Hmm that wasn't supose to happen - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Cole82 · 05-29-2009, 08:32 PM

Ok guys I need some help. I'm not a pro painter.

So I turn to you pro's out there. I pressure washed my own 1952 house today. It has aluminum siding. Well most off the finished wased away into the grass. The aluminum is showing through now. The siding is in very good shape very few dents annd scratches. I was thinking I could paint it, Yes/No? If yes could you guys recomend a good paint for aluminum.?

Thanks

Kuba · 05-29-2009, 09:03 PM

Do a simple finger test =)

If your finger has no chalky residue, then you should be ok.. If you’re ultra worried about how clean it is.. You can give it a quick once over wiping with Xylene. The reason why I suggest this … It dries very quickly and you can paint almost immediately and leaves no resedue. That can be considered overkill, but I don’t know how clean your siding is haha…

Also, when you power washed, did you make sure that the corners where clean as well? All the nooks and crannies etc…Depending on the original condition, it might have been wise to scrub it as you washed it.. Its hard telling you without seeing... As are most things..

I use to prime my aluminum exterior jobs out of fear of adhesion issues with heat + latex, but talking to some here they gave me some pointers and reassurance that its not needed.. Keep in mind tho, if there are gutters that have rust on them, make sure its hasn’t run down and stained the siding.. That will eventually cause rust blistering later on down the load. You gota get that off the best you can and then just spot prime those areas.

As far as paint selection goes, I personally do not use anything but Sherwin on exteriors…. I am one of those nerds that sticks with what works best for me. Duration is over priced in my opinion, A-100 works fine…

Just keep in mind that your power washing is more important than your paint job =) Be certain that it is in fact clean of oxidized paint or stains etc…

If you chose to repair dents.. use the right bondo and prime over those spots generously.

Oh, one last thing… give it ample time to dry after you’ve cleaned the siding.. What ive encountered the years past is that water takes longer to evaporate from the cresses and cracks of the aluminum siding. (probably b/c is doesn’t absorb like wood, duh ) If you go to spray before it had ample time to dry, you will blow the trapped water out of the cracks and start a mess (if painted over)

That’s all I have for you..

Im sure some of these other guys might have too.. They have more yrs exp than I do.

-Im an anul painter haha

ModernStyle · 05-29-2009, 09:16 PM

Mix Emulsa Bond in your paint, I paint them all the time that have let loose down to the aluminum, it is no big deal. As far as paint I normally go with ICI dulux Acrylic, I have never sprayed SW's A-100 on aluminum, I have tried to brush and roll it on wood and didnt care for it at all, but aluminum siding is a different animal so it might be fine.
I have even sprayed a couple of houses with Severe Weather paint from lowes and they turned out fine, I do drive by them a few times a year just to see how it held up, but it wasnt my call on product so I have no worries, just curiosity. They both still look good.
IMO aluminum siding is about the easiest thing to paint, too bad vinyl came along and screwed everything up.

Cole82 · 05-29-2009, 09:23 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I stopped washing it after I noticed it was taking it off. So it's only about 10'x15' area that is aluminum. The part that isn't washed is chaulking. The washed part washed it all off.
Not going to fill dents I think there is only one on the whole house. One side blew off a few years ago and was replaced with new aluminum. Do I need to do anything different on that side since it still has a finish?

ModernStyle · 05-29-2009, 10:07 PM

Just wash and paint

Frankawitz · 06-07-2009, 05:04 AM

I have a few of these types of job under my belt, I always spray them just because of the finish, brush and roll would show roller lines and what have you. I have used Benjamin Moore's Ironclad it's a self priming paint covers really well and two coats you'll have a durable finish, Good luck

www.frankawitz.net