Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? What You Need to Know Before Painting
Old, faded siding decreases your home’s curb appeal. Nothing beats brand new siding, but some homeowners may consider painting vinyl siding to update their home’s exterior. How does a new paint job affect the siding’s durability? Exterior paint is always a risk since it is exposed to harsh weather conditions.
So, can you paint vinyl siding? Besides just the paint color itself, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether to paint or not. Learn more about what to consider before you try to paint vinyl siding.
Why Would Someone Paint Vinyl Siding?
The benefit of painting vinyl siding mainly comes down to cosmetic enhancements. If the siding is old and faded, a new color may freshen up the look. However, homeowners should be wary of applying a new siding color. If the siding is affected with mildew or has signs of mold or water damage, a fresh coat of paint likely will not take well, and only hide the problems at best.
Problems may also arise if the siding is painted the wrong color. Dark colors absorb more heat than light colors and may cause problems with warping or buckling. If a darker color is your goal, painting will harm your siding. Instead, replace the siding with your desired color and it will last for decades!
Drawbacks of Exterior Paint
If you are thinking about painting vinyl siding as a DIY home improvement project, keep the downsides in mind.
Vinyl siding paint won’t fix any damage the material has sustained over the years. It also doesn’t provide any protection against future issues such as mold and mildew growth, fading from sunlight exposure, or warping from extreme temperatures.
The biggest problem with painting vinyl siding is that the paint can peel or fade quickly. This will depend on how well the siding was installed, how old it is, how well it has been maintained, and the type of paint. If your siding has cracked or warped panels, they need to be replaced.
Another thing to consider is that vinyl siding requires the right paint. Some paint companies provide “vinyl-safe” paint specifically designed for siding. Most vinyl-safe paints are made of urethane and acrylic resins for proper adhesion properties. However, it is nearly impossible to be sure that the paint will last on your home.
Vinyl siding always expands and contracts when exposed to changes in temperature. Vinyl siding is installed with this in mind. If you paint your siding, it is subject to the same movement, which causes cracking and peeling.
Furthermore, if your home is located in a region with extreme weather conditions like frigid winters or hot summers, the paint might not last very long. For example, cold temperatures can cause moisture to freeze within the cracks of the painted siding and expand. This expansion can cause the paint to peel off.
On the other hand, if you live in a warmer climate where temperatures reach almost a hundred degrees Fahrenheit or more every day, then it’s also likely that your painted vinyl siding will crack or start peeling off after some time.
Check the Warranty
Before you consider a painting project, check your siding’s warranty. Repainting vinyl may void the warranty or offset any damages caused by improper prep work or bad weather. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, it’s beneficial to show prospective buyers that it is still under warranty.
Not all vinyl siding can be painted. The type of coating and how it was applied to the siding will affect how it reacts with paint. Check your siding provider’s website for more information.
Maintaining Your Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a great choice for many homes. It’s easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colors and styles. It can last as long as 50 years, but it needs to be maintained. Cleaning vinyl siding is not difficult, although it may be time-consuming.
Before you even think about grabbing a paintbrush, thoroughly clean your vinyl siding. Even the best paint will display unevenly when painted over mold, mildew, or other damage. You may even find that cleaning your siding will brighten the color to its ideal shade.
Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your vinyl siding:
- Use a soft brush broom or pressure washer for regular cleaning. Do not use a wire brush or any other abrasive material that can scratch the surface of the siding. If pressure washing, do not spray at full force or too close to the siding or it can damage or puncture the material. When power washing, do not spray underneath, as it can remove parts of the siding or add unwanted moisture underneath.
- You can use any mild cleaning solution for regular cleaning and maintenance. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which may damage the finish of your siding. Some homeowners choose to use laundry detergent to clean their vinyl siding.
Harsh chemicals can damage the color, the finish, and even cause your siding to buckle or crack. If stains do appear, you will need to hire a professional cleaning service.
Find Your New Color at FDS
So can you paint vinyl siding? It depends, but it may not be worth the hassle if it cracks, fades, or voids the warranty. At Factory Direct Siding, our premium vinyl shake siding doesn’t need to be painted. With over 35 brilliant, long-lasting color options, we have what you’re looking for. Use one color or choose multiple colors to accent various aspects of the exterior. The design possibilities are endless!
