Painting Chalky Siding

Here s how to prepare the surface and choose your paint.

Painting chalky siding.

To test the dryness of your paint touch the siding with your finger in an inconspicuous area. Rub siding with cloth to check for powdery paint pigment and mildew. Scrub off the chalk with a strong solution of water and spic and span or tsp detergent or a nonphosphate tsp alternative. This is very important because this is what actually removes the chalk before the primer is put on.

If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded stained or just plain the wrong color fear not. The first step is the surface must be power washed. Cover ground and nearby shrubs with drop cloths. It is also important to use a cleaner when powerwashing so that it will actually help remove the chalk along with the pressure.

This is called chalking and essentially is the existing paint breaking down from the weather. If the paint no longer feels tacky or sticky it s completely dried. If your siding is horizontal paint left to right. By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine.

If the paint color comes off on your hand the paint is chalking. This oxidation that occurs on aluminum siding results in the build up of a chalk like substance on the siding itself which can easily be seen by wiping your hand across the aluminum. As a rule of thumb paint takes two hours to dry. You might also like.

Wipe the surface with the palm of your hand. This ensures even coats and will prevent you from missing any spots. If vertical paint up to down. You can paint it.

There are several steps in dealing with a chalky surface to ensure a long lasting paint job.