If replacing your vinyl siding has been on your To Do List for a while, this is the tip for you. Forget major tear up, or finding just the right blue among the only three vinyl blues available. Consider painting your existing siding instead. You’ll be amazed by the transformation. (And yes, we repeat, painting will work on vinyl!)
Painting vinyl siding will:
- Refresh what has become weathered or faded to nearly factory-new appearance
- Improve the value of the home while minimizing costs
- Improve durability, protecting the siding from the elements with the latest coating technology.
- Be less labour-intensive than painting wood, masonry, or hardboard surfaces. Because the siding does not retain moisture, it is easy to clean and dries quickly.
- Allow a very precise colour selection, as exterior paint is tintable in any of Benjamin Moore’s thousands of colours.
So. You’re decided? Okay, let’s get to work.
Step 1: Cleaning
Before painting, the surface must be cleaned of any dirt or mildew, to ensure maximum adhesion. Clean siding by either washing it by hand or with a power washer.
A product such as Benjamin Moore Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner (N318) is ideal for this cleaning process. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water after washing, and follow the application and safety instructions on the product label.
If you choose to power wash, use caution with the pressure settings so that you do not damage the siding or or strip existing paint layers.
Care should be taken not to allow water to seep under the siding around windows, doors, vents, soffits and any other openings. Hold the nozzle facing down to avoid forcing water under the siding panels.
If the vinyl siding was previously painted, power-wash loose material and feather sand the peeled edges very lightly before panting.
Step 2: Priming
In most cases a primer is not necessary. Only areas of pitted or porous vinyl siding must be primed. In these cases we recommend Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® High Hiding All Purpose Primer (046) or Fresh Start® Multi-Purpose Latex Primer (N023).
Step 3: Selecting Paint
For coating vinyl siding or trim, our premium Regal® Select Exterior Paint is an ideal choice. Its durable finish resists fading, cracking and peeling, keeping your home looking freshly painted for years to come. It is mildew resistant even in humid conditions and can be applied in temperatures as low as 4.4°C
Step 4: Selecting Colors
To avoid warping in vinyl siding caused by paint colors that absorb heat, be sure to choose from our vinyl-safe colour palette. Some colours tend to fade faster and are not recommended for exterior use, so choose carefully to avoid future maintenance. And speaking of…
Step 5: Maintenance
Simply power wash each spring to maintain the appearance and extend the life of your paint job.
MORE:
Benjamin Moore Exterior Colour Chart
