Touching Up Exterior House Paint? Quick Answer

The outside of our homes can take a beating over the years. Wind, rain, snow, excessive sun exposure and other environmental factors take their toll on a home’s exterior paint. Of course, a home’s desirability is an important variable in calculating its value. So you don’t want to fade, chip, or flake that color too much.

However, it seems like the seasons are constantly changing and severe weather is always around the corner. Right or wrong, it can be difficult to choose the right time to touch up a home’s exterior paint job. At some point it has to be anyway. It might be helpful to determine how often, on average, you should attend to exterior painting. Let’s take a look.

What is this made of?

How often a house should be repainted depends on the substrate. Many homes have siding that can be vinyl, wood, or aluminum. Wood siding is typically the most vulnerable to environmental damage. Therefore, experts recommend painting wood paneling every three to seven years. This gap has a lot to do with climate. In areas with less extreme weather conditions, you can get away with a six to seven year wait. For vinyl and aluminum siding, generally do a home paint job between five and seven years after the last job.

However, not all homes have siding. Brick homes are often left unpainted, meaning they just need regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh. However, painted brick homes can be left alone for a decade or more if the brick is sturdy. Stucco facades should be repainted about every five to seven years at the same frequency as paneling.

What was the previous paint job like?

The periods mentioned so far only refer to average cases where the previous painting was done well and in the desired color. However, not all finishes are the same. If the previous owner, a previous painting service, or a younger version of yourself did a poor job painting the house in the past, you may need to apply a new coat of paint sooner than normal. Likewise, if you don’t like the current color anymore, it’s time to paint. The better you work this time, the longer you can wait before having to paint again.

Perform regular maintenance

Regardless of the exterior material of the house, you can extend the life of the paintwork by performing regular maintenance. This simply means checking the exterior a few times a year and fixing minor issues like cracking or peeling before they get worse. Also watch out for mold, termite damage, and excess moisture. Of course, a full house coat of paint is inevitable at some point, but the better you take care of the existing coat of paint, the longer it can wait and the better your home will look from the outside.

Ask an expert!

If in doubt, contact a professional painting company you trust and tell them about your home’s last coat of paint, materials, etc. They will help you determine the best time to paint your home’s exterior and will even give you an estimate when you do cannot take on the project themselves. All American Painting Plus, Inc. has been helping families with their outdoor painting projects for over 25 years. Call us today at 703-620-5563 or email us at [email protected] for a quote!

Remove peeling old paint from your exterior surfaces before applying a new coat to ensure better adhesion.

For best results:

Don’t forget to dust off the residue after scraping off the peeling paint.

May 6, 2020 Nash Painting

Should You Prime Your House?

For do-it-yourselfers, the topic of primer can cause a lot of confusion. Some professional local painters may tell you to use a primer in one scenario but hold back in others, and they may not always do the best job of explaining why. So to prime or not to prime? That is the question – and also the topic of today’s blog. Let’s break down what Primer actually does and the scenarios that require or don’t require its use.

Why Prime?

The primer plays an important role in both interior and exterior painting projects. This resin-based material acts as the first coat of paintwork, effectively sealing the underlying surface so that other materials (including the paint itself) cannot penetrate or penetrate the underlying material. This allows subsequent coats of paint to properly adhere to the primer, creating a smooth, non-porous buffer between material and paint. So, in simple terms, the primer plays the role of middle man, protecting the surface and helping the paint to be evenly applied and last a long time.

when prime

Now that you understand the importance of primer, using it probably seems like a no-brainer. In fact, applying a primer before painting is usually a good idea, but it’s especially important in certain situations. Let’s break down when you absolutely should prime.

Coating new, bare surfaces

Brand new surfaces should always be primed before painting. This is because most bare surfaces have pores and/or numerous imperfections that result in uneven paint coverage and poor adhesion. Pre-priming the surface gives the paint a smooth, receptive surface to rest on.

After removing old paint

For example, if you’re planning on repainting your house after years of putting it off, you may soon find that the previous coat of paint is falling apart – literally. Painting directly over an old coat of paint that’s peeling off won’t get you very far. The new color will also fall off after a short time. It is therefore important that you remove loose paint before painting. But before you even paint, consider that removing the previous paint job will leave you with a bare (or mostly bare) surface again. Therefore, before painting, you should apply a primer.

