pwash & paint aluminum siding question - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

bassmaster · 04-25-2006, 07:45 PM

ok guys,

I have been asked if I can Pwash & paint aluminum siding.

I have never confronted this before so I need some advise.

So, Can I ???

In addition, if so what should I look out for and is there anything I should know going into this.

I appreciate any help you guys can give.

thanks in advance.

EDENSCAPES@DNET · 04-25-2006, 08:06 PM

Yes you can. But make sure you use the right primer. S.W. has some and I think it was $80.00 a gallon a few years ago. Check with them or any good supplier and they can tell you what you need.

johnjamesalaska · 04-25-2006, 08:45 PM

Bassmaster ....Ive painted lots and lots of siding homes and the main thing is you have to get the chalking off for adhesion purposes. Run your finger on the siding and see if a chalky residue is on your finger. Thats the stuff that needs to come off. Pressure wash with a detergent like simple green (biodegradable) if there is no bare metal you dont have to prime if you have pressure washed well. Like a yellow tip or green. You do need to let the siding dry sometimes longer than you would think because the water lays behind corners ect. I've painted around 30 alum. side homes with life adhesion warranties and have had no call backs but watch out for that chalkiness. There will
a little left over after pressure washing just make sure its only a little.
Primers wont adhere well to the chalkiness.

If there is no chalkiness make sure the metal is free of dirt and grease.
I like alum. side houses cause you can charge at least as much as regular homes and more, but it doesnt take as much paint as wood siding. Watch out for the corners. Dont pressure wash them off.

The soffits I stay away from unless they are really dirty. The soffits are usally in good shape.

phinsher · 04-25-2006, 09:40 PM

Painting aluminum siding is great work, once you're finished you'll wish you had more. Like has been stated clean it well, we usually prime to be on the safe side, but some don't prime and get good results. Apply 2 coats of paint and it will look great for years.

AAPaint · 04-25-2006, 10:10 PM

Yup, aluminum is no problem. Cleaning it is where you don't want to skimp. I usually take my scrub brush to this stuff after applying my special cleaning concoction, then pressure wash, and give a good thorough rinsing afterwards. Priming will certainly help, and like anything, you should always prime, but if it's in good condition after cleaning (and has a previous coating) you can paint it no problem. I don't believe in one primer, one topcoat...so if you go with primer, you'll still need two solid top coats for proper coverage and mil thickness. I recommend SW Super Paint. You'll get an awesome finish that will last.

bassmaster · 04-26-2006, 01:51 PM

Thank you much guy's for the answers.

Much appreciated.