Methods for Painting Tin Siding on the Exterior of a House

Preparing the Tin

• The tin siding needs to be thoroughly washed before you can paint it. Remove any old paint with a scraper and place plastic drop cloths down underneath where you are working to catch the paint chips. If the tin was painted prior to 1970, there is a strong chance it may be lead paint. Use extreme caution. Wear a mask, safety glasses and gloves, and dispose of all the chips properly. A drop cloth will help you catch most of these chips. Once the paint has been removed, wash the tin with a garden hose and sprayer. Scrub any areas that have stubborn dirt.

Using Primer

• Use a primer rated for use on metal. Priming is a very important part of having painted tin turn out properly. In addition to giving the paint a good surface to adhere to, the primer will help seal and protect the tin. Look for a metal primer that will also inhibit rust, another common problem with tin siding. Use a paint brush to apply the primer. This will help you get up under the edges of the siding.

Painting the Tin

• Apply a metal exterior paint to the tin. Work slowly and use a light coat of paint only. You may end up with drips. Fix drips as soon as they occur, before the paint starts to set in order to make sure that you get a good, clean surface. Let the first coat dry fully before applying the second coat. Two coats will help thoroughly protect the metal and give you a good color application on the tin.

Application Tips

• A brush and roller are the best tools to use to paint tin siding because they can reach into small areas and drips are easier to control. While you can use a cup sprayer, you may find that the tendency to drip makes this tool more trouble than it is worth. In addition, cup and air sprayers can easily become clogged with exterior paint, especially the type that is used on metal. It may take a little longer to paint it the old fashioned way, but the results will be well worth the effort.