To support color coverage

You can also use a primer for aesthetic reasons. For example, if you’re using a lighter color to paint over a darker one, a tinted primer (that’s the same color as your color) can help you mask the previous tone more easily and bring out the new, lighter one. The old, darker color will not bleed through the primer and the new, lighter color will not bleed through.

When a primer may not be necessary

It may seem like you should always use primers. However, keep in mind that priming before painting lengthens the project and costs additional resources. So if you ever don’t need to prime, you might be better off skipping this step. You may not need to prime here.

The previous coat still holds

Let’s say you plan to paint over a previous coat of exterior paint. In the previous example, the old jacket was peeling off and had to be removed. But if the previous finish is still stuck to the surface instead, it’s usually OK to paint directly over it, rather than applying and/or removing primer and then priming the surface. In other words, the old coat of paint already serves as a safe, closed surface to paint over. Of course, you still want to clean and lightly sand the surface before coating it with new paint.

Using a paint-primer combination

Today, most paint manufacturers offer products that combine primer and color in a single concoction. These self-priming paints eliminate the need for separate priming and painting. However, not all of these products are created equal. If you cut corners, your paint and primer combo may not deliver the long-lasting results you’re looking for. So go for a reliable brand and a reliable product.

To Prime or Not to Prime: The Verdict?

When it comes to exterior painting and interior painting of residential buildings it is usually a good idea to prime before painting, especially if you are coating a new surface, a previously painted surface that is falling apart and/or need additional reinforcement in terms of paint color coverage. But if you’re just touching up an already coated surface that’s in decent shape, you can save some time and money by applying the primer and/or using a self-priming paint instead.

At Nash Painting we always know when to prime before painting and when not to, and we can help you make the right decision too. To learn more about us, our services and our values, call us today at 615-829-6858!

Assuming the wall is in good condition and the colors are chemically the same, here are a few options. There are now great primers + paints that might be ideal for your situation. But you might want to compare prices and choose the option that suits your budget. To cover a light color with an opposite shade, several coats of new paint are required. It may make more sense to cover the old paint with a primer that is less expensive than your paint. This way you only need 1 to 2 coats of your actual paint. The choice really comes down to what makes you (and your budget) comfortable. *WARNING! When you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you can release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DISEASES SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID CONTACT. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean gently with a HEPA vacuum and a damp mop. Before you begin, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or by registering at www.epa.gov/lead.

If you’re painting an already painted surface to refresh it or change color, you can often skip the primer, says Eco Paint. Instead of a primer, you should thoroughly clean and scrape the surface you want to paint, which may cause some paint to peel off and reveal the unpainted surface. You should spot prime these unpainted areas. You should also prime if you are coating existing oil-based alkyd paint with latex. The primer improves adhesion.

Your beautifully painted wall has become soiled – what was once a pristine surface now has a dent, scratch, scuff or blemish. As small as it is, the only thing you notice when you look at the wall is that imperfection staring at you. You need to do something about it, but you want the quickest and easiest solution available.

Is it possible to touch up the color simply by stroking over the blemish?

Unfortunately, in most cases the answer is no. There are some situations where this can be done with good results, but in most cases the patched spot doesn’t blend in, instead resulting in a slightly different color that looks even worse than the original flaw. So why is it so difficult to touch up color? In which cases does a touch-up work and what do you do if it doesn’t work? This article describes the problem with practical solutions that you can follow at home.

Why touching up color is difficult

The paint on your wall is 100% dried solids – pigment plus binder (latex). However, the paint in the can is only about 20-30 percent solids, with the rest being water (making it easy to apply). When you paint the wall you have to let it dry and in this drying process the water is removed by both evaporation and wicking.

For touch up paint, evaporation will not affect the final appearance, but wicking will. Wicking refers to the absorption of moisture into the surface. The main problem is that wicking in a touch up job does not occur at the same rate as the wicking of the original finish. It is virtually impossible to reproduce the exact rate of wicking and therefore a touch up job often appears in a slightly different color than the original color.

Another factor that comes into play is fading, which regularly happens to the paint on your walls over time. Because of fading, even if you had the exact paint color and wicking rate, you might not be able to achieve the exact color of your wall.

touch-up opportunities

Although rare, in some cases you can perform a satisfactory touch up paint job. This contains:

Flat color recently painted.

A flat finish is more forgiving, but you should only attempt this touch-up if the painting was recently painted. On the one hand this limits the fading of the walls, on the other hand stored paint loses moisture over time and therefore contributes to a different wicking effect.

