Outdoor metal needs to be protected from the environment. Exposure to water and the elements makes the painted metal subject to chipping and ultimately the metal rusting. That’s why we strongly recommend painting metal siding and gutters. You may be asking yourself, can I paint metal siding and other metal surfaces? You absolutely can. In fact, one of the best ways to counteract the breakdown of your outside metal is to paint it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll teach you how to paint metal siding, gutters, and more
Proper Surface Preparation
As with all painting projects, proper surface preparation is essential to restoring your metal siding.
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Clean the metal siding
You should start by thoroughly cleaning your siding of all loose dirt or other contaminants. Cleaning can be done by simply using warm soapy water and a rag or by using a pressure washer (2500 psi minimum). You’ll want to pay close attention to any chalk that may be on the surface. There is a good chance that the original coating has chalked badly and will need to be completely removed prior to painting.
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Beware of mildew
Areas such as ceilings and eaves degrade slower than areas that are directly exposed to the sun. These areas tend to accumulate dirt and even mildew. It’s best if you power wash these areas if it’s an option. Using a solution that is three parts water and 1 part bleach should do the trick. Make sure it sits on the metal surface for at least ten minutes before being washed off with plain water.
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Primer
The more thorough the cleaning, the better chance you won’t need to prime the metal surface before you paint. If you have a considerable amount of chalk residue or oxidation on the surface, it’s probably best you plan on laying down a coat of primer first. We recommend using a solvent-thinned primer.
Do I Have To Prime Before Painting?
Best Outdoor Metal Paint
Standard high-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint is the best choice for painting aluminum or metal siding in most environments. It’s a good idea to go with a satin sheen that will shed water easier than matte paint and will stay looking better for a longer period of time.
Steel doors, door frames, and handrails should be cleaned then primed with a rust-inhibitive solvent-based metal primer followed by a topcoat or two. These areas are subject to a great deal of wear and tear, so make sure you choose a durable topcoat paint.
Painting Metal Gutters
At some point, you may want to paint the gutters at your house, whether you just want a new look for your home or due to wear and rust.
While it’s fairly easy to paint gutters, you can’t apply the paint directly to them. This would make the paint fall off and frustrate you. As with siding, your metal gutters need to be scrubbed and free from chalking and other residues to have primer and paint adhere to the surface.
How to Protect Outdoor Painted Metal
The best way to protect your outdoor metal is to follow the above steps. Putting in the time to get your siding as clean as possible, using the proper primer, and then finishing off by applying at least two coats of high-quality acrylic exterior paint will give you a fresh look while protecting your siding for many years to come.
Conclusion: Painting Metal Siding & Gutters
If you’re in the middle of a painting project or have big plans in the near future, give us a call with your questions. We have a trained team of experienced painters who would be more than happy to help in any way we can.
