Paints for Vinyl Repair

Best Paints

• The best paint choices for vinyl siding are latex paint or a combination of acrylic resin and urethane. Other types of paint do not stick to the vinyl well enough to expand and contract with it, which results in buckling and peeling. Avoid paints with a satin gloss finish since they show blemishes and imperfections more than paints with a flat finish. According to the Home Siding Center, some professionals recommend mixing in an additive to help the paint bond to the siding better. If you decide to use an additive, only use it in the first coat of paint.

Paint Color

• Once upon a time, vinyl could only be painted with a shade that was the same color or lighter than the original color. Darker colors absorb more heat than lighter ones, which can cause the vinyl to buckle. However, in recent years manufacturers have developed paint formulas that can be used for darker paint jobs. For example, one manufacturer sells a vinyl siding paint that is available in 100 colors that range from cream to dark brown. The paint can also be custom mixed to any shade and is safe to use on any original color vinyl surface.

Preparation

• The quality of your paint job significantly depends on how well you prepare the siding before you paint. According to "House Painting: Inside and Out," power-washing is one way to clean vinyl siding. However, although it's quicker and easier than scrubbing by hand, power washing can cause painting problems if excess water remains behind the siding panels. If you don't have access to a power washer or would rather do the job by hand, scrub down the siding with a 30/70 mixture of white vinegar and water or a specially prepared commercial siding cleaner. Make sure the vinyl dries completely before you start painting. If the surface has become dull and smooth over the years, rough the vinyl up a bit with fine grit sandpaper before you wash it to help the paint stick better.

Other Repair Options

• Painting faded vinyl isn't the only way to repair damaged areas, and it may not be worth the trouble. If you have extra siding panels from installation and a bit of experience with tools and repair jobs, you can easily repair individual siding panels. Use a zip tool to detach the damaged panel from the one above it, and carefully remove the nails. Attach the new piece of siding and use the zip tool to interlock the new panel with the one below it. If you don't have experience with siding installation, seek the help of a professional.