First off, you might be wondering — can you paint vinyl siding? In short, yes. While dark colors can warp and damage vinyl siding, painting house siding in vinyl-safe colors may help to extend its lifespan. Plus, it’s cheaper to repaint the old siding than it is to buy new siding! Just keep in mind that painted vinyl will eventually require additional maintenance to counteract peeling. Read on to learn about the best products for painting vinyl, what to consider before you start this project, and how to get the best results.
Which colors are vinyl-safe?
The rule for painting vinyl siding is to use only paint colors with a light reflective value (LRV) of 55 or higher — and don’t paint the vinyl a new color that is darker than the original color. Darker colors put the siding at risk of warping and damage due to heat absorption. You’ll also want to follow any manufacturer recommendations and look carefully at the siding warranty to make sure that painting it doesn’t void the warranty.
Benjamin Moore has curated a palette of 75 vinyl siding paint colors for ease of selection when shopping for Benjamin Moore exterior house paints.
Best Paint for Vinyl or PVC
Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Finishes: Flat, Low Lustre, Soft Gloss
Coverage per can: 300 — 400 Sq. Ft. per gallon
Dry time: 2 hours to touch, 4 hours to recoat
Colors: 3,500+
To successfully paint vinyl or PVC siding, you’ll need high-quality acrylic paint that adheres well to smooth surfaces and stands up to weathering. House siding is typically painted in a flat or low lustre finish, as these sheens hide imperfections well and are easy to work with. We recommend Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior for a long-lasting vinyl paint that maintains its color.
On vinyl surfaces that are clean, dry, and dull, Regal Select is self-priming (meaning the first coat can be used as a primer). Note that PVC siding or extra shiny vinyl will require a bonding primer.
Regal Select is our best-selling exterior paint, with great coverage per can and excellent adhesion on hard-to-coat surfaces like vinyl. Benjamin Moore’s premium exterior paints come in over 3,500 colors — by far the widest selection offered by any paint company.
Best Primer for Vinyl or PVC
INSL-X STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer
Formula: Acrylic
Coverage per can: 300 – 400 Sq. Ft. per gallon
Dry time: 3 – 4 hours to recoat
If the vinyl is extra shiny — or you’re painting PVC siding or trim boards — it will be difficult for the paint to adhere to the surface properly. We recommend applying an acrylic bonding primer that will keep the paint from peeling or bubbling. INSL-X STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer is an excellent primer for vinyl or PVC, designed for maximum adhesion on the most difficult substrates.
Tips for Vinyl Paint Projects
Painting vinyl siding is a rewarding project that improves curb appeal and gives a home a whole new look. Follow these tips to make sure everything goes smoothly!
Wait for the right weather
The best time to paint vinyl is when the weather conditions are temperate (between 40°F and 80°F), and not too humid. If it’s too hot, the paint will dry too quickly, and if it’s too cold or damp, it may not cure properly. Check the weather report and try to work during a dry week with mild temperatures. You’ll want to be sure there’s no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours after the final coat of paint.
It’s especially important not to paint in direct sunlight, as vinyl siding gets very hot in direct sun. “Chase the sun” as you paint, starting with the southeastern side of the house after the sun has moved. This helps make sure the surface is dry and won’t get too hot while the paint cures.
Thoroughly clean the siding first
If the house siding has accumulated dirt and mildew over the years, it’s important to thoroughly clean it before trying to prime or paint. You can use a soft-bristled brush, a garden hose, or potentially a pressure washer. Keep in mind that power washing or pressure washing vinyl siding can cause damage — it’s best to only use these methods if you have prior experience and you’re confident the vinyl siding is strong enough to withstand the force.
Vinyl-safe cleaning solutions can be found at any home improvement store, and many are designed to attach to a garden hose. 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner or JOMAX House Cleaner and Mildew Killer are good options for cleaning stubborn mold and mildew. You can also create homemade solutions using diluted vinegar or diluted bleach. Be sure to carefully dilute the bleach solution according to the product recommendations, or it could damage the vinyl.
Weigh the pros and cons of a paint sprayer vs. roller
Vinyl siding can be painted with either a paint sprayer or paint brush and roller. The best choice for your painting project will depend on your level of experience, project budget, and personal preference.
Paint Sprayer Tips
The advantages of a paint sprayer are its speed and ability to reach difficult spots. Using a sprayer also avoids roller marks, although you want to be careful not to overapply the paint (which would cause drips). One of the major downsides of using a paint sprayer on a house exterior is that it uses significantly more paint than a roller (about 10% more) — and overspray can damage surrounding areas. If you go with a paint sprayer, check the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of sprayer, pressure settings, and tip that will get the best results.
Paint Brush & Roller Tips
The advantages of a paint roller are its conservation of paint, low cost, and ease of application for beginners. For best results, use a microfiber paint roller with a short nap (3/16” or ¼” ) for smooth surfaces or a longer nap (3/8" or 1/2") for semi-smooth surfaces that have a little bit more texture. You can also use a large, nylon/polyester paintbrush for maximum control. And be sure to have an angled paintbrush on hand for detail work. The main disadvantage of painting with a roller and brush is how labor intensive it is for large surface areas.
Project Supply List for Painting Vinyl Siding
Shop Vinyl Paint Products and Supplies at Ring’s End
Ring’s End is a trusted supplier of top-quality exterior paints for both professional paint contractors and homeowners tackling DIY projects. Find everything you need for a home exterior makeover in-store or online at Ring’s End, including Benjamin Moore exterior paints in vinyl-safe colors.
Ring’s End ships Benjamin Moore paint products and paint samples anywhere in the U.S. for convenient delivery to your door! And if you have any questions about an upcoming project, don’t hesitate to contact our paint experts using our online chat or by texting (203)-PRO HELP.