If this situation applies to you, make sure you use the exact same can of paint and apply a minimal amount of paint with a small foam roller or similar painting tool. The touch up color should be confined to the smallest area possible, and you should avoid the edges to help the new and old colors blend together better.

A flat finish is more forgiving, but you should only attempt this touch-up if the painting was recently painted. On the one hand this limits the fading of the walls, on the other hand stored paint loses moisture over time and therefore contributes to a different wicking effect. If this situation applies to you, make sure you use the exact same can of paint and apply a minimal amount of paint with a small foam roller or similar painting tool. The touch up color should be confined to the smallest area possible, and you should avoid the edges to help the new and old colors blend together better. Small blemishes in inconspicuous places.

Another situation where you might be able to touch up your paint is if it’s a small imperfection in an otherwise unnoticeable area – perhaps a part of the wall blocked by furniture. In such a case, you want to use the least amount of paint possible, using a toothpick or a fine brush to apply the smallest amount of paint directly to the blemish.

What to do if you can’t fix it?

In most cases you won’t be able to successfully touch up your paint, but you can minimize your work with the following procedure: Repaint the wall from break to break, which means repainting the entire section of that wall (e.g. from corner to corner, molding to baseboard). The natural breaks (ledgers, corners, etc.) hide slight color differences, and since you only have to paint one wall (not the entire room), you’ve minimized your work.

Seeing ruined walls as opportunities

A final thought is to turn the negative into a positive. These nicks, blemishes, and flaws are an opportunity to repaint the entire room and experiment with a different color. Painting is the most inexpensive home improvement project and can completely transform the look of your home.

Need help touching up interior or exterior paintwork? Call us at (805) 937-9836 to learn more about our Painter for a Day service.

If your car has a few minor scratches or stone chips, then you may have thought about having the imperfections touched up. Fortunately, there are many touch up kits that you can find online. But do these touch up kits really work, or is it better to just take your car to a body shop?

Touch up paint is not for shaky hands

It is possible to touch up your car’s paintwork yourself, but your results may vary depending on what type of paint you use and how well you apply it. The first step is to find the right paint code for your car to match the body color. One of the best sources we’ve found for buying touch-up paint is a website called Paint Scratch, which sells touch-up paint with over 100,000 different color options.

According to Paintscratch.com, the typical paint touch-up process is as follows:

Test the color match: You want to make sure the color you order matches your car, so test the color on a metal can or other surface to make sure it’s a good match.

You want to make sure the paint you order matches your car, so test the paint on a metal can or other surface to make sure it matches well. Choose a good painting spot: Before painting, you should find a covered and shady spot to paint, preferably a garage. Just make sure it’s out of direct sunlight and wind.

Before you start painting, you should find a covered and shady place to paint, preferably a garage. Just make sure it’s out of direct sunlight and wind. Prepare your car: Clean the area you want to touch up with soap and water. If the affected area is rusty, wet sand with 220-grit sandpaper.

Clean the area you want to touch up with soap and water. If the affected area is rusty, wet sand with 220-grit sandpaper. Use foundation: Apply foundation to the affected area and let it dry for at least 20 minutes to overnight if you have the time.

Apply foundation to the affected area and let it dry for at least 20 minutes to overnight if you have time. Apply base coat: The base coat is the actual car paint. Apply thin layers of paint until they match the surrounding painted surface. Let it dry for at least 20 minutes or more.

The base coat is the actual car paint. Apply thin layers of paint until they match the surrounding painted surface. Let it dry for at least 20 minutes or more. Apply clear coat: Apply several coats of clear coat and allow approximately 20 minutes to dry between each coat. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as the clear coat can act as a solvent and remove the base coat.

Apply several coats of clear coat and allow about 20 minutes to dry between each coat. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as the clear coat can act as a solvent and remove the base coat. Use rub-on paste: To make the area shine, apply some rub-on paste to the area (at least) three days after touching up.

While these steps may sound simple, in actual application they are much more difficult. You need a steady hand and a lot of patience to make sure it’s done right. Touch-up paint works, but 90 percent of the process is how well it’s applied.

RELATED: What’s the Best Way to Fix Your Car’s Paint?

Get it done professionally

If you don’t have the patience to apply the touch up paint yourself or are afraid of staining your car’s paintwork, you can always seek professional help. We don’t blame you if this is the case, because if you decide to touch up your car’s paintwork yourself you may encounter the following problems:

You may not get the perfect color match

You could apply too much paint

It may not last long if you don’t do it right

Not to scare anyone, but these are legitimate reasons why someone would rather pay a shop to do the work for them. However, note that it can cost a pretty penny depending on the job, unlike most touch up paint kits which typically cost around $100-$200.

