Aluminum siding - would you paint?

[Gardenarian]

Well, it looks like we have a house in Ashland. Great house, perfect location - but I'm not crazy about the color, which is a faded blue/gray. It's aluminum siding, and if we don't paint, we'll never have to. I would love a color change, but then we are locked into painting again and again. (The siding is in great condition, and we wouldn't consider replacing it.)

Would you paint?
I have read that there are new exterior paints that are supposed to last a very long time. Anyone have experience with these?

I feel it's both bad for the environment and wasteful to paint it - but on the other hand, do I want to live in a dingy house the for rest of my life?

[catherine]

Congratulations on the house!!! Wow, things are moving along!

How about some new shutters/door color? I have a gray house with plum shutters and the plum adds some spark.

Maybe because my own house is gray, I think blue-gray sounds great!

[RCWRTR]

I would most definitely paint! Older aluminum siding with baked-on paint finishes tend to get chalky looking over time. While the aluminum siding itself is in good shape, the paint, well...not so much. Power washing, then applying 2 good coats of a high quality 100% Acrylic Latex paint will add instant curb appeal to your new home and may extend the life of your aluminum siding. Painting a house costs significantly less than re-siding a house. If you do the work yourself, you will save even more. I've done this myself, so I'm speaking (er, writing) from personal experience here. As a designer, I'll gladly offer my suggestions for exterior siding, trim, shutters, door, etc., if you are interested and can share a photo of your new home. Good luck!

[iris lilies]

No, I would never paint aluminum siding.

What's under the siding?

[ctg492]

I painted once years ago. I was not happy with my choice. It was kinda hold over till the siding could be redone. We moved before that. The house down the street just painted the old siding. Looks nice and fresh, but a flat paint would have hid the flaws better, that is my tip.

[frugal-one]

Just had our aluminum siding painted this summer. I LOVE it!!!! Just had one coat done and was told it should be good for at least 5 years. The neighbor across the street had theirs' done about 5 years ago (from the same guy) and it still looks good. I was surprised at the cost. It was much lower than I thought it would be. If you hate the color.... change it.... You will be happier!

[SteveinMN]

Our house has lemon-yellow aluminum siding on it. It was one of the negative points for me when I bought the place. But it remains lemon yellow after a dozen years. I just didn't want to climb on to the house-painting wagon because, as Gardenarian mentioned, once you start, you can't stop.

I figure when I'm inside the house, I don't see the yellow much. So I deal with it. I've thought about a power wash and even maybe some auto-finish restorer (if it's going to be yellow, it might as well be YELLOW). But I'd rather put that energy someplace else.

[iris lilies]

We aren't allowed aluminum or vinyl siding here as all of our properties are in historic districts.

We renovated one of our tiny houses with Hardy board exterior and painted it a soft yellow. It's very nice. All of the others are red brick. Don't let anyone tell you that brick is maintenance free, seems like something is always in need of tuckpointing.

Ok, I have to ask since I don't understand: If you are going to PAINT aluminum siding, why not tear it off and reveal the original wood, and paint that?

[kib]

Mmmm, I love the primed masonite siding, I painted it once in 2000 and it still looks good. Maybe not authentic, but work-wise, what a joy. Wood, I have to scrape and repaint the south side of the house every 3 years or so, and it still doesn't look too great. I'm imagining painted aluminum siding to be somewhere inbetween? - And yeah, our current 1959 wire cut brick is scary, I can imagine the whole house just melting in another 20 years.

[rosarugosa]

IL: Please tell more about Hardy Board. I've been seeing some type of synthetic clapboard this past year that looks really good. Is this it? I hate traditional aluminum and vinyl, but the maintenance of our cedar shingles is becoming a burden, and we currently have a crazy woodpecker pecking holes in our house!

[iris lily]

IL: Please tell more about Hardy Board. I've been seeing some type of synthetic clapboard this past year that looks really good. Is this it? I hate traditional aluminum and vinyl, but the maintenance of our cedar shingles is becoming a burden, and we currently have a crazy woodpecker pecking holes in our house!

I spelled it wrong, it is "Hardie" board, after the maker James Hardie. It looks good, good enough that the historic preservation districts allow it. I guess it is long lasting. It comes in different widths and patterns.

http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/products_siding_hardieplankLapSiding.py

[nswef]

I would have the siding power washed first. It brightens it up and then if you want to paint it the paint will adhere better. I think siding doesn't expand and contract as much as wood, so the repainting isn't as often. We painted our aluminum storm windows at least 20 years ago and the paint has stayed on quite well. We used something from Sears as a primer- gutter grip I think it was called, but I'm not sure it was necessary. Good luck.

