Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding was first introduced in the late 1950s to replace aluminum siding on homes. The material grew in popularity thanks to its durability against harsh weather and its ability to keep its color in the sun. Today, 25.6% of single-family homes in the US have vinyl siding. But that also has homeowners wondering, “Can you paint vinyl siding?”

With real estate markets favoring sellers, more homeowners are finding ways to increase their properties’ value by enhancing curb appeal. One of the best ways to do that is by putting a fresh coat of paint on your vinyl siding. And it’s much cheaper to paint vinyl siding than to replace it entirely! 

VanDerKolk Painting has been helping Michigan homeowners paint their homes’ vinyl siding for more than three decades. Our painting professionals use the highest quality materials to withstand harsh weather and have a long-lasting finish. 

In this blog post, we’re diving into the specifics of whether you can paint vinyl siding and how to do it correctly.

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?

Yes, you can absolutely paint vinyl siding. And here’s the best part: it’s much cheaper than fully replacing vinyl siding. 

If you’re looking to elevate your home’s appearance by changing the color or touching up the exterior, then adding a fresh coat of paint to your vinyl siding could be the answer.

How to Paint Vinyl Siding

When painting vinyl siding, the key is in the preparation and the materials you use to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting paint job.

Choose Your Exterior Paint Color

Choosing a paint color might not seem like such a big deal, but when you’re painting vinyl siding, it is! 

Since certain vinyl materials are made for specific heat absorption, choosing a color that is just as light as the original is essential. 

If you paint light-colored vinyl a darker color, it will absorb more heat and could lead to warping due to the material expanding. 

So, when you’re considering painting your vinyl siding, it’s important to understand that you can’t make a drastic color change, like from gray to navy blue. Instead, you should stay within the original color range.

Schedule Your Painting Weekend

Exterior painting means working with cooperative weather, especially when painting vinyl. 

The ideal temperatures for painting vinyl siding are between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with mild humidity and sunshine. The most important thing to consider is that the surface should not be hot to the touch when painting.

Prep the Surface

The success of your vinyl siding painting project lies in how well you prep the surface. 

It’s essential to clean away any dirt, dust, grime, or bird droppings from the surface. This could all interfere with your paint application and adhesion. 

There are two ways to clean your vinyl. 

The first is with a power washer, which is the fastest option. However, it’s important to check with the vinyl manufacturer to confirm it is durable enough for pressure washing. 

The second option is to use a sponge and wipe down the surface with a mixture of ⅔ cups of powdered laundry detergent, ⅔ cups of oxygen bleach, and ⅔ cups of general house cleaner per gallon of water. While this is a more labor-intensive approach, it is often the most effective.

Prime the Vinyl

While some painters do not always use primer on their projects, at VanDerKolk Painting, we never like to skip a step, even if the primer isn’t necessarily required. 

Adding a primer will help cover cracks or dents in the vinyl siding and allow the paint to adhere to the surface. That means your paint job will last longer and look better! 

To apply the primer, you can use a sprayer or a roller. A good technique is to always back brush, which means going over the area where you initially painted to ensure the area is fully covered and avoiding dripping. 

Wait until the primer has dried before moving to the next step.

Apply the Paint

It’s recommended to apply two coats of paint when painting vinyl siding. This ensures the color is opaque and the paint is durable. 

Always wait until the first coat of paint is dry according to the paint manufacturer’s timing before applying the second coat.

Pros and Cons of Painting Vinyl Siding

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your home’s exterior appearance, painting your vinyl siding could be a great and inexpensive option. However, there are some pros and cons to consider.