How to Compare Paint for Vinyl Siding

Read the paint container to find latex or urethane paints with acrylic resin. Most latex and urethane paints are made from acrylic resins, but some are not. Acrylic paints work best on vinyl. You need to consult the label to double-check before you buy a specific brand of latex or urethane paint. Oil based paint is almost never made from acrylic resin, so you should avoid this type of paint.

Consult the container to see how long it takes for the paint to dry. Depending on the manufacturer, some paints dry faster than others. Since airborne debris can stick to wet outdoor paint, look for paints that dry in less than one hour.

Compare thinning agents as you consider prices. Painting a house is very time consuming if you paint with rollers and brushes. Spray guns make house painting a bit easier, but latex and urethane paints must be diluted before you can use them with a spray gun. Latex paints can be thinned with distilled water, but urethane requires more expensive floetrol thinners. Consider these price points when you add up your painting costs.

Opt for lighter colors. According to Larry Johnston's book "Complete Painting," dark colors absorb more sunlight, and vinyl siding warps from extreme heat over time.

Consider the paint's sheen. If you strongly prefer a matte appearance, you can use flat or eggshell finishes, but gloss and high-gloss is much easier to clean. In most cases, a glossy sheen is better suited for outdoor surfaces.