[goldensmom]

We've had our aluminum sided house painted twice, once 25 years ago and last summer. There are new paints for aluminum siding (Sherwin Williams) with a 20 year warranty. We were pleased the first time and pleased the second time. I think a good wash is the the key to a good paint job. The painter who painted our house washed the house with something that would make the paint adhere better.

[goldensmom]

Ok, I have to ask since I don't understand: If you are going to PAINT aluminum siding, why not tear it off and reveal the original wood, and paint that?

I can answer that question from our experience. Our house is 100+ with aluminum siding over the old wood siding. The old wood siding was not in good shape which is why it was sided in the 60's. Also the insulation factor....there was none so the house was insulated over the wood siding then the aluminum siding was put on. Another reason to paint aluminum rather that remove and paint old wood siding is cost. It would have cost much more to remove and dispose the aluminum then repair, prep and paint the original wood so the frugal us went with paint the existing aluminum siding.

[catherine]

If I were to get aluminum siding I would be absolutely committed to not painting it, ever, since that's one of the big benefits of it. DH is all about getting our house sided, and if we do, it's going to be white. Every color has its day, and I would insist on a timeless color, and since I don't think there are any timeless colors, it would have to be white.

Also, I'd be inclined to get the cement fiber board, such as the kind iris lilies mentioned. I plan on mentioning Hardie to DH once we get to that point (if we ever do). He'll probably push back because I'm thinking aluminum siding is less expensive, but I prefer the fiber board.

[Packy]

I strongly suggest that you get used to the blue-gray color. You just moved, and that is enough change for awhile. Why go to all the trouble, just because.....? If the paint was flaking off, and in dire need of repainting, it could be justified. Sorry if that seems harsh.

[ToomuchStuff]

I wouldn't paint it, although I think my question has been answered. (wondered if special paint was needed) I do agree with the door, window trim (if unsided), shutters, accessories, options. Also washing it, may make a bigger difference then you think.

[frugal-one]

If I were to get aluminum siding I would be absolutely committed to not painting it, ever, since that's one of the big benefits of it. DH is all about getting our house sided, and if we do, it's going to be white. Every color has its day, and I would insist on a timeless color, and since I don't think there are any timeless colors, it would have to be white.

Also, I'd be inclined to get the cement fiber board, such as the kind iris lilies mentioned. I plan on mentioning Hardie to DH once we get to that point (if we ever do). He'll probably push back because I'm thinking aluminum siding is less expensive, but I prefer the fiber board.

There comes a time when aluminum siding get old. We have lived in this house 27 years and the people before who knows how long? I think having to paint it now shows how great it has been.

[catherine]

There comes a time when aluminum siding get old. We have lived in this house 27 years and the people before who knows how long? I think having to paint it now shows how great it has been.

No, that's true--and I'm sure a fresh coat of paint after 3 decades can do a world of good. If I sided my house now, I'm sure I would never live to see it when it needed a new paint job. I just think if I got siding it would ONLY be to save having to paint my house every 10 years.

[Tussiemussies]

Congratulations on your new home! Don't know if you will have neighbors or not, but we keep certain things on the outside of the home for the sake of all of the neighborhood house values. Just a thought...

[Gardenarian]

Thanks everyone for chiming in!

I don't want to remove the siding for the reasons so well-put by goldensmom. I think it might structurally damage the house, and anyhow, the siding is in fine condition.

RCWRTR - thanks so much for offering your expertise! I'll see if I can get a picture posted.

The siding was put on at least 30 years ago and is dull and chalky - if you touch it a white residue comes off. I'm sure washing would help somewhat, but I'm really not crazy about the color. I usually like to wait a year before making any big decisions about a house, but I have found that making a cosmetic change is easier to do when you are moving in. There is so much money being thrown around that an extra couple of thousand dollars to make the house look really pretty seems very reasonable, whereas a year on I'm feeling more tight-fisted - and I really do want a home that makes me smile when I look at it. :)

I am seeing that paint on aluminum lasts anywhere from 5-25 years depending on preparation and type of paint used, and from my research there is some disagreement among experts on what type of primer, or if a primer is even necessary. So I'll need to find a really experienced painter and get a great warrantee! I do not want to paint every 5 years. As it needs to be sprayed (not brushed) I would not be able to do it myself. I've pretty much decided to paint - I will post a picture when I get a chance and get some feedback.

