Q&A: Can You Paint Aluminum Siding?

From Anna on September 4th, 2008 in Painting

Aluminum siding is quite common on trailers, sheds, barns, and even some houses. Although wood, vinyl, and concrete are all more popular, aluminum is still preferred for specific purposes. It is available in vertical or horizontal panels; you can even find aluminum siding resembling shakes or shingles. Aluminum siding comes in many different colors, but is it possible to repaint it after the initial installation?

Fortunately, you are not restricted to the color that was popular at the time of installation. Aluminum siding is quite conducive to paint; it simply requires that you follow a specific process. Over time, the elements break down the finish of the paint, causing it to bubble and eventually peel. In actuality, aluminum really isn’t any more troublesome than other materials, though it has its disadvantages. Most structures require repainting at some point.

Before applying new paint, clean your siding by scrubbing it with a scrub brush and hot soap and water. Avoid using a powerwasher as it can get behind the siding and cause water damage within the walls.
Be sure to remove any loose paint while you’re at it.
After the siding is dry, apply an oil-based metal primer. A tinted primer will not only reduce the number of coats of paint needed, but will help to prevent the reoccurrence of a bubbled or rough surface.
For your paint, choose a high quality acrylic, latex-based exterior house paint.
Don’t rush your project, and be sure to only apply during good weather and appropriate temperatures.

So the answer is definitely yes; with some careful preparation you can make your aluminum siding as good as new. Request free home painting estimates from skilled painting contractors in your area today to repaint your building.

4 Responses to “Q&A: Can You Paint Aluminum Siding?”

Vermont Says:

November 27th, 2008 at 8:51 am

I had a contractor do some work on my house which included needing to remove and replace some of my aluminum siding. They replaced the siding and left one piece overlapping the other below, not locked in. On top of that they put sheetrock screws through the exposed portion of the siding. Now we can see the screws from the outside of the house, ruining the seamless look of the siding. I am also concerned about the possibility of the screws rusting and streaking anice orange down the side of our house. Has anyone ever seen work like this before? Does anyone think that this is a normal practice or should the contractor be held accountable for there rushed work?

-Pissed off in Vermont

Anna Says:

December 6th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

Hi Vermont,
Thanks for reading. That definitely sounds like shabby work. In my opinion, you have a right to have them come back and fix the situation.

kelloggspainting NY Says:

March 28th, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Hi, I am a painting contractor out of NY we do interior-exterior custom painting and staining and more. Painting siding is common now days whether its wood, vinyl, aluminum, masonry, composite, or hardiboard it can be painted. Like any paint job proper preparation is the key along with using high quality paints. We usually use 100 percent acrylic paint being they are the most durable, low odor, elastic, great color retention, mildew protection, and other great quality. On siding(aluminum or vinyl) you want to use an acrylic top coat, beings the siding expands and contracts in different temperatures acrylic paint will move with it. You can clean the siding with tsp or another cleaner if you choose, a pressure washer will be time consuming, and a scrub brush. making sure to remove all of the chalky white powder on your siding. The powder is the paint broken down. Spot prime as needed with an acrylic and follow it with two top coats of acrylic paint. Sherwin williams has a great line of acrylic paint for siding and they now have paint so that you can use darker colors on vinyl siding.

Orange Aluminum Says:

September 17th, 2009 at 10:34 am

Great article, you provide some very informative tips. I think the most important aspect is choosing the right type of paint that will last and be receptive to the elements that the paint will be in contact with. Additionally, you want to keep an eye on the paint job and be wary of any chipping or bubbling that may occur.

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About the Author:

Anna Baker
Anna Baker attended College of the Siskiyous in Northern California where she graduated with a Business Degree. She worked her way through college for a local construction company; and after college, she moved to Oregon where she worked as a Realtor until the birth of her first child. She then started her own bookkeeping service. She and her husband are expecting a second son this month. In her free time, she loves to write, pursue music, and travel.