Aluminum siding has grown in popularity among construction companies. It is cheap, durable, and typically easy to paint. Though it may be easy to paint by industry standards, it is rather difficult for a do-it-yourself project. If you pick the right finish and follow the right tasks, your aluminum siding will look sleek, fresh, and colorful.
One thing to remember is to never purchase a latex paint for your aluminum siding. Though there are a lot of color choices, you will find that the ammonia in your latex paint will actually erode your aluminum siding. When it comes to painting your aluminum siding you will always want to use an oil-based metal paint. Though this may limit you on color choices, when it comes to painting the exterior of your home you really do not need to be too elaborate. No matter what brand of oil-based metal paint your purchase, you will want to ensure you also purchase an oil-based primer and use that first. Though there are brands that offer a paint and primer in one, this is not something you should use when painting aluminum siding. You will want that solid coat of primer in between your paint and aluminum siding to ensure that there is no oxidation to erode the side of your house.
Once you know the right type of paints to use, the sky is the limit when it comes to painting aluminum siding. Whether or not you are doing this yourself or hiring a professional, you will want to have say in the colors. Choose something neutral that will still be up-to-date a few years down the road. Look for brands such as Valspar, Sherwin Williams or True Value paints. These will typically run you more than your traditional latex or semi-gloss paints, but this is for the overall health of your house. An average oil-based metal paint will cost you anywhere from $30.00 to over $80.00 per gallon. To know just how much you will need to paint your home you will want to refer to the manufacturer’s guide on the side of your paint or through an online service. Each manufacturer will vary with their painting requirements so do no use one type of paint’s guide to apply to another.
When it comes time to shop for your oil-based metal paint, visit local retailers such as Ace Hardware, True Value, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or Lowe’s. Most of these retailers will not only carry supplies for painting aluminum siding, but they will have experts that can guide you through the steps of painting your siding right the first time. Just remember that a new coat of paint will liven up your exterior of your house and add a fresh new look. If you are planning on painting your home to resell it, be sure to give it a color that can appeal to the general population and not just yourself. Painting is a fun and relatively easy way to give your home an exterior face lift, but be sure to give it one that will still be modern down the road.