Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?

Posted on June 28, 2024

Have you ever looked at your house’s vinyl siding and noticed dull, faded, or chipping paint? Then you likely wondered how to fix that and whether you could paint vinyl siding in the first place. Well, listen up: painting your vinyl siding is a thing, and it’s a fantastic way to give your house a small makeover without breaking the bank. Below, we’ll run through some tips on how to paint your vinyl siding. This includes everything from what paint to consider, application techniques, and when it’s better to replace the siding instead of painting over it.

Why Paint Your Vinyl Siding?

I know what you might be thinking: “But wait, isn’t vinyl siding supposed to be low-maintenance? Won’t painting it create more work for me?” You’re not wrong—painting your vinyl siding is a substantial project that takes some effort. But the end result is worth it, and it can save you money in the long run. Here are some of the top benefits of painting your vinyl siding:

Give your home a fresh new look.
Increase the curb appeal and potential value of your home.
Add a layer of protection from the sun and weather.
Increase the overall lifespan of your siding.
Save money compared to expensive replacement costs.

Selecting the Right Paint for Vinyl Siding

Before you start slapping paint on those walls, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Make sure you are using the right kind of paint. Look for high-quality exterior paint that is designed for exterior vinyl siding. Check to make sure it is weather- and water-resistant and has an adequate lifespan. UV protection is a must, too.
Decide on the best color. The goal here is to find a color that fits the overall aesthetic of the rest of your house. Research shows that neutral tones tend to increase resale value due to their broad appeal. However, there’s room to differentiate and show personality within that. Some of it depends on the climate and neighborhood you are a part of.

Understand that darker colors tend to absorb more heat. For that reason, it makes sense to choose lighter colors if you live in a sunny and warm climate.

Prepping Your Vinyl Siding

Before you get started on the painting itself, you’ll want to prep the vinyl siding. This may seem like a cumbersome process, but it’s just as important as the painting itself. By prepping the siding, you are making sure the paint sticks to the siding for a smooth finish that will last a long time.

Pressure Washing

The first thing you want to do is give the siding a good scrubbing. Using a pressure washer makes sense here to make sure all the dirt and grime are removed. Just make sure to not use too much pressure so you don’t damage the siding.

Make Repairs

Once your siding is squeaky clean, it’s time to make any necessary repairs. This is where you would fill in any cracks or replace the siding in troubled spots that might need it. Also, this is a great time to reseal any cracks or holes and check to see if your doors and windows need new caulking.

Getting the Correct Painting Supplies

When it comes to actually applying the paint, you have a few options. You can use a brush or roller for smaller areas or break out the spray gun for larger surfaces. It could make sense to use a combination of all three, as some will work better in certain areas. Whichever method you choose, make sure you apply thin, even coats. Allow each one to dry completely before adding another. And don’t forget to protect surfaces with tape and drop cloths – you don’t want any splatters ruining your hard work! You’ll also need a ladder tall enough to reach all the vinyl panels on the side of your house. In addition, you will need to follow very important safety precautions when using the ladder and consider your overall confidence level in painting while standing on it. If this is a concern, then it could make sense to hire a professional for the job (see the section below).

Hiring Professionals to Paint Vinyl Siding

As you can see, painting your vinyl siding requires careful planning, prep, and a methodical approach. When doing the job yourself, you’ll need to budget for the cost of materials, equipment, and your overall time. Of course, you’ll need to consider your overall painting ability as well as confidence on a ladder. If all of that seems overwhelming, then it makes sense to reach out to professional painters to make sure the job is done properly and efficiently. If you are located in Carmel, IN, or the surrounding area, contact Walla Painting — the best vinyl exterior painting contractor in the region! And that’s not an empty statement, as Walla Painting has been awarded as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite while holding an “Excellent” 4.9-star rating on 160+ Google reviews. For more information, check out some of the accolades Walla Painting has received, as well as their current service areas. Call Walla Painting at (317) 620-0695 or get a free quote by filling out the online form.