Do I Have To Use Primer On Aluminum Siding

Acrylic primers provide a stable base while sticking to metal and not reacting to any oxidation on the siding.

Do i have to use primer on aluminum siding.

After you will want to use a water base primer for any raw aluminum and a quality 100 acrylic latex paint apply two coats. The most important thing is to clean the surface properly getting any chalk and dirt off of the surface. If the aluminum is outside use a power washer to remove all grit and grime that can stick to the aluminum surface. Aluminum siding is known for its durability and its low need for maintenance.

The key to painting aluminum siding is preparation and priming. With painter s tape and lengths of plastic sheeting protect items and areas adjacent to the siding. As long as the siding is clean you won t need to use a primer unless raw metal is exposed. I prefer to use a pressure washer tsp and a nylon scrub brush for this.

You should not use latex primer because most of the time it contains ammonia. Aluminum siding paint typically lasts from five to 10 years and aluminum siding is easy to paint. Painting aluminum siding faqs how long does paint last on aluminum siding. For truly greasy or dirty aluminum siding or other outdoor pieces use a commercial degreaser in the power washer or sprayed on the surface to ensure it is as clean as possible and ready to take on primer and paint.

Once everything is clean and dry you re ready to apply your primer. If you prefer an acrylic primer you may do so use. In a nutshell you need to start with a clean palette. All of the chalkiness must be washed and scrubbed off and any flaking paint removed.

Steps for painting aluminum siding. Finally since metal is such a good heat absorber avoid painting siding while it s getting direct sunlight. Before you paint aluminum siding clean the surface thoroughly and prime the siding with one coat of acrylic primer. The siding could last indefinitely but it might not look good after being exposed to the elements for decades.

Some books and magazines on painting recommend that you prime aluminum siding and or paint over existing aluminum siding with water based primers. Once you have completed the paint job remember to remove the tape. Then paint with two coats of acrylic paint. In this video toh expert shares his tips and demonstrates how you clean and prepare the surface for painting.

The problem is that there are quite possibly pinholes or cracks that are not visible to the naked eye where the old aluminum paint has worn off. This can spell disaster.