How to paint aluminum siding?

January 23, 2023
Posted in Blog
January 23, 2023 admin

Modern aluminum siding is used on the exterior or roof of buildings and has both a beautiful aspect for the construction and protects it from adverse weather conditions. However, it can look old and unattractive after years. One of the efficient ways to resurrect your aluminum cladding panels is to paint them. So, follow our easy methods and you will paint aluminum siding quickly with the best results possible.

What is metal siding?

With the advancement of science and technology in various fields, primarily building materials, we will not only see ideal comfort and well-being but also avoid buying expensive materials.

There are different types of exterior sidings that are used for building cladding.

Aluminum cladding is one of these modern and attractive materials that has attracted the attention of the domestic and foreign markets of construction materials with proper use. With its unique characteristics, this material has been trendy among mass builders, contractors, and people who renovate some places. These facades are often designed and manufactured by imitating metal products. They will not only bring a stunning appearance to the facade of your building but also bring excellent quality and utility.

Aluminum siding is a suitable product for the roof of buildings and the exterior, which directs water to the outside. It will protect the building in wet and rainy weather conditions. You can use this product vertically and horizontally, and it will be a suitable option for covering and preventing water and wind penetration into the building.

painting aluminum sidingIn the following, I have described the method of modern aluminum siding painting step by step.

  1. Make sure the material of the metal siding is aluminum

Painting aluminum is very different from other metals. So, first of all, identify your siding material. After it is determined that it is aluminum, continue with the steps.

Use a magnet to see what the material of the siding is. If the magnet sticks to the siding, it’s steel; if it doesn’t, it’s aluminum. Also, one of the signs of steel is red or brown rust.

Specify if the siding is already painted or not.

Determine if the siding has cracks or breaks.

  1. Clean the aluminum cladding

Try to wash the siding with solid water pressure. Remember to hold the water hose from the top down, as you will damage the siding if you apply water pressure from the bottom up. Wipe off any excess material on the surface of the siding. If you use chemical detergent for washing, remember to clean it with water, so it does not interfere with the painting process.

  1. Sanding the siding

In some cases, you may need sand to smooth and clean the surface of the siding. Depending on the size of the area you want to paint, you can use a sanding wheel. In this method, try to avoid unique engraving or molding to prevent damaging it. Pull the wheel from top to bottom and bottom to top, making sure you remove all the debris.

Use 80-gram sandpaper to start sanding. Now choose a 220-gram sanding sheet and perform the sanding operation for the second time. If you want to sand hard, avoid damaging the metal with too much pressure.

Do not use sandpaper less than 80g as it will cause permanent damage to the metal surface.

required tools for painting aluminum sidingThe right tools for painting aluminum claddings

Here you can see a list of tools that you can use to paint aluminum siding.

High-pressure washer for cleaning siding:

You can go to specialized stores to get this washer. But if you only intend to use it once, you can rent it from local stores or ask if your friends have this device.

Typically measured in water per square meter, pressure ranges from 2,000 psi to 2,800 psi for a gas-fired washer versus 1,300 psi to 1,700 psi for an electric current.

Higher pressure means more power, but it also means more noise, so be aware of what trouble you might be causing your neighbors.

Remember to use proper safety gear such as waterproof boots, safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.

Choosing the suitable primer

Look for an oily primer. This oil primer acts as an additional protective layer. You can also use acrylic primers. These primers serve as a strong foundation, stick to metal and do not quickly react against conditions such as oxidation. Be aware that you can use acrylic primer when you have an acrylic painting.

Avoid using latex primer separately because it contains ammonia and reacts with aluminum over time, leading to tiny bubbles forming. These bubbles can damage the primer quickly and remove the color from the siding facade.

Choosing the right color

For the outer surface of aluminum, choose acrylic paint because it is suitable for all seasons; it stays better, gives better coverage, and has fewer colour fades.

Only use glossy paints that reflect sunlight if you live in a hot area and want to do so on purpose. Try to use matte ones such as eggshells or satin.

Choosing a cladding system painting method

Before you start, you must choose which paint method you want to use for painting the metal siding. For example, do you want to paint with spray, brush, or roller?

Be sure to specify the type of this tool. While painting with a brush is economical, it takes a lot of your time. On the other hand, with a spray machine, you can finish painting the aluminum siding in the shortest time, but it is an expensive method. An average choice is to choose a roller because not only are they moderately priced, but painting with them is relatively easy. Try using a brush with synthetic fibers and a roller with wool, as the paint will smooth the aluminum siding. If you want to spray paint, use an airless spray with a 017.

Preparing a ladder

In brush and spray painting methods, you need a ladder. So be sure to prepare it before starting painting.

In the roller painting method, you often don’t need a ladder because you can change the size of its handle, but if you need to paint the ceiling or the length of the roller handle stays the same, you will need a ladder.

aluminum siding painting processStart to paint the modern aluminum siding

Paint on a suitable and sunny day

You must also consider the weather conditions to perform the primer (plaster) and painting processes. Any operation you intend to perform requires a particular optimal temperature. But in general, you should refrain from completing the painting in rainy weather and temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (equivalent to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Moisture or rain dew will ruin the painting.

When you want to do the primer or all types of metal siding painting, try to create conditions so that direct sunlight does not shine too much on the siding because it causes cracks and bubbles to appear on its surface. After complete drying, these cracks and bubbles will increase.

Paint the aluminum siding and allow it to dry completely

To prime siding with the roller method, run the roller quickly and with pressure along the siding panels. Then roll the roller in the opposite direction and back. It is to ensure the primer has completely covered the surface of the siding. Apply at least two layers of primer on its surface to provide complete and proper siding coverage. After applying the primer, you will probably see the metal surface, but don’t worry. The primer is a thin layer and will be painted over.

Remember always to prime the siding from one direction. Paint from right to left or left to right so the primer dries quickly and prevents visible streaks on the siding surface.

After thoroughly applying the primer, allow the coating to dry completely. The best time is usually four hours for the primer to dry. (Of course, depending on the type and brand of primers, the drying time is different, and I started a general criterion).

Paint aluminum siding panels

Start painting. Try to paint the upper parts first and then the lower regions. If your siding is horizontal, move the brush (or roller or…) in the right direction. But if the siding is vertical, pull the brush down. It ensures the coating process and prevents stains from forming on the siding surface. As a rule of thumb, it takes two hours for the paint to dry. To test the color dryness, touch an area that is not visible in the viewfinder. You can start the second painting round if the paint is not sticky and has dried.

Apply a second coat of paint

Applying another layer of paint on the surface of the siding is not mandatory, but it will make your facade more beautiful. It also increases the durability of the siding surface painting, and if lines are left in the first step, they will be hidden under the second coating.

If there is a scratch or impurity on the first layer, remove it and apply the second painting. Be sure to note that the first paint must be completely dry for the second coating.

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