Your home’s exterior is ready for an update. Your vinyl siding may have unevenly faded, or you may just be sick of the original color. No matter the reason, it is time for a new look — and you would prefer something affordable and effective.
Have you considered painting your vinyl siding? A fresh coat of paint always helps liven up a home. It could be exactly what you are looking for.
We’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about painting vinyl siding and give you some ‘how-tos’ so you can take action and get the result you desire.
Table of Contents
- Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?
- Is It a Good Idea To Paint Vinyl Siding?
- FAQs About Painting Vinyl Siding
- How To Paint Vinyl Siding
- 3 Things To Consider When Painting Vinyl Siding
- Reasons To Hire a Professional To Paint Vinyl Siding
- Two Brothers Painting: Professional Exterior Painters in the Portland Metro Area
Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?
Yes, you can!
Vinyl siding is known for being low-maintenance — but over time it can lose its luster. When your vinyl siding needs new life, you could always replace it. But that can be pricey.
Painting vinyl siding can make your home look like new again at a much lower cost than replacing it. This will allow you to improve the curb appeal of your house while sticking to your maintenance budget.
It can be a big job depending on the size of your home. And, as with all exterior paint jobs, your siding needs to be perfectly prepped to ensure that the paint job will come out great. Fortunately, this is something painting professionals are experts at doing.
Is It a Good Idea To Paint Vinyl Siding?
It depends on the condition of the vinyl. Painting is a great option if the vinyl is still in good shape.
Consult the warranty to ensure you can paint without voiding it. If so, use vinyl-safe exterior paint to give your home a new look.
And to get the job done right, hire a professional. Two Brothers Painting can get your job done, no matter the size. Schedule an estimate today and start your new home improvement project.
FAQs About Painting Vinyl Siding
Does Painting Vinyl Siding Void the Warranty?
Depending on your warranty, you may be unable to paint your vinyl siding. Refer to your specific warranty or check with the company that installed your siding. Once you alter the product, coverage often changes.
Per the warranty, comply with the manufacturer’s instructions if painting is allowed. For example, it may recommend the type and color of paint to use.
If the warranty is expired or no longer valid, there’s no problem with painting it. On another note, ask your insurance agency for their specific policy rules so that if your home sustains damages, the claim will be honored even if you paint the vinyl siding.
Is It Hard To Paint Vinyl Siding?
There are some challenges when painting vinyl siding.
You must:
- Choose the right paint
- Have the right equipment
- Find the time to complete the project
Of course, you could hire Two Brothers Painting to take all the stress and hassle off your hands. Painting the outside of your house is a big job; leave it to the experts so you can spend your free time relaxing and having fun.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Vinyl Siding?
Acrylic paints and urethane resins are the best to use on vinyl siding because these materials can adhere well to this type of surface. They also have a more giving/flexible finish, with the ability to expand and contract as temperatures change.
These paints are the best choice to cover vinyl siding that is made of PVC (a plastic that also expands and contracts when temperatures change).
Primer isn’t needed unless the surface is full of holes or if the color has faded so much that it has become porous. If primer is required, find one specifically formulated for vinyl.
Avoid dark paint. A medium base is as dark as you want to go because any darker and the paint may begin to absorb more heat which can lead to warped vinyl. Using a paint color similar to the current color or lighter is recommended.
Is It Cheaper To Paint Vinyl Siding or Replace It?
It is cheaper to paint vinyl siding than to install new siding since its materials and labor costs are lower. Whether you DIY the task or hire professional painters, painting is always the easier and less costly option.
Home Advisor says painting vinyl siding costs between $1 to $3 per square foot, and replacing vinyl siding, depending on its type, costs $3 to $12 per square foot. Those square feet can really add up, so painting represents quite a substantial cost savings.
How Often Can Vinyl Siding Be Painted?
You should paint your vinyl siding every 8–10 years, but the time frame depends on the local climate. When your home experiences intense storms or lots of sunshine, the life span shortens as more damage and fading can occur.
How To Paint Vinyl Siding
To make your life easier, here is our ‘how-to’ list so you can prepare for this task.
- Choose the right paint
- Use a similar or lighter vinyl color when painting — using a darker color may lead to overheating and warping.
