As the weather finally begins to warm up in the Midwest, we’re entering prime house painting season. But when it comes to sprucing up your home’s exterior, there are plenty of things to consider if you want your project to be successful.
In Minnesota, the most common types of house siding are metal and vinyl. It makes sense since these materials are durable, affordable and they come in a wide variety of colors. But what happens when you want a change? How do you paint these surfaces? Or are you even supposed to? The answer to these questions is yes – you just need to know the basics first.
Painting Vinyl Siding
Once people realize that they can indeed paint vinyl siding, it’s time for the fun stuff – picking out a color. However, there are a few things to consider before heading to the hardware store. You’ll want your paint to be the same shade or lighter than your home’s current color. Choosing a darker color means your home will retain more heat, making your siding vulnerable to premature warping. Additionally, you’ll need to select high-quality latex urethane paint formulated for exterior use.
Now the hard work begins. The good news is that the weather is on your side – mild temperatures and low humidity are perfect painting conditions. If it’s too hot, humid or windy, the paint may not adhere properly to the surface.
Before you start, prepare your siding by cleaning it thoroughly to remove mold, mildew and buildup, which will allow the paint to go on smoothly. Using a solution of laundry detergent, household cleaner, bleach and water will do the trick and can be applied using a soft-bristled brush or a cloth. Then, rinse the surface to remove the residue and allow it to dry completely before painting.
With the prep work out of the way, it’s time to dive in. If your home’s original color has completely faded or has cosmetic damage, start by applying primer. If that’s not the case, you can move on your first coat of paint. To save time, use a roller or a paint sprayer and save your brushwork for tight spots.
After the first coat is finished, let it dry completely – or close to it – before applying your second coat. If everything looks great, you can sit back and relax. You won’t have to do this again for at least 10 years!
Painting Metal Siding
Metal sliding can refer to several different types of material including steel, aluminum, copper and zinc. While some people say you can’t paint it, that’s not actually the case. It just requires a little planning and effort. Before you start, go over your home’s exterior and fix or replace any areas that are dented or damaged.
Next, scrape off any peeling or flaking paint, chisel out old caulk lines and apply new ones. Finally, use a mixture of bleach and water to scrub off mildew and then hand-wash the siding with soap and water to remove any residual dirt and grime.
You can also opt to rent a pressure washer, but whatever cleaning method you use, you’ll want to wait three or four days for the siding to dry completely before you start painting.
Begin by applying galvanized metal etching primer with a synthetic polyester brush and allowing it to cure for at least four hours. Then, use a roller to apply your 100 percent acrylic exterior paint (low-luster finishes are best). Paint left to right if your siding is horizontal and up and down if it’s vertical.
Either way, your best bet is to start at the top, smoothing out any bumps with a clean brush as you work. Let the paint dry for at least two hours before adding your second coat. If done correctly, your paint job can last up to 10 years.
Professional Siding Painters In Twin Cities, MN
Does painting your home’s vinyl or metal siding sound like a daunting task? Let the team of experts at Cascadia help. We employ high-quality, experienced painters who understand the intricacies of painting both vinyl and metal siding and will protect the integrity of your home. Contact us now to request an estimate.