Should I Repaint My Aluminum Siding?

Do You Have These Common Questions?

I am often asked several questions by property owners. The first being, “Should I repaint my aluminum siding?” Or maybe, “Can I repaint my vinyl siding?” No matter the specifications of the job, customers never fail to ask, “How long will my paint last?” 

These common and very important questions deserve answers. If most of my customers are asking these questions, then it can be safe to assume you have the same questions! Let’s explore and answer them now! 

Aluminum Siding: Painting & Longevity

Aluminum siding consists of a thin aluminum sheet with a baked-on finish designed to last 20 years. Older factory coatings were designed to break down under UV rays and wash away in the rain. New high-quality aluminum siding and trim are coated with Kynar, offering hydrophobic properties like a Teflon pan. Kynar coatings provide self-cleaning abilities with added durability and longevity. Some cheaper new metal is coated with vinyl, which delaminates and peels off over time. All aluminum siding and trim will oxidize when weathered and the bare metal is exposed. Oxidized aluminum turns white, unlike steel, which turns brown or rust-colored. Severe oxidation in aluminum can cause pitting and eventually holes. Therefore, it is important to keep aluminum siding covered and protected.

All aluminum can be painted fairly easy. Want to hear even better news? When coated properly, aluminum will last 15 years or longer, depending on the color. White and lighter colors will last the longest, while dark and bold colors do not last as long. UV rays “bounce” off lighter colors, but are absorbed by the darker colors. The more UV rays that bounce off instead of absorbing into the aluminum, the longer the paint will last. This explains why the lighter colors last longer than the darker colors.

The system for painting aluminum siding and trim is as follows:

1. First, the surface must be pressure washed to remove all chalky residue.
2. If it is a new un-weathered Kynar, it needs an oil-based bonding primer applied (especially on a horizontal surface).
3. If it has been weathered, any good 100% acrylic paint will work properly, as they are all self-priming.