Yes, you can paint the vinyl siding on a mobile home. You can do this by using a paint sprayer, rollers, or paintbrushes. Paintbrushes and rollers are the most recommended method, as the siding may contain texture that can be hard to cover with a sprayer. However, a sprayer will be the most efficient method to get the job done.
The process of painting a mobile home isn't much different from painting a traditional home. However, there are a few small differences in the steps involved in the project. Continue reading to learn about the tasks involved in each step of painting the vinyl on a mobile home.
Steps To Paint Vinyl Siding On A Mobile Home
Before painting your mobile home, be sure to check the weather forecast, as you would want to avoid painting the home on any day where there is heavy wind. Heavy wind can stir up any nearby dirt and dust and completely ruin your new paint job.
Before getting started, make sure you have the following:
- Rustoleum paint
- Primer for exterior vinyl
- Tarp
- 1/2-inch nap paint roller
- 5-gallon buckets
- Synthetic fiber paintbrushes
- Paint trays
- Clean rags or microfiber cloths
- Painter's tape
- Kilz spray paint
1. Clean and prep the vinyl
For the homemade solution, you can mix 4 gallons of water with 1/4 cup of mild laundry detergent. Use a sponge or push broom to brush away any debris, dirt, and any dead bugs from the siding. If your push broom isn't long enough (or if you don't have a ladder), you may need an extension wand to reach the higher sections of the vinyl. Use your putty knife to scrape off any peeling paint or other residues.
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2. Inspect the siding
Do a complete walk around at the mobile home to look at all of the surfaces of the sighting in detail. Check the vinyl for peeling paint, areas where rust or mold has developed, and droppings from birds and insects. Use 120-grit sandpaper to get rid of any rust stains if you can't scrub them away with the brush. Also, check for any areas where the siding may be damaged, repairing them with spackle or caulk if possible.
If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the clapper boards before performing the paint job. After you have removed all of the stains from the mobile home, go back over it with a water hose or a wet rag to remove any remaining soap residue.
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3. Apply painter's tape to the siding
Place covers on the windows and the trim to avoid getting paint on them. You can use old newspapers or cardboard boxes. Use masking tape or painter's tape to hold the window coverings in place.
4. Prime the siding
Now that you have prepped the vinyl siding, it's time to apply the primer. Start by pouring the primer into the paint tray until it is half full. Take your paintbrush and apply the primer to the borders of the mobile home. If you have an angled paintbrush, it's best to start with this brush as it makes it easier to "cut in" on the corners and trim of the home.
Next, use your roller to apply primer to the larger open areas of the vinyl siding. Allow the primer to dry before applying a second coat. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. If your mobile home is 25 ft or longer, expect to go through at least a gallon and a half of primer if you are applying two coats. If you're using a paint sprayer, be sure to use horizontal sweeping motions to ensure full coverage of the vinyl siding.
Note: When using a paint sprayer, be sure that you dilute the paint properly to avoid damaging the sprayer.
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5. Paint the siding
Once the second coat of primer has dried, take your angled brush and apply the paint to the borders and trim of the mobile home. Next, take your roller and go over the larger open areas of the vinyl siding. After your first coat of paint has dried, use the same method to apply a second coat. It may take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours for the first coat of paint to dry.
Be sure to use smooth, even strokes when applying the paint, so that your finish will not have any brush lines. If you are painting a mobile home that is 25 feet or larger, expect to go through about two cans of paint if you are applying two coats (it will be less if you're using a paint sprayer). If you plan to apply three coats or more, plan to purchase about 3-4 cans of paint.
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6. Apply a paint sealant to the siding (optional)
You can also add a clear coat of sealant to the mobile home if you'd like to add an extra layer of protection to your vinyl siding. This can be especially useful if you live in an area where the climate is hot and dry, as it can offer beneficial UV protection.
7. Remove the painter's tape
After the final coat of paint has dried, slowly remove the painter's tape and window covers from the mobile home.
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Pro Paint Tips For Using Paint Sprayers
- Be sure to look at the user's guide and note any precautions before using the paint sprayer. Remember, each model is different and may require different priming specifications.
- Before applying the first coat of primer to the mobile home, test the sprayer on a piece of cardboard or a plywood scrap to practice your technique.
- Use a thin spraying technique so that the coat of paint isn't too thick--this may cause premature peeling and bubbling. If the paint is dripping excessively, this is a sign that you may be applying too much to one section. It's best to use horizontal sweeping motions to avoid this. If the paint begins to drip, be sure to brush it with your paintbrush.
How to Keep Your Mobile Home's Paint Job Clean
- Don't park your mobile home under trees. This is especially important during the fall season where leaves are more likely to fall directly on top of your mobile home. This can cause an accumulation of water and moisture on top of the roof of your mobile home, which may trickle down to the siding and ruin your paint job. It can also cause mold and mildew to develop on top of your mobile home.
- Don't park your mobile home under direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the paint on your mobile home and cause it to prematurely peel and crack. When possible, try to park in your mobile home in a garage or in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.
- Wash off bird droppings and dead bugs as soon as you can. They can become permanent stains the longer that they remain on the paint's surface.
What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On Vinyl Siding?
There are several types of paints that you can use on vinyl siding; however, the most recommended are semi-gloss, gloss, and high-gloss paint specifically designed for vinyl surfaces.
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How Long Will Painted Vinyl Siding Last?
A fresh paint job on vinyl siding can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years or more.
What Is The Best Color To Paint A Mobile Home?
Light warm colors are best for mobile homes, as they reflect light and are more inviting. Common colors include yellow, white, off-white, or light beige. It's best to stay away from dark colors and tones as they will absorb light and heat.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope that this post has provided you with a quick and effective way to clean the vinyl siding on your mobile home. Remember to be meticulous with your prep work, as it is the key to ensuring a great paint finish. Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts: