Knowing how to paint aluminum siding can keep your siding lasting longer and maintainin its good looks. Of course, you do need to occasionally devote some attention to preserving it. Here are a few simple tips to paint aluminum siding and keep it in tip top shape for years to come.
Basics Behind How To Paint Aluminum Siding
At least once a year, give your house the once over and inspect it closely for scratches and dents. Although, aluminum is highly resistant to rust, scratches are its Achilles heel, exposing its vulnerable underbelly to corrosive moisture. To maintain the protective shield, you need to paint over scratches as soon as you spot them. Rust will attack without delay and once it has begun, it will be harder to stop.
Aluminum Siding Costs
Price Range: $5.00 to $8.00 psf installed
Homeowners can expect to pay $500 to $800 per square for both product and installation. This equates to $5.00 – $8.00 per sq. ft. for both materials and labor.
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More On How To Paint Aluminum Siding
Whether to cover up scratches or repair chalking, learning how to painti aluminum siding needn’t be a major production. For the best results, sand the siding first with a relatively fine sand paper, something in the range of 150 to 240. Then apply the primer, and spray paint.
Of course, you should check for dents first. Although aluminum is hardier than vinyl siding, it’s not completely resistant to dents. If at all possible, push the dent out or patch it with filler intended for metal. However, if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the panel. In fact, many times the panel above and below the damaged one may also need to be replaced.
Before painting, use a good primer because it is often difficult to completely remove all the chalk. If there is still chalk on the surface, primer will cover up the chalk and allow the new paint to bond with the aluminum siding. The primer should be 100 percent acrylic and specifically designed for outdoor painting. Without the primer, the paint will not bond, causing it to look blotchy and uneven.