I'm not that interested in adding shutters and what not - it really is the basic color that's the problem for me. (Though I do want to get a more attractive screen door...)

[nswef]

Gardenarian, I am not sure that the siding need to be spray painted. After you talk to some painters, I think you might feel better about how long it will last. Good luck, I'm looking forward to seeing the before pictures!

[SteveinMN]

I also don't understand the must-be-sprayed comment. I do know that sprayed paint does not last as long as brushed paint. I also know that most of the cost in getting a house painted is in the labor (prep, particularly) and that brushing usually takes longer than spraying. Lots of seemingly-contradictory choices....

[ToomuchStuff]

Sprayed typically lasts as long when done in controlled environments (think production, cars in body shops, etc). You would have to ask your painter about it otherwise (normally sprayed requires more paint, due to loss).
Your still going to have to wash the house, as part of the prep, though.

[frugal-one]

The painter rolled then brushed the paint on our aluminum siding recently. There was no spraying involved.

[Gardenarian]

Hmm- I agree that with wood or stuccos it is better to use a brush, buy everything I've read about aluminum says that you'll get a better-looking and longer lasting finish if you spray. But I've never dealt with aluminum before.
Anyhow, I don't want to DIY!

[Gardenarian]

Here's a picture (I'm thinking a butter yellow?)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/readaboutit/455liberty_zps17c292ed.jpg (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/readaboutit/media/455liberty_zps17c292ed.jpg.html)

[Float On]

cute house Gardenarian, love that big tree out front. Yellow would be nice. No room for shutters that's for sure.

[goldensmom]

I also don't understand the must-be-sprayed comment. I do know that sprayed paint does not last as long as brushed paint. I also know that most of the cost in getting a house painted is in the labor (prep, particularly) and that brushing usually takes longer than spraying. Lots of seemingly-contradictory choices....

I've known of people to roll/brush paint their house whatever the siding material. As for the method and does the paint 'stick', I don't think the method matters with advancements in paint technology over the past few years. In our case, it took the painter and 3 helpers 4 days to prep the house (wash, dry, paint trim, remove shutters, cover chimney, cover windows, trim back grass and trees, cover plants, caulk around doors, necessary repairs and things I've probably forgot) and 1 day to spray paint. At $60-$70/ gallon the paint is expensive but yes, the major cost is the time and labor (which depends on the number of people) to prep.

[nswef]

Our house is pale yellow and we've loved it for 40 years...it's vinyl siding. I think yellow on your new house would be lovely.

[RCWRTR]

I think a creamy yellow, a pale colonial gold or a warm beige would look lovely. I would opt for a bright white trim and a classic black front door with antique or polished brass knob/handle, door knocker, kick plate, etc. for added elegance and pizzazz. When it's time to replace the roof, I'd opt for a charcoal grey/black roof. As for window treatments, to complete the look, I'm thinking wide, white wooden blinds or plantation shutters would give your new home a classic feel.

[goldensmom]

Our house is white and always will be but my next choice would be yellow. When driving down a road, I can pass by every other color house but yellow houses always catch my eye.

[Teacher Terry]

We bought a house with siding that someone had painted. The paint was in great shape but the color was awful. So last summer we spray painted it & it looks really nice. My hubby did it with a helper so did not cost a fortune. We have a friend that is a house painter & he told us how to prep, etc.

[catherine]

When we painted our house years ago, post mustard gold era, I couldn't decide on butter yellow or gray. My son, who was about 19 at the time, was charged with painting the top and we all painted the bottom. We painted the bottom gray and the top yellow. But then I decided I liked the gray better, so I send my son back up to repaint the top floor of the house gray.

So, while I do like my gray, and I actually don't think the blue-gray in the picture looks bad (realizing, of course, I can't see it up close) yellow is a fine choice. I would keep it on the creamy side, also.

[SteveinMN]

Gee, with all you folks who love butter yellow, now I know we're not repainting our siding! :laff:

[iris lilies]

OP I have to say, from perusing Ashland entries on the Realtor.com site, that grey-blue color is VERY popular there. It must be a PNW thing.

