Can you paint over aluminum siding?

Question

A couple of houses I'm looking at could use some freshening up of the exterior. This would definitely help with the value and curb appeal. Can you paint over the aluminum siding or would replacing it be the best approach? As always, price is a consideration.

Tony Sas · Answer

You can paint over aluminum siding. Clean the surface by powerwashing. Apply 2 coats of a good quality paint such as Sherwin-Williams Exterior Duration. You should paint with a color the same or lighter than the original aluminum. Painting darker could cause too much heat to be absorbed resulting in buckling of the aluminum. Good Luck!

Tim M. · Answer

Tony  Sas - I heard you could use darker colors for vinyl as well. I have to say though, I painted the white vinyl siding with a darker sage green color (edamame the wife says). I'm guessing this wasn't a 'vinyl-safe' color - but I was trumped because it was a 'wife-safe' color... I do have some warping, nothing too bad at all and doesn't seem to harm anything, but it is noticeable up close when we have temperature swings. This is the full-sun lake side of the house though. But I'd still do it again, even knowing this now. This was even on my personal residence, I wouldn't hesitate to use it on a rental if needed.

Tony Sas · Answer

FYI, vinyl siding can be painted over also with Duration and darker colors can be used without warping. Go to a Sherwin-Williams dealer and ask for a vinyl-safe color chart. A great alternative to replacing weathered or faded siding.

James H. · Answer

My father-in-law is a paint contractor and he vouches for Duration. It's pretty expensive paint, but cheaper than replacing the siding. Its good to hear your experience because, honeslty, in my reseach I was having a hard time reconciling the proper base coat recommended for aluminum that also had the required elasticity. I read a lot of stuff about using oil vs latex and not being able to come to a solid conclusion was one of the several reasons I just replaced the siding. Good to know there is a simple solution because there are a lot of potential propeties out there with weathered aluminum siding that wouldn't generate the income to justify replacing the siding.

Tim M. · Answer

Brian Hoyt - I did a ton of research as well, and you're absolutely correct. I also talked to a few pros who used SW Duration exclusively, they won't touch anything else for exterior painting, and they also won't do a base coat unless it's new siding. I was able to see a couple neighbor houses where this paint had been used a few years earlier, still going strong. In my case the siding was already weathered - so it was already 'scuffed', adhesion is much better with older siding than newer shiny stuff - no base coat or sanding required. The chalkyness was removed with a powerwash - with a little TSP added. This paint was designed to be flexible. I live on a lake in the northeast - so I get the sun reflection from the lake all summer long, then we get below freezing in the winter. Obviously, I'm sold on this paint for aluminum. As for the vinyl (on addition) - we'll see how that goes. I figured a couple hours a few bucks was worth a try. If I get a year out of the vinyl it was worth it - but I'm hoping much more.

James H. · Answer

I researched this once as I had aluminum siding. I decided to just strip it and put up hardi plank...

The three main things appeared to be:1) proper cleaning of any chalked paint and scuffing of any smooth surfaces, 2) using a base coat desenged for proper adherance, and 3) since aluminum will expand and contract more than wood with changes in temperature, you need a paint that is relatively flexible.

Tim M. · Answer

I agree with all - Tony  Sas is right on. I did exactly that this past spring with SW Duration. In fact, older weathered alum  siding (like mine) is even easier. Just give it a quick powerwash, let dry, start painting - brush, roll, or spray - all looks good. If it is newer siding and still has a smooth sheen you may need to lightly sand to give the new paint something to bite into. I actually had a small addition that had vinyl siding and used the same SW Duration right over that to match the rest of the house. I was a little concerned because the vinyl was newer, thought it may peel, etc. - but the pros told me it's an industrial paint and can be used basically on anything. So far, so good. Like Tony said, you want to make sure you don't go too dark (over either alum or vinyl). It's amazing what a coat of paint can do to your house.

Account Closed · Answer

proper prep and you will be fine with painting over aluminum siding.  Paint does wonders!

Patrick Snyder · Answer

You can paint over aluminum, no problem.  The good thing about aluminum siding is that it lasts forever and does not damage easily.  I cannot tell you the number of times I have had tenants damage vinyl siding.  I have even had a couple people put a outdoor grill too close to it and melt it, which is not a pretty sight.

Can you paint over aluminum siding?

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