Should I Paint That? Painting Aluminum
Aluminum might not be the most popular choice for siding anymore as vinyl and other materials have taken over but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fair chance your home has aluminum siding. It was introduced in the 1940s as an affordable siding option and maintained great popularity through the 1970s on many homes. Aluminum siding is durable, waterproof, and doesn’t rust, making it a sturdy and dependable option for your home. Additionally, aluminum siding takes paint well, assuming you follow some simple directions to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Like all painting jobs, the first step is to clean. You will want to clean the area you wish to paint thoroughly. Power washing might suffice but often you will need to use some kind of detergent to remove stains and build up. Chalking is a common effect of the self-cleaning element of paint meant for metals and needs to be completely removed before any work can be done. You can use trisodium phosphate (TSP) to help eliminate the chalking, but make sure to wear proper protective gear as TSP is abrasive and can be harmful to skin or if the fumes are inhaled.
Once the surface is clean, depending on the condition of the aluminum or the paint already existing, you might need to sand the surface down. Start with a rougher grit, but no less than 80, to remove any imperfections or damaged or chipping paint, and then finish with a finer grit like 220 to remove any scratches in the metal. Once the sanding is complete, you will need to clean the surface again to remove any dust left over. You can easily accomplish this step with a garden hose or power washer.
Next, it’s time for the primer. You will likely want to do two coats of primer to ensure full coverage of the siding. Most importantly, you want to make sure you are using the right kind of primer. Never use latex primer on aluminum siding as it contains ammonia which reacts with the aluminum to create gas. This gas, trapped under the paint, will cause bubbling and chipping in the paint. Oil-based or acrylic primers are both safe for aluminum. Additionally, make sure to wait for each coat to dry before adding the next as painting when the previous coat is still wet can cause bubbling and chipping as well.
Finally, it is time for your desired paint. Different paints are meant for different uses so make sure that your paint is designed for aluminum. You will probably want to pick an all-weather acrylic that will hold up over time, and try to go for an eggshell or satin, as opposed to matte, which doesn’t finish as well on aluminum, or gloss, which will reflect light. Once again, two coats of paint will leave a nice even finish, but make sure to allow for complete drying in between coats. And voila! Your aluminum siding looks good as new.
PaintPositive is your go-to painters for your next big project in Northeast Ohio. We are experts in all things paint and would be happy to help give your aluminum siding a revitalization. Contact us today for your no-pressure estimate and get started on the path to a more beautiful home!
