Ugly Faded Siding? Painting Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons You Must Know First
Does your home's vinyl siding look faded and worn? Are sections peeling, flaking or covered in mildew and dirt? Painting vinyl siding can refresh your home's exterior and restore curb appeal without the high cost of full siding replacement.
But before deciding to paint, it's important to understand the preparation work required, costs involved, and potential drawbacks.
Assessing the Condition of Your Vinyl Siding
The first step is to thoroughly inspect the current state of your vinyl siding. Check for any areas that are:
- Faded or chalky in appearance
- Buckling or warped from heat damage
- Cracked, punctured or have holes
- Covered in mildew, dirt or grime
- Flaking or peeling paint if previously painted
Identify any damaged sections that need patching or repairs. Also look for gaps around windows, doors and trim that need fresh caulk.
If the siding is generally in good shape with only minor to moderate wear, painting is a viable option. If damage is extensive, full siding replacement may be the better investment.
Paint vs. Replace: Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating paint vs replace, weigh these factors:
- Age and overall condition of existing vinyl siding
- Extent of fading or damage
- Whether you plan to sell soon
- Your budget for improvements
- Whether curb appeal alone needs a refresh
For mildly faded siding in good shape, paint offers an affordable face lift. Replacement provides longer-lasting quality and appeal if damage is widespread.
Understanding the Costs of Painting Vinyl Siding
Painting vinyl siding costs an average of $2,500-4,000 for a typical two-story home. Factors impacting the price include:
- Prep work: pressure washing, repairs, caulk, primer
- Paint: 1-2 coats quality exterior latex
- Equipment: sprayer, ladders, drop cloths
- Labor: DIY or professional painter
Create a detailed budget for supplies and equipment. Get quotes from at least 3 professional painters. Expect higher costs for multi-story homes.
DIY vs. Professional Painter
You can paint vinyl siding yourself to save on labor costs. But this is physically demanding work requiring proper equipment. Hiring a professional ensures quality results.
Crucial Prep Work Before Painting Vinyl Siding
Proper prep work leads to long-lasting paint adhesion. Key steps include:
- Pressure wash with a bleach and TSP solution to remove grime, dirt, chalking and mildew
- Scrub off any loose flaking paint with a firm brush
- Sand smooth any nicks, scratches or rough areas
- Repair any damaged, warped or punctured siding
- Caulk around windows, trim, and seams to fill gaps
- Prime vinyl siding before painting for enhanced paint adhesion
Proper prep removes surface contaminants and provides the optimal foundation for the new paint. Don't skip priming or the paint may fail prematurely.
Tips for Applying Paint to Vinyl Siding
Use these painting tips for the best-looking, most durable finish:
- Opt for an airless paint sprayer which offers more efficiency and uniform coverage.
- Always apply a primer coat first to aid adhesion and provide a smooth base layer.
- Choose a high-quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint for greater durability and color retention.
- Consider applying two finish coats for fullest coverage with minimal missed spots.
- Use a brush to carefully cut-in around edges, trim and hard-to-reach spots first.
Take time with each coat for complete coverage. Allow proper drying time between coats as specified on the paint can.
Maintaining Newly Painted Vinyl Siding
To keep your painted vinyl siding looking fresh, follow these maintenance tips:
- Allow paint to cure fully before cleaning - generally 2-4 weeks.
- Gently wash siding to remove dirt and grime.
- Touch-up any nicks, scratches or damaged areas promptly.
- Plan to repaint in 5-8 years to restore vibrancy.
- Inspect siding yearly for any new flaws needing repair.
With proper care, you can prolong the freshly painted appearance.
The Pros of Painting Vinyl Siding
Reasons painting vinyl siding can be smart option include:
- Far more affordable than full siding replacement
- Improves curb appeal - makes home exterior look fresh and updated
- Extends lifespan of existing siding by restoring appearance
- Wide variety of color options to personalize home's look
- Can be a DIY project to save money on labor costs
For minor to moderate vinyl siding wear, paint offers an inexpensive way to refresh the look of your home's exterior.
Potential Cons to Weigh
There are some potential drawbacks to consider as well:
- Extensive preparation work is crucial for success
- Painted siding may fade or peel sooner than new siding
- Darker colors show imperfections in condition more
- DIY painting has a learning curve to do it right
- Painting can make future siding repairs more difficult
Make sure to weigh the cons against the quick exterior facelift painting vinyl siding can provide.
Painting faded, aging vinyl siding is a cost-effective alternative to replacing siding. But the key to making painted siding last is diligent preparation.
Pressure wash thoroughly, make all necessary repairs, apply primer, and use quality paint and application techniques. With adequate prep, you can achieve pleasing curb appeal results.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully for your individual home's needs. And budget for the essential steps of proper pressure washing, priming and paint to help extend the life of your vinyl siding.