Can I Paint My Siding?

This is not an uncommon question that homeowners have. Not only are they concerned that the paint will crack, but often there is concrete or brick nearby that is almost sure to see some extraneous paint dripping. Unfortunately, in many circumstances, homeowners' fears are justified. There are certain types of siding and paint that will allow your painting siding project to succeed. Here's what we suggest:

Painting Siding: Vinyl Siding
Sometimes people do paint vinyl siding by priming it first, but it's not recommended because vinyl expands and contracts too much, which will cause the paint to crack. Today's vinyl siding is much improved over what was made in years past so it is best to replace it for the best looking, longest-lasting results.

Painting Siding: Aluminum Siding
Before you paint aluminum siding it needs to be sanded or scuffed up because it has a baked enamel finish. Next prime it with a special etching primer developed just for this purpose. It costs about twice as much as traditional primer and is available at all painting specialty stores. Then, you'll need to paint the siding with premium acrylic house paint.

Unlike vinyl siding, with aluminum painting siding is often a great idea that can increase curb appeal and extend the lifetime of your aluminum siding. Aluminum siding is a quality, durable installation that requires little maintenance, but it can fade over time. Rather than spending the money for a costly siding replacement, painting your aluminum siding can enliven your home's exterior and transform your faded aluminum siding.

Removing Paint from Bricks
You can remove paint dripping from either brick or concrete. The process is similar but not identical. The first step is to soak the bricks with the appropriate solvent, depending on the type of paint: lacquer thinner for lacquer-based paint, paint thinner for oil based paint, or "Goof Off" for latex paint. Let set. Next, after the paint has softened, scrub with a stiff natural bristle brush. Wearing hand and eye protection, wash with a double strength mixture of TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate) dissolved in very hot water.

Removing Paint from Concrete
For concrete, you'll still want to soak the concrete with the appropriate solvent, depending on the type of paint and let it set. After the paint has softened, scrub with a stiff natural bristle brush. Instead of TSP, you should wash the entire surface with muriatic acid (the same chemical used to clean pools). You should also still use hand and eye protection, and be careful not to breathe the fumes. After, rinse the concrete thoroughly with a hose.