Painting the facade of your home can be a daunting undertaking. But how often should you paint your house’s exterior? Since your home is one of your greatest assets, delaying painting for a few extra years can do serious damage. Painting is a great investment that will extend the integrity of your home while protecting it from the elements. On average, your home should be painted every 5-10 years depending on the finish, paint quality and signs of wear.

How can you tell if it’s time to repaint the exterior of your home?

There are some clear signs that may indicate that it’s time to give your exterior a makeover. Once you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to act sooner rather than later to avoid costly damage down the road.

time to sell

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, a fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive way to potentially increase its value. Curbs play an immense role in selling your home. A fresh coat of paint with modern and trendy colors can really make your house stand out. Bright trims really make your updated house color stand out!

fading

One of the most obvious indicators that it’s time to paint is the fading of the outside. The Sacramento sun can really benefit your paint job, especially if your home is dark in color. The most obvious fading occurs where the sun hits it hardest. If you notice any fading on the shady sides of your home, you could be experiencing unwanted water ingress.

Hardened or cracked seal

Caulk is meant to expand and contract with your house. It is used to seal areas and cracks between your doors and windows. Over the years it tends to lose its elastic property and become hard. If you notice areas of missing, cracked, or hardened caulk, it may be time to call in the professionals.

Previously noticeable signs of use

Don’t put off painting until you see visible signs of wear. If you see paint chipping or peeling, this is a sign that the paint is no longer adhering to the surface. This allows moisture to penetrate the paint and cause problems underneath. Painting your home early reduces damage and reduces the need to scrape up bubbling paint, replace wood boards, and caulk caulk.

touch up stucco

Patching cracks in the plaster instead of replastering the whole house will save you money in the long run. After patching, paint the entire house. Otherwise, you could end up with unsightly stucco patches that are a different shade that doesn’t match or look streaky.

It’s just time

Sometimes it’s smart to paint the exterior of your home even if you don’t see any of the signs above. Repainting is a good idea when the appropriate time has passed. No signs of wear indicate the paint has protected your home and is keeping it strong. Stay proactive and ahead of the game and repaint while everything is intact.

How often should you paint your house?

We recommend painting the facade every 5-10 years. This number can change depending not only on the quality of the previously used paint, but also on what type of exterior surface you are working with. Here are some good rules of thumb to follow:

Stucco should be repainted every 5-6 years. When varnishing wooden surfaces, 4-7 years is reasonable. 3. Aluminum siding needs to be painted about every 5 years.

How long does exterior paint last?

To maximize the life of your exterior paint, you need to start by buying the right paint. If you want your exterior paint to last 5-10 years, there are a few things to consider.

A quality paint typically costs around $30 a gallon. Pay attention to labels and be sure to purchase the right type of paint for your home. For example, if your exterior is brick, buy paint specifically formulated for brick or masonry. You need different colors for wood, aluminum or metal.

Best paint for the exterior of your home

You will get the longest life from your exterior paint by using superior acrylic or latex paint. Acrylic paints are made up of high quality ingredients such as pigments and more acrylic solids. Acrylic paint lasts the longest and is widely known for resisting damage from weather and the Sacramento heat. Oil-based paints are generally thinner and more fluid than acrylic paints and also tend to yellow over time from extreme heat.

HOAs and exterior paint

A HOA (Home Owners Association) provides various amenities and benefits for your neighborhood. You set guidelines and boundaries to keep your community safe and cohesive. Some of these policies may indicate your responsibility to make certain repairs and upgrades that may require HOA approval.

Also, your HOA might have specific rules about the brand, quality, composition, and even the color of paint you can use. People can be put off by strict policies, but they are in place to try to give your neighborhood a consistent and well-groomed look. You can always request approval from your HOA, but they can still deny your request if it doesn’t meet their standards.

Bottom Line: How Often Should You Paint Your House?

Painting the facade of your home is never an exciting task. So if you have questions about painting the inside or outside of your Sacramento area home, give PaintRite Pros a call. Whether you’re a new homeowner who wants to be proactive and change color right away, or just want to refresh your current color, we’ve got you covered. Our professional exterior painting team will enhance your living experience by making your home brighter and the place you love to come home to. We serve the entire Sacramento area including Roseville, Stockton and El Dorado Hills.

