How to Paint Aluminum Gutters, Part 1

roof with chimneys and an aluminum gutter
  • 8 hours
  • Beginner
  • 20 -, 45
What You'll Need
Paint scraper
Paintbrushes
Primer
Ladder
A friend (optional)
Hose
Grout sponges
Dish soap
Safety gear
What You'll Need
Paint scraper
Paintbrushes
Primer
Ladder
A friend (optional)
Hose
Grout sponges
Dish soap
Safety gear

Aluminum gutters are both affordable and durable. Plus, you can paint aluminum gutters any color you’d like if you have the know-how. Check out some more of the benefits of buying aluminum gutters, and then follow the steps in this two-part guide to begin painting them.

Durability and Cost

One of the most noticeable benefits of having aluminum gutters is that they last much longer than other types of gutters. Typically, steel gutters will last for about 5 years before they begin rusting; aluminum gutters, on the other hand, can last as long as 30 years. In addition, normal steel gutters can cost upwards of $20 per foot. Aluminum gutters range from about $4-$8 per foot.

Installation and Leaking

Unlike copper or steel gutters, aluminum gutters are so easy to install that most homeowners can install these gutters themselves. Copper and steel gutters often require joints to be soldered, whereas aluminum gutters are easy to manipulate into different shapes and positions by hand during installation.

After buying new gutters to paint, or deciding to paint your old gutters, follow the steps below.

Remove the Old Paint

If you already have aluminum gutters installed, you must remove any existing paint that you may have gotten on your gutters when painting your house. Use a paint scraper to scrape off as much paint from the gutters as possible.

Clean the Gutters

This step is one of the most important in the series. Ensure the paint will stick and stay on the gutter for years to come by using grout sponges to clean the gutters. Clean the gutters with the sponges and a mixture of soap and water. Take your time and clean them well.

Rinse the Gutters

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the gutters, rinse them off with water. If you can, safely get onto the roof with a friend holding a ladder, and spray downward with a hose on the gutters to ensure any dirty water flows away from the gutters instead of pooling in them.

Prime the Gutters

Warning: When using primer or paint, wear safety gear and avoid getting any primer or paint on your skin. Use only in well-ventilated areas to avoid long periods of inhalation.

The key to a long-lasting paint job is to prime the gutters before painting them. Use an oil-based metal primer, and apply it per the product’s directions. Make sure your primer is ammonia-free, as a primer with ammonia could react with the aluminum, causing gas bubbles to occur between the layers.