When done incorrectly, paint peels, cracks and fades fast. Properly painting aluminum siding will transform your home’s exterior for years to come. Learn more.
Did you know a fresh coat of paint can boost your home’s resale value by up to 10%? Aluminum siding may be durable, but its finish fades and chalks over time. Painting aluminum siding is a cost-effective way to rejuvenate your exterior, enhance curb appeal, and add thousands in home value – all without the expense of full replacement. Painting aluminum siding can cost up to 70% less than full replacement, making it a budget-friendly upgrade for your home’s curb appeal. A professionally painted aluminum exterior can last up to 20–30 years with routine maintenance. At Harding’s Painting, we’ve been renewing exteriors across Calgary, Kelowna, Edmonton, and Hamilton since 1996.
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The Impact of Painting Aluminum Siding on Your Home’s Aesthetics
Aluminum siding is tough. It stands up to hail, wind, and temperature swings that would damage other materials. But durability doesn’t mean it looks good forever. Fading, chalking, and outdated colours make even well-maintained homes appear neglected.
A fresh coat of paint changes everything. You can shift from a dated beige to a modern charcoal grey, or brighten up your home with a crisp white. The colour you choose sets the tone for your entire property. Dark colours create drama and make architectural details pop. Light colours make small homes feel larger and more welcoming.
The connection between appearance and value is straightforward. Homes with fresh, well-maintained exteriors sell faster and for more money. Potential buyers form opinions in the first few seconds. Peeling, faded siding sends a message that the home hasn’t been cared for. Clean, vibrant paint suggests the opposite.
As discussed in our article on exterior painting, a professional finish protects your investment while making your home stand out in the neighbourhood.
Key Preparation Steps Before You Begin
Preparation determines how long your paint job lasts. Skip these steps and you’ll see peeling and bubbling within a year or two.
Start with a thorough cleaning. Power washing removes dirt, mildew, and the chalky residue that forms on aluminum over time. Add Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) to cut through oils and grime. This step isn’t optional. Paint won’t stick to dirty surfaces. Next, scrub with a medium/fine sanding sponge and a TSP-water mix to remove chalky residue. Rinse thoroughly to ensure a clean surface.
After cleaning, inspect every panel. Look for dents, loose sections, and areas where old paint is peeling. These problems need fixing before you paint. Small repairs now prevent bigger headaches later.
Weather matters more than most people realize. Spring and summer offer the best conditions for exterior painting. You need temperatures between 10°C and 30°C with low humidity. Paint applied in cold weather won’t cure properly. High humidity causes runs and extends drying time. Overcast days are ideal because direct sun can make paint dry too fast, leading to poor adhesion.
Priming is the final prep step. Any bare metal needs a coat of self-etching primer. This type of primer chemically bonds with aluminum, creating a surface that paint can grip. Without it, you’re just painting over slippery metal.
Choosing the Right Products and Materials
Not all paints work on aluminum. You need products designed for metal surfaces that expand and contract with temperature changes.
Acrylic latex paint is your best option. It adheres well to metal, flexes with temperature swings, and holds up to Canadian weather. Look for professional lines from Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore for superior adhesion and UV resistance. These paints contain more pigment and better binders than consumer-grade options.
For primers, an oil-based exterior metal primer provides the strongest foundation. Some professionals use self-etching primers that create a chemical bond with the aluminum. Both approaches work when applied correctly.
Paint finish affects both appearance and durability. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are popular for aluminum siding. They’re easier to clean than flat finishes and hide minor imperfections better than high-gloss options. Semi-gloss also reflects more light, which can make colours appear more vibrant.
Weather resistance is built into quality exterior paints. Look for products that resist fading, mildew, and moisture penetration. Professional-grade paints cost more upfront but last years longer than cheaper alternatives.
Why Hire Pros for Painting Aluminum Siding
Rolling on paint seems simple in theory, but quickly becomes complex when you factor in safety, prep, weather and the fact that a roller is not the tool for this job. Hiring pros guarantees the job is done right.
Professional painters handle these issues daily. At Harding’s, our crews know how to prep aluminum properly, apply paint evenly, and work efficiently. We use commercial-grade equipment that delivers better results than consumer tools. Our sprayers create a smooth, factory-like finish that’s hard to achieve with brushes and rollers.
The prep work alone justifies hiring professionals. We clean thoroughly, repair damage, and prime correctly. These steps take time and skill. Rush them and your paint job fails early.
DIY projects often cost more than expected. You need ladders, sprayers, safety equipment, cleaning supplies, primer, paint, and tools. Then there’s the learning curve. Mistakes mean buying more materials and spending more time. Many homeowners end up calling professionals after a DIY attempt goes wrong.
With over 25 years of experience painting exteriors across multiple Canadian cities, we’ve seen every type of aluminum siding and every possible problem. That experience means we finish projects faster and with fewer issues than DIY attempts.
DIY vs. Professional Services: Evaluating Costs and Time
Professional painting costs more upfront but includes labour, materials, equipment, and insurance. The average cost ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on your home’s size and condition.
The value difference shows up in the results. Professional crews complete projects in days, not weeks. The finish is smooth and even. The paint lasts longer because prep work was done right. And you don’t spend your weekends on a ladder.
Consider the opportunity cost too. Your time could go toward work, family, or activities you actually enjoy. Professional painters free up your time while delivering better results.
Maintaining Your New Exterior Finish
Quality paint on aluminum siding can last 10 to 20 years with proper care. With high-quality materials and proper care, repainting every 5–10 years keeps your siding looking fresh. The key is gentle, regular maintenance.
Clean your siding once a year. Use a garden hose and a soft brush with mild detergent. Avoid pressure washers on painted surfaces. They can damage the finish and force water behind the siding. Work from bottom to top to prevent streaking.
Watch for early warning signs. Chalking, small cracks, or areas where paint looks thin need attention. Catching these problems early means a simple touch-up instead of a full repaint. Check after severe weather for damage from hail or flying debris.
Trees and shrubs near your home can scratch paint and trap moisture. Trim branches that touch the siding. Keep plants at least 30 centimetres away from the walls.
As noted in our maintenance guide, regular inspections help you spot issues before they become expensive repairs. Schedule a professional inspection every few years to assess your paint’s condition.
Get Lasting Curb Appeal with Professional Painting
Investing in a professional paint job not only elevates your home’s look but also safeguards its value for years to come. The right colour choice, quality materials, and professional application create results that last for years. You get improved curb appeal, increased property value, and the satisfaction of a home that looks its best.
At Harding’s Painting, we’ve been helping Canadian homeowners refresh their exteriors since 1996. Our teams in Calgary, Kelowna, Edmonton, and Hamilton have the experience and equipment to handle projects of any size. We manage every detail from initial cleaning through final inspection.Spring and summer are prime seasons for exterior painting. Our schedule fills quickly as the weather improves. Contact us for a free quote and let’s discuss how we can transform your home’s exterior with professional painting aluminum siding services that deliver lasting value.