Key word: make house paint yourself

One of the best ways to freshen up your home, add appeal and even add value is with a fresh coat of paint. Adding a fresh coat of paint to both the interior and exterior of your home keeps everything looking clean and new and can breathe new life into spaces that were feeling tired or dated.

The thing is, repainting the inside of your home can be time-consuming, and for the outside, it’s not a cheap job. That’s why it’s especially important to extend the life of your interior and exterior paint for as long as possible.

How long does exterior paint last and how long does interior paint last? We go into detail about how long you can expect your interior and exterior paint to last and how you can extend the life of both.

How long can you expect your interior and exterior paint to last?

Photo via Unsplash

There are many variables that determine how long a paint finish will last, such as the quality of the paint and the condition of the surface being painted. In general, an interior paint will last 5 to 10 years.

You can expect your exterior paint to last between 5 and 7 years. Remember that your exterior color will be affected by regional climate conditions, the material being painted and the type of paint used.

The key to a longer lasting exterior color for your home

To get the most out of your exterior paint, you need to buy the right exterior paint from the start.

Outdoor acrylic paints get the most durability and slightly less latex (water-based) and oil-based paints. While oil-based paints have been banned in several states due to high VOC outgassing, new paint formulas have allowed other types of paint to achieve the same durability and longevity.

A good quality paint usually costs around $30 a gallon. When purchasing the paint, make sure it is the right color for your home. For example, if you have a brick, masonry or stucco facade, you will need a different color than a wooden or metal facade.

Follow these steps before painting the exterior of your home to make your exterior paint last longer.

Choose a light shade. Although darker colors are currently trending, they absorb more sunlight and fade faster. Choosing a light color will extend the life of your exterior paint by up to five years.

Allow the paint to set before applying a second coat. Be patient and allow the paint to dry or cure for the recommended number of hours before applying a second coat (12 to 24 hours). This will extend the life of your exterior paint.

Proper preparation is crucial. While the prep work can be tedious, failure to do so will result in chipping and peeling. Scrape the exterior walls to remove loose or flaking areas. Wash away any dust or dirt and allow the surface to dry for maximum adhesion. Apply paintable caulk to seal the window edges and use a primer to protect the wall from moisture penetration.

Use the right application tools. Airless sprayers and natural bristle brushes work best to achieve a smooth finish that adheres well to the exterior wall surface. This will keep your home looking new for years to come.

Note the regional climate. This is the biggest factor in determining how long your paint will last. Moisture, sunlight, severe temperature changes, snow or rain, hair or strong winds and proximity to the sea may cause chipping, peeling and fading. Be sure to choose colors that are designed for extreme weather conditions.

Consider the material you are painting on. Wood degrades quickly, as does brick and stucco. Be sure to fill any gaps in the material and use a good primer before painting. Vinyl and aluminum siding are most durable when the paint lasts 20 years or more.

How to keep your interior color longer

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Interior prep is essential if you want your interior paint to look good for longer. Be mindful of drywall repairs and use a primer before applying the top coat. Use quality paint and the right brushes and rollers. Make sure you’re using the right finishes for bathrooms where humidity is high or you need to repaint before the year is out.

Keep your interior paintwork fresh and attractive all year round by following these care tips:

Wash and dust the walls regularly. Avoid dirt and grime in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Use a microfiber duster or vacuum to remove dust that collects on your walls. Wash away dirt and grease with a natural sponge using a non-abrasive soap and water solution.

Protect your paintwork with edge protection. Protect wall edges/corners with inexpensive corner protectors. This reduces chips and damage to a minimum.

Install window treatments to keep fading to a minimum. Make sure you have window treatments in areas that get direct sunlight. This also protects your wall paint, artwork and your furniture.

Repair damage quickly. Repair any chipped or flaking areas as soon as possible. Fill in holes, sand away chipped areas and repaint. Repair any water leaks to avoid blistering of the paint.

Turn to the professionals to get the most out of your paint job

If you live in the Dallas, Los Angeles or San Diego areas, Puls can help you with your interior painting projects. We offer handyman services and can make simple touch ups or paint multiple rooms. Our trusted technicians can arrive at your doorstep at a time convenient for you.

You can supply the color that perfectly suits your decor, or let our professional bring in all the materials for a complete, affordable project that will bring years of beauty and joy.

If your home’s exterior isn’t looking great, color could be the perfect pick-me-up!

