Galvanized steel should not be painted with oil based paint.
Best paint for metal siding.
Aluminum can be difficult to tell apart from vinyl if brand new.
Determine if the siding has been previously painted and what kind of paint has been used.
The best way to get this siding clean is to power wash it.
To ensure longevity of the new coat we made sure to choose a high quality acrylic latex paint that would withstand the weather and cling to the metal surface despite any leftover traces of chalk.
Choose an exterior paint that is preferably water proof.
Wait for this layer of paint to dry and then apply a second coat.
The good news is that metal siding is one of the best surfaces to repaint.
The process of repainting pre finished metal siding is a little different than it is for other types of exterior surfaces.
The key to painting aluminum siding is to get it really clean and to use 100 percent acrylic latex paint.
This will help clean away all the dirt that accumulates on the steel siding.
Check the label to be sure it s recommended for metal siding.
A solvent based primer that is specifically for metal and will help prevent rust is usually the best way to go for this especially in areas that come into contact with rain or other moisture.
Wash the steel siding with trisodium phosphate tsp and use a pressure washer to rinse thoroughly.
Painting vinyl or another metal material other than aluminum will be greatly different so it s important to be sure of what you re about to paint.
Apply the acrylic paint to the wall on top of the primer in the same way you applied the primer to the metal siding.
This in turn will help you to paint it easily.
Expect to pay the premium for good paint.
Once dry remove the plastic sheeting and masking tape.
It also helps to peel away the previous paint on the steel siding leaving it neat and clean.
If possible bring a sample to a professional.