Figuring out what type of paint to use for your home can feel impossible sometimes. Do you want to repaint your aluminum siding but don't know what type of paint is best? Well, we've done some digging and have the answer waiting for you. Let's discuss.
You want to use acrylic or latex paint on aluminum siding. For finishes, we recommend sticking with satin or flat paint and avoiding options with super glossy formulas. A few of our top picks include:
- Majic Paints Interior/Exterior Acrylic Satin Paint
- RUST-OLEUM Exterior Mildew Performance Paint
- Prestige Exterior Acrylic Paint and Primer in One
- Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint
As we begin, we will cover all things aluminum siding and share our paint recommendations with you. Whether you're taking on a DIY project or need paint ideas for your new home, we're here to help. With that said, let's dive right into this post!
What Is The Most Durable Type Of Paint For Aluminum?
In general, you want to use either acrylic, latex, or a hybrid of the two on aluminum surfaces. Not only will these paint formulas last long on your metal, but they are also great at camouflaging imperfections.
As we mentioned, satin and flat paint finishes will look the best on aluminum siding, so it's best to stick with lower gloss options. You also want to make sure the paint you use on your siding has an exterior-friendly formula, meaning it can handle various weather conditions.
Here are our paint suggestions:
1. Majic Paints Interior/Exterior Acrylic Satin Paint
This paint has an enamel acrylic formula, satin finish, works well on aluminum surfaces, is easy to apply, and comes in a few size/color options.
Check out this paint on Amazon here.
2. RUST-OLEUM Exterior Mildew Performance Paint
This exterior paint has a water-based acrylic formula, satin finish, is mildew-resistant, and promises to last for 15 years.
Follow this link to view it on Amazon.
3. Prestige Exterior Acrylic Paint and Primer in One
This acrylic paint has a built-in primer, flat finish, is mold and mildew resistant, has low VOC, and comes in a one-gallon container.
Click here to see this paint on Amazon.
4. Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint
This low sheen paint has a water-based formula, works inside and outdoors, is pollutant-free, has great reviews, and comes with a ten-year warranty.
View this eco-friendly paint on Azmazon.
Should You Use Primer On Aluminum Siding?
As long as you clean your aluminum siding well, there isn't usually a need to prime it. Especially if you use 100% acrylic or latex paint, your siding won't require a primer, which is a good incentive to try out those formulas.
With that said, you don't want to paint directly over raw metal, so we recommend priming your aluminum siding if that is the case.
What Is A Good Primer For Aluminum?
You want to use a self-etching primer on aluminum surfaces. That essentially means your primer's formula will bond to the aluminum, which helps prevent peeling, flaking, and blistering later on.
It's also a good idea to use a primer that will protect your metal from rusting, especially if you live near the beach or in a wet climate. Color-wise, your primer should be white or clear, although this is more helpful for your paint's final look rather than protecting your siding.
Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Flat Aluminum Primer
This water-based acrylic primer protects your metal from rusting, works inside and outdoors, dries to the touch in 1-2 hours, and comes in a 32-ounce container.
See this primer on Amazon here.
Can You Roll Paint Aluminum Siding?
Roll painting aluminum siding is a great idea. Although spraying your paint might sound like a more efficient option, rolling paint on aluminum siding shouldn't be much more challenging.
Paint won't soak into metal like other surfaces, which makes rolling it onto your siding a relatively simple process. We recommend using either foam or lambswool rollers for aluminum, although a standard paintbrush is fine.
FoamPRO Foam Paint Roller Cover
This foam cover promises to give your surface a smooth finish, is nine inches, has a 1/4 inch nap, and comes in a few finish/size options.
Check out this foam cover on Amazon.
Wooster Brush Lambswool 100 Roller Cover
This roller brush cover is nine inches, 100% natural lambswool, works well with latex paint, has a 3/4 inch nap, and comes in a few bundle options.
Follow this link to view it on Amazon.
Is It Better To Roll Or Spray Aluminum Siding?
Between the two, spraying aluminum siding will be a bit easier than rolling. Although rolling paint onto metal isn't necessarily hard, it can take longer and be more tedious if you are less experienced.
On the other hand, spraying is great for beginners and will give your paint an even look, regardless of its formula. Spraying will also work better for coverage, which is helpful if you're painting with a lighter color.
Should You Paint Or Replace Aluminum Siding?
Depending on how old or damaged your aluminum siding is, you might need to replace it. Most times, it's more cost-effective to repaint your siding rather than completely redo it, but again, this depends on its condition.
A fresh coat of paint is best for siding with minor cosmetic issues, like dents or scratching. If your aluminum siding has started to rust or is more than 30 years old, that is when you might want to consider replacing it.
How Long Does Aluminum Siding Last?
Typically, you can expect aluminum siding to last for about 40-50 years. Although this depends on how well you care for it, metal siding is durable and tends to last for decades.
That said, if you live somewhere with high moisture and salt levels, your aluminum might only last for 15 or 20 years, so its lifespan varies.
Why Does Paint Peel Off Aluminum Siding?
Although there are plenty of reasons that paint peels off from aluminum siding, upkeep and weather are the more common causes. Especially in places with high humidity and salt, the paint on your aluminum siding might start to peel after just a few years.
Rust will typically cause this to happen on metal surfaces, which makes regularly cleaning your aluminum siding even more important. It's also a good idea to use high-quality paint on your home's siding, regardless of material, because it won't rust as easily as cheaper options.
How Do You Fix Peeling Paint On Aluminum Siding?
For those dealing with peeling paint, fixing your siding shouldn't be too hard. To start:
- Remove/sand down all peeling paint from your aluminum siding.
- Clean the exposed metal thoroughly and apply an etching liquid.
- Rinse your siding with water.
- Apply a galvanized metal primer.
- Repaint your aluminum siding using high-quality paint.
POR-15 Metal Etching Rust Neutralizer
This etching liquid neutralizes and removes rust, has a water base, isn't flammable, and comes in a one-gallon bottle.
Click this link to view it on Amazon.
Rustins Galvanized Metal Primer
This galvanized primer dries fast, contains anti-corrosion additives, works outdoors, and comes in a 500-milliliter container.
Follow this link to see it on Amazon.
How Much Does It Cost To Redo Aluminum Siding?
You can budget for around $2,625-$10,500 for all-new aluminum siding. Individually, aluminum siding can cost anywhere from $1.75 to over $7 per square foot, so replacing it can be expensive.
According to Modernize, if you were to replace the aluminum siding on a 1,500 square foot home, your price tag could be around $6,500, so you might want to consider repainting it instead. Of course, if your siding is severely damaged or older than 30 years, replacing it might be the only option.
Is Aluminum Siding Expensive To Maintain?
Generally, no, aluminum siding won't cost much to maintain. Like we covered above, replacing a square foot of your siding should cost between $1.75 and $7, so this won't break the bank.
That said, you can also try repainting your siding if it has minor damage, which won't require more than a few painting materials.
To Wrap Things Up
Whether you have aluminum siding or want to install it, knowing what paint to use for it is essential. We found that acrylic and latex paint formulas will work best for aluminum siding and will last a long time if you choose a high-quality option.
When it comes to finish, you want to paint aluminum siding with satin or flat paint to hide any imperfections it may have. It's also essential to clean your siding well before using any paint, and it might even be a good idea to use a galvanized primer.
Regardless, make sure to clean your aluminum siding every so often, and don't be afraid to splurge on your paint if you want it to last for years to come.
Before you go, be sure to check out these helpful related home posts below!
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