Sidings protect your home’s external walls and roof against harsh conditions brought on by the sun, wind, rain, and so on, and keeps the inside of your home pleasant and comfortable. They also enhance the look of your house. Adding sidings is definitely a beneficial idea.
But the question is, can you paint siding?
You might want to change the color of the walls or just repaint the siding to maintain it, but you’re unsure if sidings can be painted (or how to go about it). The short answer is yes. However, depending on the material, there are certain steps you need to take before you paint siding, and we cover them in this blog.
Remember, it’s always best to hire experts when taking on major overhauls like painting your house, and our team of professionals at Bob Kunst Painting can help you get this done right. Read on to learn more about painting the different types of siding.
Painting Natural Wood Siding
Wood siding generally requires more care and maintenance than other types because of the nature of wood. Other than natural elements, wood siding is also attacked by pests like termites and ants, which is why it is recommended to treat wood siding every four to eight years, depending on the severity of the threat.
Painting wood siding is a great way to maintain its quality and look. To paint wood siding:
- Clean the surface. Use a power washer with the setting set to low and wash off any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the surface. Use a firm bristled brush to scrub away any dust or debris that may have remained behind. Make sure to not damage the surface with the power washer or the brush.
- Prep the surface. Use an electric sander or a sanding block to remove loose paint, peeling wood, or splinters from the surface. If there are any holes or gaps in the siding, fill them with vinyl exterior spackling and allow the filling to dry. Replace any pieces of siding that have major damage. Once the spackling is completely dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth over the patched areas to get rid of any bumps, uneven surfaces, or rough areas.
- Apply primer. Apply a coat of primer once the surface-level work is done. You can apply multiple coats if needed.
- Use caulk to seal cracks. If you find any cracks or holes after the primer has dried, use waterproof caulk to seal them. Caulk will also create an air-tight seal and prevent any moisture from entering.
- Paint the siding. Use a brush or roll to apply the paint evenly.
Painting Aluminum Siding
Aluminum is a durable and cheap siding and often requires less maintenance. It is, however, prone to dents, and the paint on the surface can chip off. Painting the aluminum siding will help keep it looking great. To paint aluminum siding:
- Prep the siding. Use a scraping tool to scrape off any peeling paint and aluminum chips from the surface. Use a water and bleach solution (10:1) to get rid of any mold or fungus, and then use a power washer to wash the surface. Finally, use a power sander and smooth the surface.
- Apply primer. Apply one or two coats of primer depending on what you need. Wait a day or two for the primer to dry completely.
- Paint the siding. For best results, paint in the direction of the siding (horizontal or vertical). Apply multiple coats if needed until you get an even and strong finish.
Painting Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular and common types of sidings used today. While it is generally more durable than other types, it is sensitive to direct heat conditions like from a grill or barbecues. Over time, it will also lose its sheen because of abrasion by rain, wind, and other elements. Fortunately, you can retain the luster of vinyl siding by painting it. To paint vinyl siding:
- Prep the surface. Use a solution of water, some soap (powdered laundry detergent or powdered household cleaner), and oxygen bleach to scrub the surface of the siding. This process will remove all dirt, grease, and other unwanted material from the surface. Then rinse the surface with a hose.
- Prime the siding. Use a paint sprayer, roller, or paintbrush to apply the primer. You can apply multiple coats if needed. Give it a day or two for the primer to dry completely.
- Apply the paint. Paint the siding and apply multiple coats if you need to.
Painting Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding, also called Hardie board siding, is a composite material that is made of cement reinforced with cellulose fibers. It is a popularly used type of siding because of its durability and the fact that it is very easy to maintain. It has great impact resistance, so it remains durable against wind, rain, and other elements. It is not susceptible to pests or rot and is a non-combustible material.
While fiber cement siding does not require painting often, you can choose to do so if you notice any degradation of paint. To paint fiber cement siding:
- Prep the surface. Lightly sand the siding and then use a regular garden hose to wash the surface to get rid of any dirt or dust. Replace the caulking if you notice any degradation.
- Prime the surface. Fiber cement siding generally does not need priming because it is primed during manufacturing. If you have installed unprimed siding, you can apply a layer or two of primer before you paint the surface.
- Paint the siding. Use a paint sprayer, roller, or paintbrush to paint the siding.
Ready to Paint?
Just like that, you now know how to paint any type of siding you might come across. Painting siding replenishes its sheen and also increases its durability, so you should consider painting the siding installed in your house once every few years.
Like we said before, experts should do major overhauls like painting siding. Head over to Bob Kunst Painting to get a quick estimate of services offered to do such today!