Paint On a Vinyl House? The Dos and Don’ts

Vinyl siding is an incredibly popular option for home exteriors. There’s no real question why. It tends to retain color for long periods of time, it’s durable and can withstand a variety of conditions, and it’s low maintenance. 

But, that doesn’t mean you want to keep the same color of your siding forever. 

Maybe you just moved into a home and you love the siding but not the color. Or, maybe you’ve been living somewhere for years and know it’s time for a change. 

Whatever the case, you might be asking yourself if it’s okay to paint on a vinyl house? What should you expect? 

The simple answer is yes, you can paint on a vinyl house. But, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you get started. Taking care to do the right things and avoid the wrong ones will make for a much easier project and better end result. 

Do: Choose the Right Weather

No one wants to paint when it’s raining or extremely cold. But, it’s a good idea to check the forecast beyond those extremes when you’re considering painting. 

Even days when it’s hot, humid, or windy should be avoided when it comes to painting vinyl. Not only will it be miserable for you, but it will make it harder for the paint to adequately adhere to the surface. 

It’s also smart to check the forecast a few days before you plan to paint as heavy rain on paint that has not fully cured (dried) can impact the finished appearance.

Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Tools

It’s important to make sure your siding is clean before you start painting. The last thing you want is to paint over layers of dirt and dust. 

But, using tools that are designed to “scrape” away paint will damage your siding. Cleaning products that use harsh chemicals can also damage the texture, which may cause the paint to have a negative reaction, or not adhere to the siding properly. That can impact your final result. 

Soap and water and a little elbow grease are the best ways to clean vinyl siding. If there is a lot of dirt built up, you may consider a pressure washer. 

Do: Choose the Right Paint

It’s incredibly important to pick out the right paint (and be picky about it!) when you’re painting vinyl siding. Remember, vinyl is a different material from wood or drywall. You shouldn’t be using the same paint you used to redo your bedroom on your home’s exterior. 

Instead, you should be looking for paint that is specifically meant for exteriors & vinyl. Look for options that advertise vinyl, and long-lasting color. In fact, you should inform the paint store that you are painting vinyl and you require a vinyl safe formula.

If you don’t choose the right paint, the end results could be patchy and you might have areas that don’t dry properly. 

The color itself is also important. Try to avoid extremely dark colors as they can absorb more heat from the sun, which could damage the vinyl underneath. 

Don’t: Use the Wrong Tools

Painting the vinyl exterior of your home is going to require more than a standard roller and paint brush. In fact, these traditional tools might not get into all the grooves and gaps in the siding. One option is to use a paint sprayer to ensure an even application everywhere. 

Do: Take Good Care of Your Siding

Some people might tell you to avoid painting on your vinyl siding. But, if you do it the right way, there is no reason it can’t look great and last a long time. With proper care, a vinyl siding paint job can last up to ten years. Keep it as clean as possible, and maintain certain areas as necessary. 

So, should you paint your vinyl house? If you keep these tips in mind and avoid making careless mistakes, painting on vinyl can look great, and depending on the color you choose you might even be able to convince people you got completely new siding. 

But, painting on a vinyl house can be tricky. If you want to change the look of your home but you’re worried you won’t be able to get the job done by yourself, it’s always best to contact a professional. When you do, you’ll know everything from the right tools to the right types of paint are being used, and you can have peace of mind in knowing your house will look new in no time. 

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