A fresh coat of paint can make your home look like new. Consider these points when deciding if this is a good DIY project or if you need to hire a professional.

weather

Choose the right time to start. No matter how much time you invest in preparation, it could rain on your parade. Since paint adheres best to dry surfaces, try to choose a time of year with minimal rain and humidity.

size of your house

The size of your home will inevitably contribute to the project completion time. An average sized home takes an average of three to four days to paint with a team of two to three people. In this case, we define “average” as a one to two story home with four or fewer bedrooms. A large house, such as a three-story house or a house with five or more bedrooms, will take five to six days.

size of your crew

Depending on the size of your home, you can usually expect to spend more than a week painting the exterior. The more helping hands you have, the faster you will progress. Our Neighborly professionals will typically allocate more than one person to paint the exterior, especially when it means the job needs to be completed within a tighter deadline.

To wash

An important part of the prep work will be washing your quarter panel. This step is critical as it provides the best foundation for fresh paint to adhere. Clean fairings also extend the life of your paintwork. Many homeowners prefer to do this themselves. However, if you think you need help, you can leave this part of the process to the experts!

woodwork

Speaking of siding, cleaning rotten wood isn’t going to do much good in the long run. If left unfixed, it will continue to rot and your paint job will be wasted. You should replace rotted wood or use a wood spatula for small stains.

You may be painting the facade of your home as part of a larger project to brighten up the rest of the room. Here are a few other ideas to get you started!

Install landscape lighting to illuminate your outdoor pathways and living areas.

Add exterior wall lights to show off your new paint job at night.

Clean up your trees, shrubs and flower beds to complement your home’s new look.

Painting the facade of your home is faster and less painless with a team of experts. At Neighborly we can connect you to local professionals right in your backyard. Visit our website to schedule a service appointment today!

June 4th

Can you really do touch ups without painting the entire wall?

Vinyl is a sensible solution for siding and remains a popular and budget-friendly choice for outdoor use. Many homeowners have chosen vinyl for its low maintenance requirements, and the material has only gotten easier to care for, more durable, and has benefited from advances in manufacturing over the years. Still, it’s not – and probably never will be – invincible. If your wallcovering is looking faded, worn, or you’re just sick of the paint, you might be asking yourself, “Can vinyl siding be painted?” The answer is yes, vinyl siding can actually be painted!

For homes where the siding covers most of the exterior, painting vinyl siding can be a big project. The good news, however, is that it’s not a particularly complicated task. You may be concerned that to successfully paint vinyl you will need to learn a new set of idiosyncratic vinyl-only techniques. Fortunately, that’s not the case. If you’ve painted anything else before, you’ll probably be familiar with most of the following vinyl siding painting steps. Also, we’ll detail the handful of vinyl-specific considerations you need to take into account to get the job done right.

STEP 1: Choose a suitable color for the vinyl siding (the color must also have certain properties).

For some, the first step may be the hardest. There are so many colors that it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are a few ways to narrow down the options and feel confident about your chosen exterior color.

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It can be helpful to base color choices on the style of the home. Many paint manufacturers offer historically accurate color collections for specific house styles. For example, Sherwin-Williams offers exterior color palettes for Queen Anne, Craftsman, Georgian, Suburban Modern, and other interior styles.

Another way to choose an exterior finish color is to consider the other exterior features of the home. Look for colors that match the color of the roof and for bricks or stones that are part of the facade. To envision a new color for your home, look for inspirational images of homes that share the same fixed color traits.

Climate and neighborhood restrictions can also help limit choices. While the roof has a greater impact on heat gain in a home, the color of the walls can also have an impact. Cooler colors result in less heat gain. Also, many communities have regulations mandating and restricting the colors of paint, and some homeowners may need to get approval from the homeowners association before painting a home.

Finally, remember that it is easiest and most cost-effective for the homeowner if the new exterior paint they choose is the same color or a lighter shade than the current color. This is because darker colors retain more heat, making the fairing prone to premature warping, and can cause other maintenance issues as well.

STEP 2: Make sure the exterior paint you choose has the right ingredients.

While it may be tempting, don’t try to save time and money by buying the cheapest and most accessible paint can. In order for a finish to look and last well on vinyl siding, the product must have a few specific properties.

Vinyl siding paint contains acrylic and urethane resins. These ingredients accommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl and help the coating adhere. Vinyl siding paint requires a latex urethane paint formulated for exterior use.

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STEP 3: Check the Malday weather forecast.

Before you head outside to start painting your vinyl siding, first consult the weather forecast for your area. The ideal weather conditions for exterior painting are mild temperatures, low relative humidity and overcast skies.

