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Written by Colleen Kalil

Metal Siding

Now if your home or business exterior looks worn, you have the option of replacing the siding itself. But a more reasonable choice would be to paint the aluminum siding to give it a fresh, modern look.

However, painting metal siding is not the same as painting over the wood frame of a home. First, as the color fades on metal siding it tends to revert to a substance that is chalky in appearance and texture. So the first thing that needs to be done is to remove this powdery material before applying a fresh color.

This prepping process is fairly involved and requires time and patience to ensure that when painting begins, the siding will take and hold the new color. In other words, surface preparation is critical to the ultimate success of the project. Begin by removing all the dirt and debris that is clinging to the siding. You may start with the garden hose for the initial rinse and then turn to a power washer,which can be rented or purchased.  Ensure that it has a ‘detergent tank’ to do the job properly. Even so, an extensive build-up may be challenging to remove so be prepared to devote the amount of time and energy necessary to complete this vital first step.

Although it might seem obvious, it is best to begin spraying at the top of the house so that the dirt and grime roll down the sides. Once the exterior is pristine, test a couple colors on the aluminum siding before you finalize your decision.

Finally, choose a high quality acrylic latex paint for a look that will endure. Some of the better paints also include a primer which provides an even more beautiful finish.

If you have a residential or commercial property with metal siding, give the experts at University Painters, Inc. a call. We specialize in refreshing all exterior looks.