There are many different types of paint that can be used to paint vinyl siding. Each type has its own pros and cons when it comes to cost, durability and application.
If you have vinyl siding, you know that it scratches easily and needs a good paint job every few years. What should you use?
Spray paint is one good idea. There are many different brands of spray-paint on the market today that will do a great job at covering up your old scratched coating or giving your house a new look.
In this article we cover why spray paints are the best choice for vinyl siding and how to select which one is right for your home!
Why Find the Best Paint for Vinyl Siding?
The thing that sets vinyl siding apart from other sidings is that it’s made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is an extremely tough material because it can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and even rain.
However, this makes it a serious challenge when you’re looking for a paint that will adhere to the surface and stay in place.
Here are a few reasons why finding the right paint is important:
1. Aesthetics – Siding is meant to protect your home from the elements.
However, it can’t do its job if it’s covered in paint that’s peeling or cracked. This makes it an eyesore for your entire neighborhood, lowering your property value.
2. Stain Protection – A good paint will not only cover the PVC surface, but it will also help keep the material intact.
It should be water-resistant and protect against dirt buildup. Vinyl siding can remain beautiful for years if you use the right paint.
3. Protection Against UV Rays – Most paints are made with chemicals that help them stay in place.
However, these same chemicals prevent the paint from absorbing ultraviolet rays which can cause the siding to become faded and discolored over time.
Vinyl isn’t affected by these types of rays like other materials are, but it’s still a good idea to find a paint that will protect against them.
However, this also means that you need a high-quality paint to protect them from the elements.
If you don’t, then it will be a lot harder for you to maintain your siding and you will have to repaint them much sooner than if you had used a premium vinyl siding paint.
In order to know which is the best paint for vinyl siding, you have to know what good quality is. Here are a few tests that your paint must pass in order for it to be considered as “premium”:
- It should be able to stick to the surface for a long time.
- It cannot peel off even when exposed to direct sunlight
- It should be fade resistant
- It should also be able to stick on surfaces that are not completely smooth.
How to Find the Best One?
So which is the best paint for vinyl siding? Well, if you’re looking for something affordable (but durable), then Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Water Based Primer is the one for you.
It goes on smoothly, it’s safe to be used by children, and comes with a primer/sealer in one. On top of that, it also has water-resistant properties.
The Process of Finding the Best Paint Is Complicated
Finding the best paint for vinyl siding requires a great deal of research and patience on your part.
However, once you identify some paints that fit your desired criteria, you can make an informed decision about which one to use.
Now that you know more about what makes a good paint for vinyl siding, it will be easier for you to select the right paint every time.
However, if your exterior walls have started peeling or if their color has faded, then these are signs that you need quality vinyl siding paint in order to protect them.
Notes On Painting Your Vinyl Siding
For a long time, people have been painting their siding. Doing this can make your house look brand new and eliminates the need to buy a new home every few years for those who cannot afford it.
It is not as easy as you think, however. There are several things that you must know before going through with the process of painting your vinyl siding.
1. First, you need to know what your vinyl siding is made of. You can tell by its texture and color whether or not it is painted already.
Paintable vinyl siding is usually available in various colors of white, brown, beige, gold, silver and black with either smooth or grooved surfaces.
- Vinyl Siding is generally made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in boards of various widths, which are 4′ to 12′. Vinyl siding can be flat or textured and can either be solid or engineered.
- Engineered vinyl siding has a rigid core that adds dimensional stability and allows it to withstand expansion caused by heat. Solid vinyl siding is composed of a single piece of PVC material and does not have a rigid core.
2. Next, you need to know what your paint is made from. Paint can be toxic or non-toxic, water based or oil based.
When painting over painted surfaces, the paint used must have the same bases as that which is already on your siding.
If it doesn’t, then the new paint will likely not stick to the old paint.
- Paint should be used in a well ventilated area away from children and pets. One method of applying paint is by using a sprayer that allows you to apply the paint quickly and evenly across surfaces without having to worry about it running or dripping.
3. Third, you need to know how much siding the paint will cover.
If you aren’t painting a large amount of house siding, then a 1-gallon paint container may be enough for your needs. Otherwise, a 5-gallon pail might be necessary.
- Once you have purchased the correct amount of paint, you must first clean the siding.
- If there are any loose pieces, you need to pull them off because they can become filled with dirt and other debris that will lead to peeling later on if you don’t remove it before hand.
- All surfaces need to be dry before painting begins.
4. The fourth thing you need to know is how to approach sanding and scraping siding
- When sanding vinyl siding, you should use sandpaper with a grit of between 40 and 60. Sanding by hand or using an electric sander can be extremely difficult and time-consuming.
- The best way that we recommend doing it is to use a belt sander with a 100-grit belt. This way will take you five minutes, tops.
- When scraping siding, you should use a paint scraper made from metal or plastic because it will be easier than using an inexpensive putty knife and having to constantly change out the blade.
- If the old paint is extra stubborn and won’t come off, you can use a heat gun as well as scraping to take it off.
5. Once the siding has been sanded and scraped, it is now time to apply paint.
- We recommend using high-quality brushes or rollers for application because they make the job easier and will also give you a much better result than if you were to use a sprayer.
- We also recommend using either trisodium phosphate (TSP) or an equivalent cleaner to remove dirt, grease and oil from the surface that you are painting.
6. Now that your siding has been painted, you need to consider any other types of maintenance that needs to be done.
- For example, painting the bottom of your siding near the ground will mean that it is protected from any dampness or wear and tear caused by weather, pets or feet. Painting only the top of the boards leaves lower portions open to damage.
Finally, you need to know how long your paint job will last on average. Vinyl siding can keep its color for around 10 years, depending on how it is maintained.
