How to Paint Vinyl Siding

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
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Updated on 07/06/22
Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
A house painter works around the window trim

ftwitty / Getty Images

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 1 - 3 days
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Vinyl siding and vinyl shutters are commonly considered to be relatively maintenance-free, mainly because they does not have to be painted. Vinyl comes with a color mixed with the material that is more or less permanent. But over time the color can fade, often unevenly on different areas of the house, due to the different rates of sun exposure. And whether it's faded or not, if you weren't the one to pick the siding, you might not like the color.

The good news is that you can paint vinyl siding. Just be aware that the siding will be only as maintenance-free as the paint itself. Also, there are some rules and limitations to follow when painting vinyl siding. Most importantly, confirm that painting the siding won't void its warranty if it is still in effect. If the warranty permits painting, be sure to comply with any of the siding manufacturer's stipulations, such as the type and color of paint to use.

Using Primer on Vinyl Siding

There are different schools of thought regarding primer. Some pros use it in almost every project, while others start with primer only when it's warranted by the condition of the siding. For example, a primer may be recommended if the siding surface is not uniform due to pitting or other signs of deterioration or severe weathering. A simple solution is to follow the advice of your paint manufacturer. Keep in mind that paint sticks to the layer directly beneath it, whether that layer is bare siding or primer. If you do use a primer, make sure the paint is formulated to stick to it.

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Choose a Safe Color

Every type of vinyl siding is designed for a specific amount of heat absorption. Because dark colors absorb more heat than light colors, don't choose a paint color that is darker than the original siding color.

Warning

A dark color may absorb more heat than the vinyl siding was designed to handle, possibly leading to warping or buckling of the siding.

Quality paint manufacturers offer paints specifically formulated for vinyl siding and usually specify a variety of "vinyl safe" colors: that is, colors that won't absorb too much heat. Many paints for vinyl are a blend of urethane and acrylic resins, combining flexibility and excellent adhesion.

Whatever color you pick, make sure you get the right amount with the help of The Spruce's Paint Calculator.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Garden hose and spray nozzle
  • Bucket
  • Soft-bristle brush, sponges, or rags
  • Paint roller with 3/8-inch nap or 1/2-inch nap roller covers or spray paint equipment
  • Paint brushes

Materials

  • Laundry detergent
  • General-purpose cleaning powder
  • Oxygen bleach
  • Painter's tape
  • Masking material

Instructions

  1. Mix the Cleaner

    Mix a cleaning solution containing 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup of general-purpose powdered household cleaner (such as Spic and Span or Super Washing Soda), and 2/3 cup of oxygen bleach (such as OxyClean) for each gallon of water. Stir the solution well in a bucket

  2. Clean the Siding

    Rinse the siding with clean water from a hose, then hand-scrub the siding to remove all dirt, grease, and chalkiness, using a soft-bristled brush, sponge, or rag. Work from the bottom up, and thoroughly rinse each section immediately after scrubbing. Direct the water stream downward to prevent getting water behind the siding. Let the siding dry completely.

    Tip

    Hand scrubbing is very effective and may be safer for the siding than a pressure washing. If power washing, check with vinyl manufacturer's maintenance instructions first and be careful of the direction in which the pressure washer is aimed.

  3. Mask off Trim, Doors, and Windows

    Use painter's tape and masking paper or plastic sheeting to mask off any areas you do not want to be painted, including doors, windows, trim, and hardware.

  4. Prime the Siding (Optional)

    Apply the primer (if you are using one) to all of the surfaces to be painted, using a paint sprayer, roller with a 3/8-inch nap (for smooth surfaces) cover, roller with a 1/2-inch nap (for rougher surfaces) cover, or a paintbrush. If you use a roller or sprayer, always back brush—following up the roller or sprayer application with a brush to ensure full coverage and remove drips and heavy areas. Let the primer dry as directed.

  5. Apply the Paint

    Paint the cleaned or primed surfaces with an even coat of exterior paint, using the same techniques used for priming. Let the first coat dry as directed by the paint manufacturer. Apply a second coat, and let it dry.

  6. Clean up the Site

    Remove all masking materials, and complete any final detail painting and touch-ups with a paintbrush.