Painting Vinyl Siding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Use an exterior paint with 100% acrylic base when painting siding. It provides the best adhesion, helping it stick to the siding for easier application and longer lasting results. Be cautious when applying lighter paint over darker paint on siding. That’s because darker paint absorbs more heat from the sun, which can cause the vinyl to expand and can lead to paint bubbling. If possible, choose an acrylic paint formulated for vinyl siding. If the surface is pitted or worn, a surface primer is recommended for the best results. Always refer to your manufacturer’s warranty for details.  

Choose a dry day to paint, as you don’t want your paint getting rained on. Cut back any bushes or tree limbs that may rub against the siding. Be sure to cover anything that you don’t want to get paint on, like nearby plants and air conditioning units with tarps to keep everything nice and clean. Remove any shutters or other exterior decorations that may impede your progress.

When painting the outside of your home, it’s important to make the area as clean as possible for maximum adhesion. Start by cleaning your siding of any mildew, dirt or debris. You can scrub it with a soft bristle brush or use a pressure washer to make the job easier. Use a general purpose cleaner and make sure the surface is dry before applying paint or primer. If using a pressure washer or hose, do not force water behind the vinyl panels.

Apply your primer if necessary and let it dry, then apply your new paint. You can use rollers, brushes or a sprayer. If your soffits and roof trim are a different colour, paint them before your walls. Paint inside the corners and around the trim. When painting the walls, roll or brush starting at the top and work down. Work quickly and try to blend your strokes or rolls so that they’re not noticeable. The faster you paint the easier this will be.

Depending on how large your surface is, you can also use a paint sprayer for better paint coverage and to reach in all the laps and grooves. It will make the job faster, though you’ll need to prepare by protecting (or masking) your windows and doors with plastic. Once your paint is dry, see if you’re happy with the colour intensity and coverage. If needed, you can then apply a second coat.