Have you noticed that your siding doesn’t look as vibrant as it once did? Thanks to years of exposure to our Indiana weather extremes, it’s only natural to see signs of wear and tear on your exterior. In that case, your first thought may be to paint it. But, what types of siding can you paint in Carmel, IN? Help ensure you don’t do more harm than good to your siding by reading the helpful tips we’ve put together below.
Are you interested in learning more about our exterior remodeling services? Give us a call at 317-884-3140 or contact us online to chat with our experts and ask them your exterior remodeling questions.
What Types of Siding Can You Paint in Carmel, IN?
Not every siding material should be painted. However, if you have vinyl or fiber cement siding, technically you can paint both of them, as long as you follow best practices in the process.
Signs It May Be Time to Paint Your Siding
Before you decide to paint, we recommend taking a closer look at your siding. Some damage that looks cosmetic could be more serious than it seems and would be better remedied with repair or replacement services. So, when is painting the best option?
If you notice any of the following signs, painting could be the best choice for your exterior:
- The existing paint is chipping, flaking, or peeling
- Your siding is severely faded after years of sun exposure
- You want to sell your house and give it a low-cost boost in curb appeal
- There are cracks in the caulk on your home’s exterior
- You’re ready to change the look of your siding with a new color
Tips for Painting Vinyl Siding
Now that you know more about when to paint, let’s take a deeper dive into how to do it the right way. When you want to paint your vinyl siding, set yourself up for success by following these steps.
Choose the Right Paint
The best type of paint for vinyl siding is 100% acrylic paint. You can choose any color that appeals to you, but keep in mind that darker colors will attract more heat, which can eventually cause your vinyl siding to warp.
Clean the Siding
Next, you’ll want to prepare the surface of your exterior by cleaning it to remove dirt and grime. This will help the paint better adhere to the surface. While you clean it, you can also scrape off any loose paint and take care of any necessary repairs.
Paint Using Two Coats
Once you’re ready to start painting, make sure to use two coats for the best coverage and durability.
Tips for Painting Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is another popular siding material here in Carmel, IN. If you have James Hardie fiber cement siding, you won’t have to worry about the baked-in color chipping or peeling over time. However, it will eventually start to fade, which can be fixed with a new coat of paint.
It’s important to remember that James Hardie’s ColorPlus™ siding is covered by a 15-year warranty. Painting the boards before the end of that warranty period will negate it.
Choose the Right Paint
Similar to painting vinyl siding, you’ll want to choose a 100% acrylic exterior paint for your fiber cement. Using an oil-based paint instead can cause issues with the surface of your siding down the road.
Prepare the Siding
Now, you’ll want to clean the siding to remove any dust and dirt, using a garden hose and soft rag. This is also a good time to replace any missing caulk between the siding boards.
Paint With the Right Brushes
When you’re ready to start painting, use rollers or synthetic bristle brushes for a smooth, even finish. If your fiber cement siding has a wood grain texture, be sure to paint with the grain for the best results. After the first coat fully dries, you can apply a second coat for the best coverage.
Here for All Your Siding Needs
Now that you know how to answer the question, “What types of siding can be painted in Carmel, IN?” you can feel confident in deciding whether to paint your exterior. If you opt to repair or replace your siding instead of painting it, our experts at UHQ Construction are here to help. To request a free estimate for your siding project, please don’t hesitate to call us at 317-884-3140 or contact us online.
