It is often more cost-effective to repaint old aluminum siding than to replace it. It’s normally a straightforward process, as long as you get the preparation process right and use the right painting materials. So if your aluminum siding is showing signs of paint peeling, chipping and flaking, the tips in this article will guide you on how to repaint it.

Cracked paint on aluminum siding is not just a cosmetic problem. When cracks occur, over time, they allow air to penetrate the aluminum, which oxidizes it and causes damage. As always, we strongly recommend that you hire a qualified professional painting contractor if you don’t have the basic residential painting training and experience.

Tips for Repainting Aluminum Siding

1) Timing
Paint generally needs to dry slowly in order to properly bond with the painted surface. If it dries too slowly, such as in humidity, or too fast, such as when exposed to wind or direct sunlight, it won’t have enough time to cure. You should preferably paint at a time when the weather is going to be overcast and dry. For instance, early Fall makes for the best painting time in Clinton Township, MI and other surrounding towns.

2) Don’t Pressure Wash, Unless…
The siding needs to be thoroughly cleaned before repainting. Painting over dirt and dust often creates room for premature paint failure and a poor quality repaint job from the start. While power washing is the easiest way to clean your aluminum siding, if you don’t know how to use it, you can easily get water behind the siding which then leaks in your house.

The safer option is to clean your siding using a large sponge and mild detergent. If you have to use a pressure washer, angle the pray in the direction rain would hit the house as washing from the bottom up can cause unnecessary damage to the siding and the said water leakage.

3) Take the Time to Sand
Sanding the siding helps to get rid of the loose, flaking and peeling paint that could easily ruin your results if you painted over it. Now, this is where you really need some elbow grease and patience –it’s quite a painstaking task, but it’s worth it. You will get better results and work faster if you sand using an electric sander.

4) Don’t Skip the Primer
Painting aluminum or any other metal material for that matter can be a little tricky –paint generally does not stick well to metal surfaces. Applying a primer as the first coat evens out the surface and makes it suitable for paint adherence. Use a thinned oil-based metal primer, don’t use a latex primer. Consider tinting the primer with the paint you intend to use as a finish for an even color consistency.

5) Choose the Paint
Acrylic exterior grade paints are typically the best when it comes to painting aluminum, and you can find paints specifically designed for painting aluminum if you look hard enough. Acrylics hold up better throughout all the seasons and are least likely to fade. Opt for eggshell or satin finishes as opposed to high-gloss paints which tend to reflect the sun’s glare.

6) Choose Your Painting Method
The idea here is to use a method that you’re familiar with. So while an airless sprayer might be an efficient and the easiest equipment to use, if you’ve never used it before, opt for a roller or brush. Additionally, an airless sprayer might be a little more costly compared to using a roller or brush. For many DIY enthusiasts, a roller makes for a happy middle ground between the cheaper but slower paintbrush and the faster but more expensive airless sprayer.

The Bottom Line

Repainting an aluminum siding isn’t that complicated. But as earlier mentioned, you need some training and painting experience, as well as the right tools to successfully complete this project; otherwise, hiring a professional painter might be your best option.

At Eason Painting, we have years of experience offering exterior painting services in Macomb Township, Washington Township, Ray Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Romeo, Armada, Troy, Shelby Township, Harrison Township, Chesterfield, and Clinton Township, MI. Give us a call today on 586-465-5081 to find out what creative ideas we have in store for you!