Can You Paint Aluminum Siding?
Updated: Jul. 31, 2023
Is your aluminum siding faded, stained or just the wrong color? Here's how to paint it the easy way, step-by-step with photos!
How To Paint Aluminum Siding
Have you ever wondered if you can paint aluminum siding? You can. The keys to painting it correctly are getting it really clean, then using the right paint (more on that below). Check the label on the can to be sure it’s recommended for metal siding.
And just a heads-up: Expect to pay the 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, you’ll wish you did it right the first time.
Tips for Painting Aluminum Siding
Prepare before you paint, then get the right paint
Power washing is the best way to clean aluminum siding thoroughly. If you’d rather not buy, borrow or rent a power washer, wash the siding by hand with TSP or a similar product available at home centers and paint stores, then rinse thoroughly. As long as the siding is clean, you won’t need a primer unless there’s exposed raw metal.
When it’s time to paint, go with high-quality 100% acrylic latex paint. Finally, since metal is such a good heat absorber, never paint while the siding is in direct sunlight.
Painting Aluminum Siding FAQs
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?
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.
