How to Paint Metal Siding

There will come a time when you'll want to paint metal siding that you have on your home or building. Over time you will find that that the metal siding may dull or rust. Many homeowners think that it is difficult to paint metal but it really is a lot easier than you would think, as long as you know how to do it. The article that follows will show you how to properly paint metal siding made from steel and aluminum.

Step 1 - Cleaning the Metal Siding

Before you can paint metal it has to properly be cleaned. Metal siding is subject to all of the elements the world has to offer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. This type of extreme exposure will cause your metal siding to rust, accumulate a thin layer of oil or trap in moisture. In order to paint metal siding you first have to clean it. Use the pressure water set to low-flow. Spray the metal siding to clean the siding. Add liquid soap to the water and spray the siding again. Rinse the metal siding off with clean water. Allow the siding to dry before continuing. It could take two or more days.

Step 2 - Before Painting

Just like any other painting project, you need to protect anything that is not being painted. Cut and trim plastic sheeting to fit over all your doors and windows that are in the path of your painting. Affix the plastic sheeting using masking tape.

Step 3 - Paint Metal Siding

Before you begin to paint metal siding you need to decide what you want to paint with. You can use a paint sprayer (you will need a 5 gallon pail) or a paint roller with an extension. Pour the metal paint primer into the paint container on the sprayer or pour it into the paint tray. Apply the primer to the metal siding in even strokes with either of the implements. Start at the top of the wall and across the length of the metal siding. Wait at least a day or two before applying the acrylic paint to the metal siding. Clean the paint sprayer according to the directions and clean out the brushes and paint tray. Allow your equipment to completely dry. Apply the acrylic paint to the wall on top of the primer in the same exact way that you applied the primer to the metal siding. Wait for this layer of paint to dry then apply a second coat. Remove the plastic sheeting and masking tape.

Steel siding will require being washed with trisodium phosphate (use the paint sprayer). If there is rust on the steel then apply rust converter over the steel siding. It will turn the rust into a black substance. Instead of normal metal paint primer you will use latex bonding primer. The application and drying remains the same.