Read the safety guide on the ladder rail.
Vinyl-coated steel siding is a durable building material used on many modern homes. The siding is composed of galvanized steel which is coated with polyvinyl chloride sheets molded to look like natural beveled wood siding. Though you do not need to paint vinyl-coated steel siding, you can if you properly prepare the siding for adhesion.
Cleaning
Vinyl-coated steel siding is not well suited for paint adhesion. Layers of dust and grease will only make this problem worse. Before doing anything else, thoroughly wash the PVC coating using focused pressure from a pressure washer. Even if the siding looks 100 percent clean, unseen dust and oils could exist upon its surface. Don't skip this critical step, or paint failure will likely loom.
Abrasion
Encourage better adhesion by abrading the PVC coating. Scour every square inch of the vinyl-coated steel siding with 100-grit sandpaper. Though the chore may seem time-consuming, this is the fundamental step to promoting a lasting finish. Be thorough, or you'll eventually end up with chipping and peeling.
Primer
Once the vinyl-coated steel siding is clean and abraded, it will readily accept a bonding base. Apply a durable, flexible exterior acrylic primer. Don't use plain latex primer, or finish failure may occur at some point in the future.
Paint
Properly prepared vinyl-coated steel siding will accept paint as well as ordinary wood siding. For lasting results, choose a paint that can flex as temperatures climb and fall. Ordinary latex paint could crack in extreme temperatures; it may also fade when exposed to ultraviolet light. For best results, choose an acrylic-based exterior paint.
Application
Professionals spray primer and paint onto vinyl-coated steel siding. Unless you have experience using gas- or electric-powered spraying rigs, use a roller and paintbrush. If your siding is heavily textured, use a nylon paintbrush; if it is smooth, use a polyester brush.
Warning
You'll probably need a ladder to access higher portions of the vinyl-coated steel siding. If so, read the safety guide on the ladder rail before rushing into the application process. Use a telescoping roller extension pole when possible, which will allow you to paint high areas while standing on the ground.
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