Interested in painting your home? Before you shop for colors, it’s worth your while to understand what type of siding you have—and be aware of what your siding needs most. Some paints work better on one material rather than another. Certain colors should be avoided on specific sidings, while others may have their warranty voided if you paint them too soon.
Below, you’ll find essential tips and info for successfully painting any type of siding you may have.
The Pluses of Painting Your Siding
There are many reasons to paint your home, and doing so can afford you loads of benefits:
- New paint updates your house’s whole appearance, giving it eye-catching curb appeal.
- With paint, you can refresh your colors to a more contemporary or trendy style anytime.
- Paint is an easy, affordable way to add charm when you plan to sell your home.
- Siding is protected by fresh paint, which helps block damaging moisture intrusion.
- Choosing to paint your home can give you up to 100% of your return on investment—or even more!
Can My Particular Siding Material Be Painted?
Before you paint your home, it’s important to determine what type of siding you have, because the specific material determines how to successfully paint it. Some materials are easier to paint than others, and some have limitations you should be aware of before you begin.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made to last for decades without the need to repaint it. Over time, however, it may begin to fade or get discolored, or you may simply want a different look for your home. If you decide to treat this siding, you must choose a vinyl-safe color that doesn’t contain black in its mix—because elements of black in the color mix will draw heat, which can melt vinyl!
Look specifically for paints designed for vinyl siding—such as alkyd (a petroleum-based solvent) and latex paints, which are less likely to crack on vinyl surfaces.
Pros: Repainting vinyl siding can address discoloration from uneven sun exposure.
Cons: You must carefully choose vinyl-safe colors that won’t cause sun damage.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding can come pre-primed for painting after installation. Or, if you select James Hardie siding, you can choose from one of hundreds of colors that are infused into the siding boards in the factory. This ColorPlus® Technology, which adds tint to siding, produces vibrant colors warrantied to last without fading for up to 15 years.
This means fiber cement siding can be painted, if you really want to do so. You’ll need to clean the surface of debris and dirt, then apply two coats of an acrylic exterior paint with a spray applicator to achieve a smooth, rich look.
Pros: Hardie fiber cement siding takes paint so well, you won’t have to paint it again for 10-15 years.
Cons: If you paint over ColorPlus siding, you’ll void its warranty—so consider holding off on ColorPlus-treated boards until the warranty ends.
Wood Siding
Of all the sidings you can have, wood needs painting the most frequently—every 6–8 years, on average. It may need painting even more often if your home gets a lot of wear and tear from harsh seasonal weather.
Wood needs a paint that can penetrate its rough surface enough to protect against the elements. Acrylic and latex paints work well, though you can also consider an oil-based exterior paint if you live in an area that has a lot of humidity. If your wood is porous, such as cedar or redwood, you’ll also need to add a semi or solid color stain or water seal for additional protection.
Pros: Wood takes paint very well. Its maintenance needs also invite you to update your home’s color frequently, which means your exterior will continually look fresh.
Cons: You must paint wood siding on a regular schedule to keep it protected against rain and snow. If you neglect doing so, the paint will peel away, and you’ll expose your siding and the structural elements beneath it to moisture intrusion and rot.
Stucco Siding
Like wood, stucco is a high-maintenance material that needs frequent painting—every 5–10 years. Stucco also tends to be prone to moisture intrusion, so you must carefully check it and make any needed repairs before adding fresh paint. If you don’t, the paint job won’t last as long as it should.
Since stucco is porous, you’ll need a paint that is designed for maximum longevity on a porous surface. Consult a professional to ensure you choose the right paint for the job.
Pros: Stucco can be kept stylishly up to date with regular painting.
Cons: Before painting, you must carefully examine your stucco for signs of water damage that needs repair. Some paint types won’t work as well on its porous surface, so use caution as you shop.
Refresh Your Exterior with Gorgeous, Professional Painting
If your home is looking drab, has peeling paint, or doesn’t look as attractive as you’d like, fresh paint can offer a major improvement cost-effectively. Our team at John McCarter Construction takes great pride in delivering results that you can count on for years of enjoyment.
We’ll carefully inspect and prepare your siding so you receive superior performance from our work. Reach out to get started with exterior painting that levels up your Greater Detroit area home.
