Cost to Paint Aluminum Siding
The average cost to paint aluminum siding on a home ranges from $3,125 to $8,300 for a 2,500-square foot home, but most homeowners report spending about $5,730. Cost will vary based on labor, paint prices, and the condition of the metal. On average, this project costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot including preparation, labor and clean-up.
The cost to paint your home exterior varies based on size and the condition of your aluminum siding. This upgrade can be time-consuming, averaging at about 40 hours for a pro. Preservation and maintenance of your aluminum can prevent damage like flaking paint and rust. Proper surface preparation and choosing the right type of paint can make it last up to 15 years.
Hiring a professional can save time and money. A pro can determine the amount of preparation required for the job and can ensure that it is completed quickly and correctly.
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Aluminum Paint Prices
The average cost of paint for aluminum siding is $46 per gallon. It is important to use 100% acrylic paint on top of an oil based primer for the most even and long-lasting coverage. Only use acrylic based paint designated for outdoor use. The cost of paint per square foot is about $0.20. For the average 2,500 square-foot home you will need about 10 gallons of paint which will cost about $460.
NOTE: Never use latex based primer on aluminum siding. Ammonia in latex paint will react with the metal causing a chemical reaction resulting in gas build-up and corrosion. Only use oil-based primers.
Paint Brands
Common paint brands for this project are Behr, Valspar, Clark + Kensington, and Sherwin Williams. A pro will come prepared with paint after you have made your color selection during the initial inspection. Consult a pro if you choose to DIY, they will assist in choosing the right type of paint for your type of home and climate.
NOTE: You can often receive 20% off bulk purchases at big box hardware stores like HomeDepot and Lowe's. Ask a retail associate for details when visiting the stores.
| Brand | Avg Cost per Gallon | Purchase Location |
|---|---|---|
| Behr Marquee | $50 | HomeDepot |
| Behr Premium Plus Ultra | $35 | HomeDepot |
| Valspar DuraMax | $40 | Lowe's |
| Clark + Kensington | $35 | Ace Hardware |
| Sherwin-Williams | $70 | Sherwin-Williams |
The average cost for this project is about $1.75 per square foot. Labor costs include the price of preparation, removing loose paint, priming, caulking edges, and painting. These labor costs also include planning, equipment and collecting materials, area preparation and protection, setup, and cleanup. It is important to properly prepare the surface before painting. Your contractor will be able to determine the condition of your siding and whether it is ready for a new coat.
One gallon of primer will cover about 250 square feet and costs about $7 to $15 per gallon. A contractor will measure your home and bring the appropriate amount of primer. There are many options when it comes to choosing the right type of primer for this project. A pro will choose one that is oil-based and for exterior use only.
NOTE: Do not use a latex-based primer as it may react with the aluminum, forming gas bubbles. This will compromise the paint resulting in premature flaking and peeling.
A hired contractor will provide the following:
- Scrub Brush: $10-$25
- Tape: $5 per roll
- Extension Pole: $12-$20
- Drop Cloth: $10-$30
- Tape and paper to protect surfaces: $5 each, per roll
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Tools
When painting siding, preparing the surface is essential. Any chalkiness must be scrubbed off to begin with a clean palette. Applying paint to a dirty or unprepared surface will result in flaking.
For this project, you will need:
- Ladder: $30 per day for a rental
- Drop cloths: $10-$30 to prevent damage to landscaping
- Tape: $5 per roll to cover 180 feet
- Power Washer: $35-$100 per day
You may need to rent a power-washer if your siding is too dirty for scrubbing. A power-washer and mild cleaning agents may be required to properly prepare the surface to receive a paint application. Allow the metal to dry before applying paint. A contractor will often have the cost to powerwash included in your quote. The use of a power-washer may require the help of a professional. They will know the appropriate pressure to safely use.
Accessibility
Labor for this project ranges from $150 to $350 per hour but varies from one contractor to the next. Prices may fluctuate depending on the complexity of your home. Homes with multiple stories and hard to reach areas may take more time resulting in a higher costs.
Roof/Awning
Painting an aluminum roof or awning costs about $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot. This is due to complexity, duration, and preparation. Your contractor can include this in a quote if you request it. However, not all painters will paint a roof or awning, so do some research to find the right pro in your area for the job.
Removing Paint
Removing paint from aluminum is a lengthy process that will likely require a pro. It is often more cost-effective to repaint or replace it. Finding a pro to remove paint from siding may be difficult, you may need to call around to get an accurate quote.
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Paint vs. Replace
The cost to replace aluminum siding is about $2.20 per square foot. In some cases, you may be able to repair minor dents or blemishes in the paint. Determining whether your siding needs re-painted or replaced is relatively easy. If it has been previously repainted and is now peeling, has large dents across several planks, or you see white rust - which is a sign of oxidation - you should consider fully replacing it.
Maintenance and Length of Life
If done correctly, repainted aluminum can last about 15 years. To achieve maximum life expectancy, the surface has to be properly prepared. Improper preparation will result in premature cracking and peeling. This preparation includes cleaning the surface and the application of paint and primer in weather conditions from 50 to 80 degrees. Always check the forecast before beginning, a painting project can be ruined by rain showers. The length of life can be improved by avoiding impact on your siding. Everyday items such as a stray basketball bouncing into your siding or repetitive impact from the output of a lawnmower can chip away at the paint over time.
Painting Galvanized Steel and Other Metal Siding
For galvanized steel or other metals, you can use latex or acrylic paint. Galvanized Steel will not react to latex paint like aluminum. Your contractor will be able to determine if your siding is galvanized, aluminum, or another type of metal before beginning and will adjust the quote according to the type of paint required. Because galvanized steel does not react causing white powdery oxidation, it is an easier surface to repair. When painting, be sure to scrub off any rust with a wire brush or prepare the surface with a rust-covering primer.
Consider the cost of paint, labor, and equipment. The average cost of paint is $110 for a 2500 square foot home. The national average for labor is about $250 per hour for exterior painting projects. A contractor will have the necessary supplies for your projects such as a power washer and paint sprayer. Hiring a contractor is an average of $6,500 to paint a 2,500 square foot home.
ItÂ’s likely youÂ’ll need to rent equipment for your DIY project. The cost for supplies is about $200 to $300. Rental of a power washer costs an average of $35-$100 per day. Including the cost of paint, you total is roughly $400 to $570 per 250 square feet, or an average of about $4,850 for a 2,500 square foot home.
Supplies and equipment you may need include:
- Brushes
- Rollers and rolling handles
- Paint sprayer
- Buckets
- Dropcloths
- Caulk
- Painters tape
- Ladder
In certain cases, it can be more affordable (and much less of a hassle) to hire a painting pro because they will have all of the needed equipment. Always remember that a contractor is trained in application and will likely have more consistent, longer-lasting results than attempting to DIY.
Can you DIY a siding painting project?
Yes, you can DIY a siding painting project. It is important to plan for weather, especially considering the project will take more than one day. Hiring a contractor is recommended to prolong the life of the paint.
What type of paint is best?
Never use latex-based paint on aluminum, it will react with the metal which results in a chemical reaction causing bubbles. Only use an oil-based primer and 100% Acrylic-based paint. Latex may be used on galvanized steel as well as acrylic or oil-based.
How much does it cost to paint an aluminum mobile home?
It costs about $3.90 per square foot to paint an aluminum mobile home including labor, materials, and paint.
