The Best Steps to Painting Aluminum Siding

Power Wash The Grime Away

• Aluminum siding can accumulate years of dirt, grime and grease that can be easily washed away by using a pressure washer. While water pressure alone might do an adequate job, using a pressure washer approved cleaning fluid will help eliminate troublesome areas of embedded dirt or chalking that might keep the new paint from adhering properly. Pressure washers can be rented from many paint stores, hardware stores and home centers.

Fill The Holes

• Older aluminum siding can develop small holes and pits over time, and it's important to search the entire wall for them. Sand around any small holes with 180-grit sandpaper, and then fill the openings with an acrylic latex primer. Using a standard putty knife, remove any extraneous caulk to create a smooth, level surface.

Spot Prime Corroded Areas

• If there are any corroded areas on the siding, wipe the affected areas with mineral spirits and then remove the corrosion with a steel wool or wet/dry sandpaper. Re-apply the mineral spirits if necessary, but do not bother polishing the surface to a smooth finish. To prevent the affected area from corroding again, spot prime with an aluminum primer such as Rustoleum's Aluminum Primer after any residual mineral spirits have been removed. Check for any additional spots that might be bare to the metal and spot-apply the aluminum primer.

Apply an Acrylic Latex Paint

• A premium grade 100 percent acrylic latex paint will adhere to previously painted or primed aluminum without the need for a complete primer coat when the surface is thoroughly clean and chalk-free. Use a flat sheen to mask any dents or surface irregularities, and select a light colored paint to reflect solar heat away from the metallic siding. In most circumstances, the paint should last for 15 to 20 years or more.