Is Painting Your Vinyl Siding a Good Idea?

Painting your vinyl siding is a simple and effective technique to improve the appearance of your home’s exterior. It doesn’t require the expertise of a professional if your vinyl siding is in good condition. You don’t need any special skills or training to give your home a trendy and fresh look. We’ll walk you through the process of painting your vinyl siding, but first, let’s talk about why painting vinyl siding would be a good idea.

What Are The Pros/Cons of Painting Your Vinyl Siding?

Painting the exterior of your house can help it match your aesthetic and personal taste. Much like painting the interior of your home. Then again, it’s always a good idea to shake things up every now and then. If you’re looking to improve the aesthetics of your home, painting the exterior siding may be a worthwhile investment.

Is it worth the time to paint your vinyl siding? What are the benefits of painting your vinyl siding? Are there any disadvantages to painting your vinyl siding? All great questions to ask! Let’s break them down individually. 

Pro #1: Give That Curb Appeal a Boost

The first thing a potential buyer notices about your house is its exterior appearance. If you’re planning to put your house on the market, consider repainting the vinyl siding and improving the landscape. People are more inclined to buy your house if they stop and admire it.

Pro #2: Home Value Increase

To sell your home, not only does a fresh coat of paint on the siding improve its curb appeal, but it can actually enhance its value. When it comes to improving the look of your home, painting vinyl siding is an extremely cost-effective option. In addition, a buyer may be more willing to pay extra for your home if they see it freshly painted rather than with its dingy, out-of-date siding.

Pro #3: Give Your Siding Longevity

Your siding will last longer if you give it a fresh coat of paint. When painting, you’re protecting the vinyl from the elements and other things that could cause harm or deterioration. In addition to UV protection, certain exterior paints are antibacterial and mildew resistant. This is excellent for further safeguarding of your siding.

Pro #4: Prior Damage Detection and Removal

Another advantage of repainting your current siding is the ability to examine for damage. Having a clean, fresh surface to work with is essential before you begin painting. These assessments may reveal damage from insects or water that you otherwise wouldn’t have noticed. The siding on your house will only last as long as you are proactive in detecting and fixing these problems.

Pro #5: Cost Efficiency

When it comes to tearing down and replacing your siding, the expense might be far higher than a few buckets of primer and paint. If your siding is still in good condition and has a long remaining lifespan, repainting it is a no-brainer way to save money. You can paint 400 square feet of a 2,000-square-foot house with a gallon of paint, and even if you may need or want two coats, the cost of new siding still doesn’t come close.

How Do You Prepare for Vinyl Siding Paint?

Prepare yourself and your siding for an external paint job by following these few simple steps. Preparation is key to avoiding last-minute errands to the hardware store while you’re painting a wide area.

• Calculate the exterior’s square footage. An average can of paint should cover approximately 400 square feet. That’s a good place to start when estimating your project size. You’ll also need a lot of primer prior to application of actual paint. Make sure you have enough paint for two coats.
• Using either a mild 2:1 water and white vinegar mixture or a more aggressive 1:2 powder laundry detergent and home cleaner mixture, thoroughly clean your existing siding. These can aid in the removal of dirt, mold, and mildew from the surfaces. Don’t use a pressure washer to clean your siding. Soft washing is a better option.
• Purchase exterior paint that is specifically designed for use on exterior applications. Most of these are constructed of latex urethane, which is specifically formulated for these types of applications. 
• Before painting, apply your primer coat and wait for it to dry. If your siding is faded, porous, or a deeper color than the one you intend to paint over it, you’ll need primer.
• Finally, if you can, schedule your painting project for a time when the weather will be dry and cool. Refrain from going out in the heat and the humidity.

Application of Paint To Your Vinyl Siding

The painting can begin as soon as the primer has hardened. There are, however, a few important considerations to keep in mind. When painting your vinyl siding, be sure you follow these instructions in order to ensure even coats of application. These are essential for longevity and durability. 

1. Prepare all of your painting materials. Paint rollers that are both short and tall will be necessary in order to cover all proper areas. A paint sprayer can also come in handy. Brushes for the corners and edges are also great for painting around window trim, vents, and other outside elements. Make sure to have some painter’s tape readily available as well. 
2. Evenly coat the surface with a thin, even layer. Don’t slather on too much paint that it dries out. Because you’ll be applying multiple coats, it’s best to use thinner ones.
3. Before applying the second coat of paint, wait for the first one to dry completely. The generally rule of thumb is waiting at least 24 hours in order to fully dry. 
4. Repeat the first coat’s application procedure for the second coat. When the first coat is completely dry, you’ll know if you need a second or third coat.
5. That’s it! You’ve just finished painting vinyl siding. A significantly cheaper alternative to replacement of actual vinyl siding.

If you have any questions give us a call today at (636) 699-0449 or request your free inspection today. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. If you’re in the St. Charles County area and looking for an experienced roofing and siding contractor, we are bringing forth over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry. That’s something you can trust and especially if we’re in your neck of the woods.