For many homeowners, vinyl siding is a popular low-cost choice. It’s durable, low maintenance, cost effective -- and relatively easy to paint. In fact, painting your vinyl siding can be a way to give your home a fresh new look without the expense of replacing the siding. That said, there are drawbacks to watch out for as you’re deciding whether to paint your vinyl siding.
Here’s help to weigh the pros and cons, and talk about learn how to nail that perfect finish.
Pros of Painting Vinyl Siding
Painting your vinyl siding can work like Botox for your house, giving it a boost without breaking the bank on a full facelift. Here are more of the benefits:
Cost-Effective Refresh
Painting your exterior vinyl siding is considerably more affordable than replacing it. So, you may want to roll up your sleeves and whip out the paint brushes, because the average cost of painting vinyl siding ranges from $1 to $2 per square foot. On the other hand, replacing your vinyl siding will set you back $4 to $5 per square foot excluding labor costs. With a new coat of paint, you can achieve a new house look for a fraction of the cost.
Customization
Become the Picasso of your destiny and choose from a wide array of hues, keeping in mind the future marketability of your home. If you live in a community with a homeowners association, check for color regulations before painting, since some HOAs provide lists of approved colors.
Increased Curb Appeal
Exterior paint may dramatically improve your home's curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you're looking to sell. Even if your house isn’t going to be on the market any time soon, refreshing the exterior might give it a new look and bring you joy (and lots of it!). According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2022 Remodeling Impact Report painting exterior (not necessarily vinyl) siding snagged the highest joy scores of the exterior improvements covered.
Protection
Painting your vinyl siding may also help protect it from Mother Nature, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for repairs. The right type of paint might help cover minor imperfections and signs of wear as well as make the vinyl siding more durable. For example, some paints include UV protection that could shield your vinyl siding from the sun.
Cons of Painting Vinyl Siding
Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider.
Potential for Peeling and Blistering:
Imagine your freshly painted siding, looking like a masterpiece one day and eventually peeling like a sunburned tourist at a Florida resort. Sun exposure and temperature fluctuations may cause the paint to peel and flake. When moisture is trapped between the layer of paint and the siding, the paint may blister and appear unsightly. The moisture may cause the siding to crumble faster than you can say “touch up.”
Temporary Fix
Although painting your home’s vinyl siding may help cover minor wear and prolong the life of the material, it’s not a solution if the siding is significantly damaged.
Replace warped, aged, or rotting siding instead of (or before) painting over it. Additionally, a paint job will look good for only so long. You’ll likely need to repaint every few years to keep the siding looking fresh.
Voiding Warranties
Painting your vinyl siding may void your warranty, so check with the manufacturer before painting. If your siding is no longer covered by a warranty, you probably have nothing to worry about.
Labor Intensive
Painting vinyl siding may be time consuming and labor intensive, especially if you have a large home or multiple stories. The process is even more tedious when you consider the cleaning and priming to produce a good-looking outcome.
How to Paint Vinyl Siding the Right Way
Hiring a pro is always a great way to have your siding painting project handled with care and efficiency. Still, if you've decided to paint your vinyl siding, you’ll want to do it the right way to get a professional-looking finish that will last for years. Here's how to do it.
Choose the Right Paint
When painting vinyl siding, choose the right color and formula. Look for a high-quality exterior acrylic or latex urethane paint specifically formulated for use on vinyl siding. Look for paint cans labelled ‘”vinyl safe.” These paints are designed to expand and contract with the siding, preventing cracking and peeling.
Vinyl siding is heat sensitive, so if you’re willing to limit your choice of color, consider selecting a color that's the same shade as or lighter than the current siding. A darker hue may absorb too much heat and cause the siding to warp.
Clean the Vinyl Siding
Cleaning and preparing the surface beforehand will support a quality paint job.
You can clean vinyl siding with a mixture of a third of a cup of powdered laundry detergent and two-thirds of a cup of household cleaner for each gallon of water. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to clean the siding and rinse thoroughly. Let your siding dry completely before you reach for the paint. Beware of abrasive cleaners, which can damage your siding. It’s safest to opt for a gentle cleaning solution.
Use Primer if Necessary
Primers create a smooth base for your paint. Think of primers as the trusty sidekick to paint, prepping it for a flawless finish.
Adding a coat of primer to the vinyl siding may also help your paint last longer. Check out your paint manufacturer's instructions to find the most effective primer for the job. For the best outcome, follow the primer manufacturer's instructions for application.
Paint in the Right Conditions
You’ll want to paint your vinyl siding in the right weather conditions. Choose a day that’s dry and mild, with temperatures ideally between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid painting on a hot or humid day, because you could end up with cracked paint. On windy days, the paint may get covered with dust and debris.
Apply Two Coats of Paint
Once your primer has dried completely, you can typically apply your first coat of exterior paint. A roller may not be the best choice for siding due to the gaps and overlaps in the siding panels. A soft paintbrush and paint sprayer are better suited to the job. When the first layer is dry, apply a second coat.
The Bottom Line on Painting Vinyl Siding
Sprucing up your vinyl siding with a fresh coat of paint can kick your home's exterior up a few notches. But before diving into the project, check your warranty for any restrictions and assess the condition of your siding.
Armed with the right know-how and precautions, you can find that painting your vinyl siding is a rewarding DIY that gives your home a stylish makeover that lasts. However, if you have any doubts about taking on the job yourself, you can always hire a pro to paint your siding for quality results and less hassle.