Can You Paint Vinyl Siding on a House?

Can you paint vinyl siding? In most cases, yes, you can!

The only times you may want to avoid painting vinyl siding are when it’s old enough to be warped, brittle, or otherwise damaged, or when it’s new enough to be under a warranty that painting it might void. That having been said, for most homeowners looking to paint their vinyl siding, doing so is a viable and potentially money-saving option compared to re-siding.

There are several considerations to keep in mind when painting vinyl siding that may not be as important when painting other types of siding or home exteriors, so hang tight and keep reading to find out more!

Where Did The Idea That You Can’t Paint Vinyl Siding Come From?

There are two common reasons that many folks think vinyl siding can’t be painted.

First, it’s often advertised as a product that doesn’t need painting. But not needing painting and being unable to paint are two very different things!

Second, it is a fairly smooth surface, so many assume that paint can’t adhere to it. While it’s true the vinyl siding requires careful preparation before painting, it can in fact be painted. What’s more, with the right prep, paint on vinyl siding can last just as long (if not longer) than on other siding materials.

How to Paint Vinyl Siding the Right Way

1. Gather Materials: First, gather the materials you’ll need, which include cleaning supplies and a hose and/or power washer, an aerosol paint sprayer or foam rollers, paint brushes, drop cloths, and of course, vinyl safe primer and vinyl safe paint that is not darker than the current color of the siding. It’s especially important to use paint and primer marked as vinyl safe for proper adhesion and a long-lasing finish. It’s also important not to go darker than the siding currently is otherwise you run the risk of serious warping and sun damage.

2. Clean Siding: Clean your siding extremely well. It’s important to get vinyl spotless to ensure paint sticks. As with any painting endeavor, half the battle is in preparing the material properly for painting. There are various ways to do this, from using dish soap and a stiff bristled brush and hose to power washing or using trisodium phosphate (TSP).

3. Sand Siding: Sanding vinyl siding isn’t usually necessary, but is recommended if there is peeling or flaking paint that you are painting over.

4. Prep: If you’ve sanded your siding, clean it again. Be sure to wait a few days after washing before applying paint. Next, put down any drop cloths or use painter’s tape to cover trim or anywhere you don’t want to get paint on.

5. Prime: You should use a bond primer if the siding is porous, pitted, or the original color is faded. You might not need a primer if you’re using an acrylic topcoat, but it usually doesn’t hurt.

6. Apply Paint: Using a sprayer produces a smoother finish much more quickly, but using rollers and brushes is also possible.

FAQs About Painting Vinyl Siding

What’s the Best Paint for Vinyl Siding?

100% Acrylic-based paint works well, but a paint that is marked as vinyl-safe is even better.

Is It a Bad Idea to Paint Vinyl Siding?

No! Actually, painting vinyl siding usually can be a great way to save money versus re-siding if your existing vinyl siding is looking old and tired, especially if you’re looking to improve your curb appeal or before selling your home. It is, however, a bad idea to paint your siding darker than its existing color. So don’t do that!

Can I Really Skip Sanding?

In most cases, yes. If in doubt, feel free to reach out to us!

Do I Really Need to Powerwash Before Painting Vinyl Siding?

Not necessarily. If your siding is clean enough you might be able to clean it with a hose, soap or cleaning solution, and scrub brush. But professional power-washing is usually faster and provides a deeper clean.

Do I Need to Use Trisodium Phosphate Before Painting Vinyl Siding?

Not necessarily, but it can be a fast and effective way to prep vinyl siding.

How Long Does Painted Vinyl Siding Last?

Actual time varies, but 10-12 years is the average time painted vinyl siding lasts before needing to be repainted.

Time to Call in the Pros? Groovy Hues Can Help!

Not sure if you’re up to the task of painting vinyl siding yourself? To be fair, painting vinyl siding might be easier than other DIY projects, but it’s still quite a bit of work!

If you’re looking for professional-quality vinyl siding painting services near you, look no further than us here at Groovy Hues, where we are all about spreading positivity through paint (and getting the job done right the first time, of course!)

Learn more about our home exterior painting services now.