Paint Aluminum Siding

Q: I moved into a house with old aluminum siding. Can I paint it?

A: As with any painting project, begin by prepping the surface. The aluminum must be free of all dirt, dust and debris—anything that will interfere with the bond of the paint coats. Using a heavy-duty soap and a sponge or scrub brush, wash the siding thoroughly. Then rinse off the siding until you can see no more soap or paint pigment in the rinse water. Prime the surface with a thinned oil-based metal primer. Finish with 100-percent acrylic latex exterior house paint.