Use a brush, roller and an oil-based acrylic paint to refinish your manufactured home's aluminum siding.
The aluminum siding on your manufactured home is strong and similar to the siding on a traditional house. The siding also becomes dirty over time, loses its luster and is susceptible to weather and environmental changes that can cause the material to corrode. However, it is possible to restore your manufactured home's aluminum siding by cleaning and painting it periodically with a cleaning solution and an acrylic-based paint. You don't need any special paintbrushes or rollers, and you won't need to hire a commercial painter to complete the project.
Instructions
Washing the Siding
1. Cover any grass, plants, flowers and other landscaping around your manufactured home with plastic sheeting or tarps to keep it from getting wet or soiled with paint. Use waterproof tape to secure a piece of plastic sheeting or tarp to any light fixtures, exterior electrical outlets and other electrical components that may be on your manufactured home's exterior.
2. Spray your home thoroughly from top to bottom with water to remove any loose dust and dirt. Wear work gloves to keep your hands dry. Use a ladder to access your home's roof, and spray it with water.
3. Mix 2 cups of laundry detergent and 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Stir the mixture with a long-handled scrub brush.
4. Apply the mixture to the siding, using the long-handled scrub brush, and scrub vigorously from top to bottom to remove any dust, dirt and debris from the aluminum.
5. Climb the ladder; apply the mixture to the roof and scrub vigorously to remove any debris. Reapply the mixture to your home's aluminum siding, if needed, and use a soft sponge or rag to remove any stubborn stains.
6. Rinse the siding, including the roof, from top to bottom thoroughly with water. Let the siding air-dry. Do not remove the plastic sheeting or tarps.
Removing Tree Sap, Corrosion and Scratches
7. Pour 2 tbsp. of mineral spirits onto an old cloth or rag. Apply and hold the mineral spirits--soaked cloth or rag onto the tree sap spot until the debris becomes soft.
8. Fold the cloth or rag in half, and then wipe the sap away. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the siding is free of all tree sap. Dry the freshly cleaned areas with a clean, soft cloth or rag.
9. Sand any corrosion or rust spots with a piece of 180- or 200-grit sandpaper until smooth. Use a clean piece of sandpaper when the paper becomes smooth.
10. Wipe the sanded areas with a clean, soft cloth or rag to remove any sanding dust.
11. Rub any scratches on the aluminum siding with a fine rubbing compound to remove any loose paint, grease and debris. Rinse the scratches thoroughly with water, and then dry each area with a clean, soft cloth or rag.
Painting the Siding
12. Load a tube of paintable caulk into a caulking gun by cutting the tip of the caulking tube with a utility knife, pulling back the push rod on the gun and placing the tube in the gun.
13. Apply the caulk to the frame or outer areas around any windows, vents and corners to keep moisture from entering your home. Use waterproof tape to secure a piece of plastic sheeting or tarp to any windows, doors and other areas you don't want to accidentally paint.
14. Fill a paint tray with an oil-based metal paint primer for exterior use, and use a paint roller to apply the primer to the siding. Cover all sides of the siding, including any eves and the roof. Use a paintbrush to apply the primer to areas where the roller can't reach.
15. Let the primer dry according to the recommended time on the container's label. If you removed any corrosion or scratches from the aluminum, apply two coats of primer to those areas. Let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat.
16. Fill a paint tray with an acrylic-based latex house paint for exterior use, and use a paint roller to apply the paint to the siding. Cover all sides of the siding, including any eaves and the roof. Use a paintbrush to apply paint to areas where the roller can't reach.
17.Let the paint dry according to the recommended time on the container's label, and then apply a second coat.
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