Yes, you can paint aluminum siding on a house. If the siding is still in good condition but has become faded, chalky, or simply looks outdated, painting can give your home’s exterior a fresh appearance without replacing otherwise functional siding.
The key is proper preparation. Aluminum siding needs to be thoroughly cleaned, any loose or failing paint must be addressed, and bare or problem areas may require primer before painting. Using a quality exterior paint that is suitable for aluminum siding is also important for achieving a durable finish.
When Should You Paint Aluminum Siding?
Painting makes the most sense when your aluminum siding is structurally sound but its appearance has deteriorated. Years of exposure to sunlight and weather can cause the original finish to fade, lose its color, or develop a chalky residue.
It’s also worth painting if you simply want to change the color of your house. A new paint color can dramatically update an older home’s exterior without the expense and work involved in replacing all of the siding.
Paint won’t correct physical problems with the siding itself, however. Severely damaged, loose, extensively corroded, or otherwise failing siding should be repaired or replaced as necessary before you consider painting.
How to Prepare Aluminum Siding for Paint
Preparation is one of the most important parts of painting aluminum siding. Applying new paint over dirt, chalk, oxidation, or a failing existing coating can prevent the new finish from properly adhering.
- Start by inspecting the siding for loose or peeling paint, corrosion, damaged panels, and other problem areas. Make necessary repairs before painting.
- Next, thoroughly clean the siding to remove dirt, mildew, chalky residue, and other contaminants. If you’re using a cleaning product, follow its instructions carefully and thoroughly rinse the siding when required.
- Remove loose or peeling paint and feather rough edges so they don’t remain visible beneath the new finish. Glossy areas may also need to be dulled to promote adhesion.
- Allow the siding to dry completely before moving on to primer or paint.
If you need to remove old paint or paint splatter before getting started, see our guide on how to get paint off house siding for removal methods and important precautions to take.
How to Paint Aluminum Siding
- Clean and Prepare the Siding: Make sure the aluminum is clean, dry, and free from contaminants and loose paint. Complete any necessary scraping, sanding, cleaning, and repairs before opening your paint.
- Prime Where Necessary: Not every aluminum siding project requires a full coat of primer. Properly prepared aluminum can often be painted directly with an exterior paint approved for the surface. Bare areas or other problem surfaces may require an appropriate primer. Benjamin Moore Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer is an interior/exterior acrylic primer recommended for aluminum and can be used when the project calls for priming.
- Apply the First Coat of Paint: Apply an exterior paint approved for use on aluminum siding using a quality brush, roller, or appropriate spray equipment. Work systematically across the siding and maintain a wet edge to help produce an even finish. Avoid painting a hot surface or in direct sunlight whenever possible. Weather conditions can affect how quickly exterior paint dries and ultimately how well the finish turns out.
- Apply a Second Coat if Needed: Allow the first coat to dry for the amount of time specified by the paint manufacturer before recoating. Apply a second coat when required or recommended to achieve the desired coverage, color, and protection.
- Always follow the product’s instructions for application temperature, drying time, recoating, and number of coats.
What is the Best Paint for Aluminum Siding?
A high-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint is an excellent choice for aluminum siding. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint, for example, is specifically recommended for use on aluminum siding and provides excellent adhesion and durability against exterior weather conditions.
The right product and finish can vary depending on the condition of the siding and the look you want, so check that the specific exterior paint you choose is approved for aluminum before getting started.
Do You Need to Prime Aluminum Siding Before Painting?
Not always. Properly prepared aluminum siding can often be painted without priming the entire surface, particularly when the existing coating is sound.
Bare aluminum and problem areas may require primer. If you’re unsure, have the condition of the siding evaluated before deciding to skip this step.
How Long Does Paint Last on Aluminum Siding?
A properly prepared and painted aluminum exterior can provide years of service, but there isn’t one lifespan that applies to every house. Paint quality, preparation, sun exposure, weather, previous coatings, and application all influence how long the finish lasts.
Regularly cleaning the siding and addressing small areas of deterioration before they become larger problems can also help protect the finish.
Should You Paint or Replace Aluminum Siding?
If your aluminum siding is structurally sound and the primary problem is fading or an outdated color, painting is often a practical alternative to replacement.
Replacement makes more sense when the siding itself is extensively damaged, deteriorated, or otherwise reaching the end of its useful life. Paint can improve its appearance, but it can’t repair failing siding.
If your home has more than one type of siding, keep in mind that the painting requirements can differ. See our guide on painting vinyl siding on a house for the preparation, paint, and color considerations specific to vinyl.
Visit Us For Aluminum Siding Paint
Stop by Loconsolo Paints before starting your project. We carry Benjamin Moore exterior paints, primers, tools, and supplies, and our knowledgeable team can help you choose the right products for the condition of your aluminum siding.
Visit one of our NYC paint store locations to get everything you need to paint your home’s exterior.