And now you have a great 60's ranch! I would find out what color it was originally and play up that vibe. Ranchettes are very popular here. Our close friend who sells real estate is putting his wonderful Victorian townhouse on the market in order to buy a mid-century modern house. I have to ask: is the kitchen original? I will die with envy if it has original cabinetry.

We painted one of our tiny houses, the 1870's 4 room cottage, a cream yellow. This was after experimenting with a brighter, lemony yellow and the cream won out. I still like it a lot after a couple of years.

[Gardenarian]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

Yes, Iris lilies, it has the original cabinets (including the fold-out ironing board) though the counters and sink were replaced with Corian. It also has lovely built-in bookcases and cabinets in the living and dining room, and very cool closets that have drawers below them (for shoes, I'm assuming.) I was sold when I saw the enormous linen cupboard. It has solid oak floors throughout, and also the original lighting fixtures. The windows are all the original wood, in perfect condition - single pane, but I'm going to keep them and get thermal blinds. The huge (12.5 foot!) front window was replaced with a double pane at some point.

We weren't looking for a ranch, but now that we have one I see all the advantages!
It's really nice to have a house that needs only minor cosmetic work - fun stuff!

[catherine]

[QUOTE=catherine;188925]iris lilies inspired me to look online and I found this:

http://retrorenovation.com/2010/03/28/exterior-colors-for-1960-houses/#

Some nice yellow colors there--and there's one nice pic of a yellow ranch!

[iris lilies]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

Yes, Iris lilies, it has the original cabinets (including the fold-out ironing board) though the counters and sink were replaced with Corian. It also has lovely built-in bookcases and cabinets in the living and dining room, and very cool closets that have drawers below them (for shoes, I'm assuming.) I was sold when I saw the enormous linen cupboard. It has solid oak floors throughout, and also the original lighting fixtures. The windows are all the original wood, in perfect condition - single pane, but I'm going to keep them and get thermal blinds. The huge (12.5 foot!) front window was replaced with a double pane at some point.

We weren't looking for a ranch, but now that we have one I see all the advantages!
It's really nice to have a house that needs only minor cosmetic work - fun stuff!

ahhh yep, now I AM envious!

Next you'll tell me that you have a pink bathroom. If that's the case, I officially hate you, haha!

[Teacher Terry]

Our house is actually a 60's ranch. It did not have the original kitchen. However, it had hardware floors that someone moron had pergoed over so we redid the floors which turned out beautiful. We had to replace wood in a few sections so took it out of the closets. We also have big linen closets. I like pergo & have had it in newer homes but it is not as nice as hardwood.

[nswef]

Well Iris..I have a peach and blue bathroom...not pink and the fixtures are white-I don't think they came in peach >8). We love our little rancher.

[iris lily]

Well Iris..I have a peach and blue bathroom...not pink and the fixtures are white-I don't think they came in peach >8). We love our little rancher.

Oh honey, they came in peach! I can visualize them instantly! I love the idea of your peach and blue bathroom.

[catherine]

Oh honey, they came in peach! I can visualize them instantly! I love the idea of your peach and blue bathroom.

Actually, mine was "dusty rose." Just got rid of my dusty rose sink (with the faux marble formica vanity) and tub about 6 years ago.

[nswef]

Our poor tub is quite dinged up. Very functional, and comfortable but has a permanent ring from cleanser...the enamel or whatever is on it is scratched. The sink is original ceramic but we are on our third toilet. They are all white. I remember dusty rose tile as well. Our neighbor had peach and green, another had maroon and black. But all white fixtures. This has taken from the painting of siding I see...sorry.

[rodeosweetheart]

Check out this redo of a ranch; they changed the paint color from blue grey to creamy yellow:

http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/remodeling-a-ranch-style-house.html

[JaneV2.0]

Actually, mine was "dusty rose." Just got rid of my dusty rose sink (with the faux marble formica vanity) and tub about 6 years ago.

Dusty rose furnishings, faux marble formica, check, I'll be glad to see the last of those.:D

[Gardenarian]

Thanks rodeoweetheart - just the color I was imagining! Doesn't it look prettier?

[Teacher Terry]

It was amazing what some changes of color & other things make such a difference! I love the color.

[rodeosweetheart]

Gardenarian, I immediately thought of your house when I saw this picture--it's in Oregon, the pictured house,and I think the yellow looks better with the light. But the elongated ranch reminded me of your photo.