If the weather is too hot, too sunny or even too windy, the paint may not apply properly. While it may look good in the short term, paint applied on a hot, humid, or gusty day can adhere poorly while curing and be more prone to cracking and chipping over time. Also, make sure the weather forecast predicts clear skies for at least a day after painting is complete.

STEP 4: Prepare the vinyl surface.

A thorough cleaning is a critical step in achieving a professional-quality finish – not just on vinyl, but on any material, interior or exterior. Simply flushing the side wall of the house with running water from a garden hose won’t cut it.

The goal is to remove all mold, mildew, limescale and debris from the surface. For best results, make a cleaning solution that contains the following ingredients.

1/3 cup laundry detergent

2/3 cup household cleaning powder

1 liter liquid laundry bleach

1 gallon of water

Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution before painting the vinyl siding, and then be sure to rinse off any remaining residue. Before proceeding, allow sufficient time for the siding to dry completely.

For specific tips on this process, see our other article on cleaning vinyl siding.

STEP 5: Gather paint supplies and apply primer if needed.

Before applying paint, attach a sheet to protect plants or other surfaces from paint splashes. If necessary, place a ladder on a stable, level surface and have a helper hold the ladder while you use it.

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With the workspace set up and supplies gathered, it’s time to start painting. However, a primer may be required before applying the chosen color. Primer is recommended to ensure the finished paint job is consistent and has good adhesion. It may not be necessary if the original paint has not fully or partially worn away. If the vinyl is pitted or porous, it will also benefit from a primer.

STEP 6: Apply two coats of vinyl paint.

After the primer is dry, apply the color of your choice with a roller or paint sprayer and save yourself the brush stroke for corners and edges. Coat the entire surface evenly, being careful not to apply too much paint in one section. As with most other types of finishes, it is better to apply several light coats than one heavy coat.

After completing the first coat, allow the paint to dry before proceeding with the second coat. However, the second coat must be given sufficient time (at least 24 hours) to dry completely before the project can be considered complete.

Most of the time, two coats are enough, but that’s not always enough. After you have completely dried the second coat of paint, assess its appearance to determine if another coat may be needed.

Final Thoughts

Painting the front of a house (and painting vinyl siding) is a tedious job. The silver lining in completing such a large scale is this: assuming you have properly cleaned the siding prior to painting and had ideal weather conditions during painting, you can expect the new coat of paint to last 10 years or more.

Now that you know the answer to the question can you paint vinyl siding, remember that it’s easier said than done. Depending on the size of a home and how much vinyl siding covers the home, painting vinyl siding can take a day or an entire weekend or longer to properly clean, apply primer, and coat twice with your chosen color. Since such jobs usually involve climbing high ladders, hiring a helper is also important for safety reasons – and to make the job easier and faster.

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Frequently asked questions about painting vinyl siding

Freshly painted vinyl siding can change the look of a home in about a weekend. It’s a tedious project, but the cost savings and satisfaction of a home renovation can be worth it. While we have shared the steps to painting vinyl siding, some questions may remain. Below are answers to some of the most common vinyl siding painting questions.

Q. How long will my vinyl siding last if I paint it?

With regular maintenance and cleaning, vinyl siding can last 20 to 40 years. Depending on local weather conditions, a paint may need to be applied every 10 years or so.

Q. How do you make vinyl siding look modern?

Paint colors can help make vinyl siding look more modern. Choosing rich neutrals over pastels can add modernity to a double sided home. Also, combining the cladding with exterior elements such as modern furniture on a porch, eye-catching door decor, and carefully chosen landscaping helps the entire house facade feel more modern.

Q. How much does it cost to paint over vinyl siding?

According to Fixr, it can cost an average of $4,000 to paint a 2,000-square-foot house. Costs vary by location, number of coats, age of the facade, and whether you paint it yourself or hire a professional painter.

Q. Is it bad to pressure wash vinyl siding before painting?

Vinyl siding should be washed and dried before painting. If it is dirty, the paint will stick to the dirt and grime on the vinyl siding and will not be able to adhere to the siding. When the dirt eventually flakes off, it leaves stains in the cured paint.

Q. What home exterior paints help achieve the best resale value?

The best colors to resell at home are neutral and traditional colors like off-white, yellow, light blue, gray, taupe, putty, and blue-grey.

Touch ups on walls and ceilings that were painted long ago can sometimes produce a more unsightly finish than the old paint itself. To avoid this it is important to only use the original paint that Matthews’ Painting or your other painter did for you left to retouch existing surfaces.