- Gather supplies
- Garden hose with a spray attachment
- Pressure washer (may be needed if your home is very dirty)
- Sponges, rags, and soft-bristle brushes
- Bucket
- Paint rollers or spray paint equipment
- Paint brushes
- Painter’s tape
- Cleaners: laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaning powder, and oxygen bleach
- Ladder
- Choose suitable days for the job
- The perfect day has a mild temperature, clouds, and low relative humidity.
- Prep the vinyl
- Mix your cleaning solution.
- Clean the sliding — remove debris, buildup, mold, and mildew.
- Decide if you should use a primer.
- Use tape to mask off windows, doors, and trim.
- Put down a drop cloth to protect plants or surfaces.
- Paint
- Prime the vinyl siding if needed.
- Apply at least two coats of vinyl paint.
- Allow the paint to dry in between coats.
- Clean up
- Review the job to see if any areas need to be touched up.
Painting the vinyl siding on your house is a big job. The easiest way to get this task done is to hire Two Brothers Painting, experienced house painters in Portland, Oregon.
3 Things To Consider When Painting Vinyl Siding
Not every home exterior is the same, but there are certain things to consider when deciding to paint your vinyl siding.
One thing is certain: painting your exterior can improve your home’s look, which you can feel good about.
#1: Any Existing Damage
Evaluate the condition of your current siding. Siding is your home’s first layer of protection against outdoor elements. You never want to make changes that could degrade the integrity of a product meant to protect your home.
Painting vinyl siding will not take care of holes, cracks, or other damage and may also cause severe long-term damage such as mold, issues with insects, or the settling of walls.
Any cracks or gaps in the siding should be repaired before painting to ensure a smooth and even finish. Depending on the condition of your siding, you may need to replace sections of siding before painting.
If you have any doubts, have a professional inspect your home and evaluate the damage.
#2: Paint Color
The paint should never be darker than a medium base. Your best bet is to choose something similar to or lighter than your current color to avoid future warping issues.
Buy paint and color that is specially formulated for vinyl. You may want to check out the following brands:
- Benjamin Moore’s Ben Exterior Paint
- Behr’s Marquee Vinyl Safe Paint
- Sherwin Williams Resilience Vinyl Safe Paint
- Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint and Primer
Look for exterior color schemes to help you decide which color palette will be best for the style of your home. You can also choose colors to go with the facades (brick or stone) or roof. Now is the time to save examples of what you like on Pinterest.
Consider colors that lead to a faster sale if you’re thinking of putting your home on the market anytime soon. Neutral colors are always appealing to buyers. You may want to choose a shade of one of the following:
- White
- Beige
- Taupe
- Gray
#3: Preparation
You must wash and dry the vinyl siding before painting. When the surface is dirty, paint sticks to the dirt and grime, not the siding. Then the dirt eventually flakes off, leaving spots and blemishes.
Painting in the right weather conditions and cleaning correctly beforehand will help the paint last longer, making it more cost-effective. You want to paint on something other than hot, humid, or windy days.
In addition, skies should be rain-free for at least one day after you complete the project to ensure enough time for the paint to dry correctly.
Reasons To Hire a Professional To Paint Vinyl Siding
The experts have the experience and knowledge needed for success.
Additionally, they:
- Are efficient
- Know how to do the necessary prep
- Have invested in the right equipment; and
- Know the best products to use so the paint lasts as long as possible
Two Brothers Painting: Professional Exterior Painters in the Portland Metro Area
Can exterior vinyl siding be painted?
The resounding answer is YES, it’s a good idea to paint vinyl siding. It is cheaper to paint vinyl siding than replace it and can make your home look like new again.
Once you decide that painting your vinyl siding is the answer, it’s essential to consider some crucial points during the process to ensure success. In particular, you must adhere to warranty rules, as complying will maintain your warranty.
When it is time to paint your vinyl siding, do it right the first time.
Two Brothers Painting offers quality work while saving you time and money in the long run. We aim to continue having satisfied customers who recommend us to their friends and family.
We can tackle almost any project, including:
- Interior painting
- Exterior painting
- Pressure washing
- Cabinetry and woodwork
- Exterior stains and finishes
- Wood repairs
Are you ready to transform your home? Let Two Brothers Painting help.
Schedule an estimate today.