioned above, it’s one of the premium ways to get it ready for your layer of paint.
Can You Paint Aluminum Siding a Different Color?
Assuming you or someone else had painted aluminum siding before , your end goal is to paint it a different color.
Is it Better to Roll or Spray Exterior Paint?
You have quite a bit of flexibility at your disposal when it comes down to painting your aluminum exterior. Although, how the finished product looks will boil down to a few important key factors.
What is siding used for?
On the one hand, siding serves as your home’s first line of defense against the elements. On the other, the very elements it’s designed to deflect—driving rain, for example, and whipping wind—can lead to its ultimate demise. Of course, different types of siding stand the test of time differently, and while some continue performing well ...
How long does it take for enamel to fade?
After about 15 years, the baked-on enamel coating typically begins to fade, first becoming chalky and then gradually washing away in the rain. To keep aluminum siding looking new, Eldredge explains, homeowners have to repaint, although “not as frequently as with wood.”.
Is wood siding worth it?
A traditional favorite, wood siding remains popular with homeowners who consider its stand-out beauty well worth the relatively high price. It’s not all about aesthetics, though. Wood also boasts impressive longevity, but there’s a crucial catch: “Wood may be the single most demanding type of siding in common use today,” according to Jim Eldredge, a product manager with Sears Home Services. “Under the best circumstances, it can last decades,” Eldredge continues, but proper maintenance calls for much more than occasional cleaning.
Does vinyl siding have an energy rating?
In addition, vinyl siding can help make your home more tightly sealed. All three levels of WeatherBeater-brand siding, in fact, boast an Energy Star rating for their utility bill-slashing energy efficiency ( note that Energy Star lends its label only to windows that meet or exceed efficiency standards set by the Department of Energy).
Does vinyl siding rot?
For instance, unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t rot, and unlike aluminum, it doesn’t easily scratch or dent. Advertisement. Of course, like any other type of siding, vinyl does get dirty, but cleaning it off couldn’t be much easier.
Is wood siding good for a house?
All that said, for those prepared to shoulder its considerable care requirements, wood siding is a lovely, lasting option for virtually any house style.
Does vinyl siding need to be refinished?
Case in point: Quality vinyl siding like the Sears-exclusive WeatherBeater brand often remains colorfast for decades, never needing to be refinished.
How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?
Vinyl siding is resistant to temperature extremes and high winds, and will typically last between 20 and 40 years.
How Long Does Fiber Cement Siding Last?
While fiber cement planks are more durable than wood, they do require some maintenance . Unlike cedar and other wood, it is termite and water resistant, flame-resistant and non-combustible.
Is insulated siding more durable than traditional vinyl siding?
It is stronger than non-insulated vinyl which helps it withstand heavier impacts and is designed to withstand harsh weather. It also helps to ensure that the panels remain level at the seams, rather than caving in.
Why is vinyl siding so good?
It also expands and contracts with temperature changes. Extreme temperature changes may cause the vinyl planks to warp and become more brittle over time.
How thick is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding will range in thickness between .35mm to .55mm. The grades are:
What causes siding to crack?
Exposure to weather, sunlight and temperature are the primary factors that chip away at the lifespan of siding and depend largely on where you live. The intensity of sunlight is a major factor in the durability of siding as it fades paint, makes vinyl brittle and will dry out wood and make it crack and split.
How does siding protect your home?
The siding on your home protects the structure from rain, wind, snow, heat, and cold so how long it lasts depends heavily on upkeep. Keeping your siding properly maintained will ensure that it lives to its expected lifespan.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
One gallon of paint typically covers between 250-400 square feet but you’ll need to know how many coats of paint you’ll need to apply to estimate how many gallons of paint you need.
Do you need primer on metal siding?
As long as the siding is clean, you won’t need to use a primer unless raw metal is exposed. Finally, since metal is such a good heat absorber, avoid painting siding while it’s getting direct sunlight.
Can you paint aluminum siding?
Have you ever wondered if you can paint aluminum siding? The key to painting aluminum siding is to get it really clean and to use 100-percent acrylic latex paint. Check the label to be sure it’s recommended for metal siding. Expect to pay the premium for good paint.
How to Paint Aluminum Siding
Painting aluminum siding is similar to painting any other type of siding in a lot of ways. There are a few differences, however, that need to be considered to ensure you get the job done correctly.
Take Care of Your Aluminum Siding
Painting aluminum siding can help breathe new life into your home’s appearance. Take the time to paint your aluminum siding as needed to help keep your home’s curb appeal in the best condition possible.
How long does aluminum siding last?
Strong and durable aluminum siding can last 40 years or more according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, but may require painting every five to 10 years. One benefit to aluminum is that it takes paint relatively well, making it fairly easy to maintain or even change the color of your home.
When did aluminum siding become popular?
Aluminum siding first gained popularity during the 1940s as a durable and easy-to-maintain alternative to traditional wood siding products. While durable aluminum siding can last for decades when properly maintained, its painted finish can fade over time thanks to weather, sun exposure and the effects of oxidation. To restore your home to its former glory, weigh the pros and cons of painting your existing aluminum siding with the costs and benefits of new vinyl replacement siding.
What is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding was introduced during the 1950s as a subsititute for aluminum and now holds nearly one-third of the market share for new homes in the U.S., according to This Old House. This material is prized for its low-maintenance. Thanks to color that's built into the material, it never requires painting and won't show scratches. Vinyl also resists the dents and dings that can negatively affect the look of aluminum siding. Whether you choose a midrange or high-end vinyl siding product, this product also offers just under a 70 percent return on investment according to MSN.
How much does vinyl siding cost?
This Old House estimates that a mid-range vinyl siding product costs about $1.60 per square foot installed, with the cost of premium vinyl siding up to 2.5 times higher.
Can you paint aluminum siding with acrylic paint?
If you decide to paint your aluminum siding, take the time to properly prepare the surface prior to painting. Remove and replace dented and damaged pieces, then clean the entire surface using a pressure washer. The Paint Quality Institute recommends priming only bare spots or oxidized areas, then painting with a 100-percent acrylic paint in a flat or satin finish for best results.