Like most materials, vinyl has a limited lifespan and needs to be replaced or repaired at some point. Read on to find out what you can do when your siding paint starts fading and attracting mildew after its warranty period.
While vinyl siding can be painted, great care needs to be taken to make sure the correct prepping methods and paint are used. Vinyl siding can easily melt and warp when the wrong products are applied.
Below we have outlined the correct paint and a few other things to take into consideration.
Exterior paint applied on vinyl should be able to withstand the elements to last and act as a protective layer for old vinyl siding. Here are some of the paints you can use when repainting old vinyl siding:
- Acrylic paint – Lightweight acrylic paint applied with a primer is the best option as it bonds well with the vinyl siding and does not add too much weight to cause warping or prevent heat expansion.
- Special vinyl paint – Some paint manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams do sell special VinylSafe® paint that can be used on old vinyl siding safely. An example is Sherwin’s line of VinylSafe paint colors that is marketed as a safe paint to use on existing vinyl.
- Oil-based mixes- You can use conventional oil-based exterior paints that have been mixed by a professional painter. The choice of paint and color is important when using these types of paint so you are better off hiring a professional exterior painter for the job.
Note that vinyl siding is not made to be repainted in its lifespan as the paint is usually bonded into the substrate during manufacturing. Using the wrong paint or color can cause more harm than good.
Keep the following things in mind when painting vinyl siding:
Color of the paint
You should use paint of the same color or lighter as the original when repainting vinyl siding. Vinyl siding can contract and expand as temperatures increase or decrease. With this in mind, manufacturers use a specific paint that they know can absorb a certain amount of heat to avoid warping or cause the substrate to buckle. Avoid using dark colors when repainting old vinyl siding for these reasons.
Applying Primer- Must-do
Bonding new paint on old siding is not an easy task. To prevent the new paint from cracking in extreme weather, it’s advisable to apply a layer of primer to aid in bonding and provide that extra layer of protection on the siding.
Prepare the Siding- Power wash and Scrub
Over the years, your vinyl siding will accumulate a lot of gunk in the form of dust, bugs, mildew, and other foreign objects. You will need to power wash the siding off with cleaning chemicals in addition to stripping the surface off before you repaint. This is where you will spend a large portion of your budget (at least 30%) when painting vinyl siding. It’s best to get an expert to strip the surface of your vinyl with commercial equipment before applying the new paint.
Painting method- Spray paint
It’s best to spray paint vinyl siding to maintain the original appearance and for better bonding. Other methods of painting like brush painting will significantly alter the appearance of the siding and may form a weak bond that will be washed off or easily fade. A lightweight mixture on a high-pressure paint sprayer is best for this kind of job.
Maintenance Schedule
When you repaint vinyl siding, you are essentially turning a non-maintenance exterior into one that needs regular maintenance. Vinyl siding that has been repainted will be more vulnerable to the elements and may fade or from crack more frequently. With this in mind, make sure you repaint the siding at least every five years and also power wash the surface from time to time especially after winter and summer.
Is It Cheaper To Paint To Replace Vinyl Siding?
Generally, you will spend at least thirty percent less repainting old siding than buying and installing new siding. However, repainting and maintenance costs may add up over time so it may make more sense to replace old vinyl siding after one or two repaint cycles.
The table below compares the costs to repaint vinyl siding compared to replacing it:
| Item | Average Cost in USD |
|---|---|
| Average Cost to replace siding per linear foot | $15 |
| Average Cost to repaint vinyl siding per linear foot | $4.5 |
| The average cost for standard home replacing | $20,000 |
| The average cost for a standard home repainting | $5000 |
In the long term, it would be cheaper to replace vinyl siding as compared to repainting it every five years especially if it is beyond its warranty period. Installing new vinyl siding will also increase the resale of your house if you plan to sell.
Can I Claim Warranty for Faded Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding warranties typically last for about three to five decades depending on the manufacturer, quality of the siding, and other variables. During the warranty period, it is expected the installed siding will retain its color and structural integrity which means no warping or peeling. Any fading before the stated warranty period elapses can therefore be reason enough to claim.
Some manufacturers do outline specific cases where one would claim a warranty on their vinyl siding. For instance, it’s pretty common for manufacturers to state things like premature warping or cracking as the only issue covered under warranty especially for the lowest quality or thinly coated vinyl siding.
Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding
The average cost to repaint vinyl siding with materials considered ranges between $0.9 to $2 per square foot depending on the type of paint used and other variables. The national average to repaint vinyl siding for a standard residential house is $5,000 at the low end, and $10,000 at the higher end.
However, costs may vary depending on the following factors:
Type of paint – Costs will be higher if you choose premium paint. Seek advice from a professional if unsure about the type of paint and how much you need to spend on materials.
Condition of the siding- If there is a lot of work to be done on the old siding, then labor and material costs may go up by a bit. For instance, old vinyl siding that needs to be cleaned, primed, and patched will drive your costs higher. You should, therefore, do the math and see if it could be cheaper to have it replaced than repainted.
Location and labor costs- Your location will determine how much you spend to have your old vinyl siding cleaned and repainted. For instance, those in more expensive states such as California might spend slightly more than those in other states where there is cheaper labor.
Here is what you need to do to find an affordable top-rated professional painter in your location today:
- Scroll to the top of the page and enter your Zip code.
- Answer questions about the painting job you want to be done
- The information you enter will be forwarded to three local experts. They will send you a price estimate for the job and some friendly advice.
IMPORTANT: There is no obligation to hire. This is a free tool and service to be used at your pleasure.
Best Color to Paint Vinyl Siding
The best color to paint vinyl siding is one that matches the original color. This will help retain the siding’s heat dissipation abilities to prevent warping and cracking as temperatures increase and decrease. Avoid using a color that is darker than the original paint as this will have the opposite effect.
What time of year should I paint vinyl siding?
The best time to paint vinyl siding is in early fall or early in the summer when there are ideal weather conditions for the paint to cure. During this period there is little to no rain and temperatures are fairly uniform throughout day and night.
Painting Vinyl Siding DIY Vs Pro
You can choose to paint your siding or hire a professional painter. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.
DIY Painting
Pros
- Cheaper- You will not have to incur labor costs if you decide to paint yourself. However, costs may go up if you are not a skilled painter and need to redo some parts.
- More convenient- You can paint your siding at any time and don’t have to worry about finding a professional and working around their schedule.
Cons
- Quality and risk- Unless you are a skilled painter, you may not achieve the same results in terms of quality as a professional painter. You also run the risk of making mistakes and having to repeat the job.
- Time- Repainting an entire house exterior takes a lot of time and patience. You will have to take a day or two off to complete the job.
Hiring A Professional Painter
Pros
- Quality – A professional painter will have better results and is less likely to commit mistakes due to their skill level and experience.
- Speed- Professional painters generally take less time to complete the job because they are experienced and skilled at the job.
- Advice- A professional painter will help you choose the right type of paint and color for your siding.
- Warranty- Most professional painting services offer a warranty on their work that will come in handy if there is an issue that needs to be fixed after.
Cons
- Costs – As expected, you will have to pay a flat fee or hourly wage to the professional painter thus adding to your costs.
All in all, repainting vinyl siding is a practical approach to home improvement provided it is done properly and the right paint is used. Do not hesitate to seek professional input before you start repainting if you have any doubts.
