Can You Paint Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum siding was one of the most popular siding options in the United States from the 1940s to the 1970s. It is lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to rot and pests. However, it does need to be painted every 10 years or so to stay looking good.

“You can absolutely paint aluminum siding,” says Rachel Otto from Fleury Lumber. “But it’s a little different than painting wood.”

The color can also be changed and updated to suit a homeowner’s preference. When I bought a home with mustard yellow aluminum siding years ago, painting it a new color was at the top of my project list. It is not difficult to paint aluminum siding, but there are some prep and product steps you’ll want to follow. Read on for expert tips from Otto and Shayne Pancione from Pancione Painting Plus.

While the overall process of painting aluminum is the same as painting wood siding — make sure the siding is clean, dry and sound — there are a few key differences.

How to Paint Aluminum Siding

Preparation

Inspect and repair the surface

While a durable product, aluminum siding can dent easily (one of the reasons it fell out of favor) or develop corrosion. Inspect and repair any dents, dings or rust you find on your siding. If repairs are not possible, replace the piece of siding before painting.

Fill any small holes with acrylic caulk, and larger holes with a hydrophobic exterior latex filler like DAP Platinum Patch. Caulk any gaps around windows and doors with acrylic latex caulk.

The original factory coating does not need to be removed, but any additional coats of paint will need to be scraped and sanded if peeling.

Clean any chalking

A tell-tale sign that aluminum siding needs to be painted is a chalky surface residue which indicates paint oxidization. “If you rub your hand over the siding and it’s covered with chalk, it’s time to paint,” Otto says.

This chalky residue can be the biggest inhibitor of paint adhesion, so must be removed before painting. “If not, this can allow premature failures or peeling of the fresh paint,” Pancione says.

To remove chalking, wash the siding with a scrub brush and a mixture of 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) per 1 gallon of water. Make sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear. Protect nearby shrubs and plants with canvas. Work from top to bottom in 10×10-foot sections, then stop and use a power washer to rinse it clean.

If there is little chalking, Pancione says you can pressure wash using a detergent like Simple Green, which will help “remove any mildew, grime or environmental debris.”

Choose the right paint

Paint type

Expect to pay a premium for good paint. Opting for the cheaper stuff may seem like a good idea now, but when you’re redoing all the work and spending more money on the correct paint down the line, you’ll wish you did it right the first time. Otto recommends using 100 percent acrylic latex exterior paint like Benjamin Moore Element Guard or Regal paint.

Pancione prefers Sherwin Williams Rain Refresh exterior paint. “This paint’s technology allows any dirt or debris to be washed away when it rains or you hose it off, maintaining a beautiful appearance for years to come,” he says.

Color selection

It will be easier to paint your aluminum siding a similar or lighter color than the current color. Extreme color changes take more time and may require additional coats to achieve the true color.

While aluminum siding won’t buckle and warp like vinyl siding if painted a dark color, darker paint colors may fade faster than lighter colors on aluminum siding, particularly with high sun exposure.

Application process

Priming

Priming is not necessary except on unpainted raw metal. “If the factory coating has degraded completely, exposing the bare metal, you should prime first,” Otto says.

Use a self-etching primer like Rust-Oleum Flat Aluminum Primer. This product is specially formulated to adhere to bare aluminum. Use it to spot prime any exposed siding.

Painting

Apply paint to large areas with a roller or air sprayer. Use a foam brush instead of a nap roller for a smoother finish.

Air paint sprayers are a popular choice when painting aluminum siding as they cut down on application time. Work in sections and apply paint with the sprayer, then stop and back-brush the newly applied paint with a roller. This helps improve paint adhesion and fills in any spots the sprayer may have missed. Make sure to cover windows and doors with plastic and protect nearby areas from overspray.

Use an angled brush to cut in around windows and tight areas.

Tips for Painting Aluminum Siding

• Weather Conditions: Paint when the weather is warm and dry. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or high temperatures, as the metal heats up and dries the paint too quickly, affecting performance.

• Multiple Coats: Apply two coats of paint for best performance and long-lasting results.

• Maintenance: Paint will need occasional touch-ups and cleaning. Mold and mildew build-up can be cleaned with a siding cleaner and hose.

FAQ

How long does paint last on aluminum siding?

Aluminum siding paint typically lasts from five to 10 years.

How much does aluminum siding paint cost?

A gallon of quality exterior latex acrylic will cost between $65 to $120. One gallon typically covers 250 to 400 square feet. You’ll need to determine how many coats to apply to estimate how many gallons of paint you need.

What is the best paint for aluminum siding?

As mentioned before, 100 percent acrylic latex is the best paint for aluminum siding.

About the Experts

Rachel Otto is the paint department manager at Fleury Lumber in Easthampton, Massachusetts, specializing in Benjamin Moore products. She has 10 years of industry experience.

Shayne Pancione is the owner of Pancione Painting Plus in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He is a certified Lead-Safe Renovator with over 30 years of experience in the painting industry.