It’s also important to realize that no white goes with all white. There are hundreds of shades of white from dozens of manufacturers. And what about semi-gloss, eggshell, high-gloss, oil-based, etc. Can these finishes be retouched successfully? In general, matt varnishes can best be retouched without “flashing”. For the other highlights, you may need to hire a professional painting company.

What is flashing?

Flashing is a term used by professionals to describe the apparent difference in finish that occurs when retouching old or shiny paint. Blinking is most noticeable when a surface is viewed from the side. Look down a wall while standing in a corner of a room. You will see any imperfections in the surface when light reflects off it. Any difference in overall finish is known as blinking.

Flashing also occurs when a glossy finish is applied to bare wall patches. Wall repair slurry and putty must be primed with a latex primer before finishing with a gloss paint.

If you suspect that the irregular appearance of your walls is due to repairs made to the wall not being primed before applying a gloss finish, coat the areas with Flat and then touch up the gloss finish.

Select color to touch up

If possible, always use the original paint. That is, the tin left over from the original job. If the original color is not available and it is a stock color (a pre-mixed color made at the factory and not mixed in the store), an attempt can be made to use a new can of the same color.

Individually mixed colors usually do not correspond to the original finish. The problem is the accuracy with which the paint is mixed at your local store. Different people operating the same machine use slightly different amounts of tint. All it takes is a tiny change in the amount of tint to change the color enough to show on the old finish. Even computer controlled machines can produce enough of a difference in the mixed color to cause a mismatch. If you need to get a new batch of paint, check the color for a match before proceeding with the retouch.

Fix blinking

If you have a flashing problem with your touch up job, the best solution is to paint an entire wall from one break to the next. This “paint from break to break” method reduces the noticeable difference in the new finish when the color isn’t spot on.

A break in a wall is usually the corner, but can also occur when the crown molding extends from the baseboard to the crown molding. The molding breaks the wall up into isolated sections. An isolated section like this can be repainted with an exact matching color and the slight color difference will not be noticeable. Wall corners work well as breaks because the two wall surfaces reflect light differently, making it difficult to see different shades.

Touch up flat paint

Make sure your paint is well mixed before applying it to your walls. Shake or stir can just before use. Retouch previously brushed areas with a brush and previously rolled areas with a roller.

Make sure the touch-up blends well with the original finish. Fix a small area and wait for it to dry completely. Use a hairdryer if you’re pressed for time. When completely dry, examine the finish while looking down the wall. If you can see where you applied the new paint, your touch up job won’t look very good. In this case, use the “crack-to-crack” method of patching described above.

Touch up shiny paint

Glossy colors can be the most difficult to touch up. These include eggshell, satin and high gloss paints, as well as any oil or alkyd based paint. Even dull oil and alkyd will flash when you try to touch up the center of a wall or ceiling. For all of these surfaces, use the “break-to-break” method to refresh the surface. Original paint or not, the only way to avoid a flashing problem is to paint an entire wall.

Touch up trims

Moldings should be treated in the same way as glossy surfaces, painting them from one breaking point to the other. Trim breaks are the points where two separate moldings come together, such as at the corners of a door or window frame. The corners of a single piece of decorative molding can also form a predetermined breaking point between the edge and the face of the molding.

For example, to touch up a door panel, run the case molding on one side from where it meets the floor to where it meets the top of the frame. Do not touch the edge of the case where it meets the wall, just the face. The patch is imperceptible because the edge is seen at a different angle than the face of the molding.

dealing with stains

Touching up color is one thing, but stains are another issue. Some stains will bleed through the new coating if not sealed first. Water, ink, cigarette smoke and grease stains will ruin your touch up job. Use a shellac-based or stain blocking oil primer or sealer to block these stains before touching them up. When treating such stains, it may be necessary to go from one stop to the next.

Professional residential painting and staining contractor for Warsaw, Indiana, Lake Tippecanoe, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, Indiana, Winona Lake, Indiana, Leesburg, Indiana, Goshen, Indiana, Columbia City, Indiana, Rochester, Indiana, Plymouth, Indiana, Culver, Indiana , North Manchester, Indiana, Elkart, Indiana, Fort Wayne, Indiana and surrounding Indiana cities. If your area is not listed, please contact us.

Professional residential painting and staining contractor for Kosciusko County, Fulton, Huntington, Lagrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, Wabash and Whitley counties.