Can metal siding be easily painted?

Question

My house has white aluminum siding. It needs cleaning of mildew, but when I wash it, the white paint comes off. Is there a good paint and good method to paint the aluminum siding? I might like to change the color of my house if it gets painted. Thanks.

Answer 1

If the paint has become "chalky" you probably have steel siding, it is the best of the best, used mostly in older homes built in the 50's. Use a pressure washer on it and yes, then you can paint it, but check with a reputable paint store on what kind of paint to use.

Answer 2

We painted our metal siding and it looked nice and fresh for several years.   Go to a paint store and inquire.

Answer 3

I'm no professional, however, I would opt for an oil based paint.  

Answer 4

http://www.askthebuilder.com/122_How_to_...

Go here and he'll tell you how to paint it!

Answer 5

Yes, it can easily be painted. wash it well and sand any shiny areas so the paint will stick. I used latex paint since the siding does expand and contract. When painting, make sure to do the corners (where the vertical strips cover the corner) when the temps are the lowest. If you paint there when the temperature is hot, the siding will contract when it cools and you will see the old color there. As far as color, don't go too dark. This will make the siding expand more when hot.

Answer 6

Metal siding can easily be painted.

By the way, you can use a magnet to figure out if the siding is steel or aluminum.  You'll feel a pull on the magnet if it is steel.  If it is steel, you want to recover any exposed metal quickly to prevent rust from forming.

You've got a couple of ways to do this, you could contract it out to a professional, or do it yourself.  

If you hire it out, be sure to get multiple estimates and references.  CHECK those references.  Do not assume the lowest price would be the best deal, or the highest would be the best quality.

If you decide to do it yourself, I'd consider renting a platform lift, if the ground is fairly level around your home, or scaffolding, in order to reach the higher portions of the paint job.  Either of those would be safer than ladders.  Painting can be done faster with a sprayer.  If you want to do it with the absolute minimum in cost, then you can brush the paint on.  (I'd still look at scaffolding for the ends of the home)

Any good paint source will carry quality exterior paint, and be able to give you tips on how to best approach the work.

Cover any plants around the home while painting.

Have Fun