Yes you can.
Painting vinyl is possible, but the prep is key.
And it’s a lot less expensive than new siding.
There is a new paint I have reviewed here of Ben Moore’s new vinyl paint called Colors for Vinyl, which has about 75 colors. Nice.
Clean very well
I recommend a pressure washer first, starting on the bottom level and working your way up (yes that’s right).
Let it dry and make sure you have removed all mildew etc to create good bonding. You can hand scrub as well, whcih is of course going to be a better prep, but at the cost of many hours.
Let it dry completely and wait for a day with a dry weather forecast.
Priming?
Usually not needed. The paint I mentioned above is considered to be self-priming if you have done the prep of the vinyl properly. But if the siding is pitted or porous, yes you must use a very good bonding primer.
Color: one important point
Don’t choose a color DARKER than the original siding. Ben Moore will not warranty their vinyl paints if you do, so you can tell it’s not a good idea with any paint.
Painting finally
- The fun part: but you have to do two coats for almost any exterior job. One will not cover and two will create a much tougher weather shield than one.
- Don’t apply too thick whether you spray or roll/brush. I roll and tip out the siding with a brush for quick jobs and spray and tip out the first coat (only) with bigger jobs.
- Pick a dry day with temps greater than 40°F (4.4°C) and never paint in direct sunlight or when the weather is VERY hot.
Good luck. Let me know in the comments how your job is going!
Thanks for the informative article on painting vinyl siding! I especially appreciate the tip about not choosing a darker color than the original siding. That’s something I wouldn’t have thought of myself.
I’m curious, though – do you have any recommendations for how to choose the right color paint for vinyl siding? Are there certain factors to consider, such as the style of the house or the amount of sunlight it gets?”
Whatever floats your boat, contractor.
Hi again – sorry a couple more questions:
For exterior primer for wood siding, do you recommend BM or SW?
Specifically I’m looking at Fresh Start Alkyd by BM vs. SW Exterior Oil Wood Primer.
Also, do I *have* to use oil based? There are also latex/acrylic exterior primers by both brands that they advertise for wood, but I’m not sure if they really will be good or not. My siding is cedar shakes that have been painted, but have a substantial amount of chipping
Either BM or SW but really no others compare. No you don’t have to use oil, but if you have the tolerance for the clean up and mess, do it. Just better. Not necessary.
Good luck!
Do you have tips for painting cedar shake siding? The siding is not in great shape, we will have to do some repair beforehand. We are trying to go from dark brown to a light cream by Benjamin Moore.
Do I need oil primer? And how many coats of primer/paint do you recommend?
It’s straighforward really. Pressure wash (and repairs) then prime, and paint twice. I’d spray it if it were me, but roller with brush is also good…depends on how much you have to do.
Look at the Magnum sprayer I wrote about. good luck!!
Ah sorry one more question – do I need to sand the siding before priming?
yes generally I cannot see it so I’m unsure, but after loose paint is off, scxrape, sand, prime is the rule